Musical Map of Newfoundland and Labrador

Although it is similar to an Irish folk song, this rare and beautiful song is native to Newfoundland. It is said to have been composed by a visiting seaman who loved a Fogo girl around 1900. Tradition in Fogo says her name was Kate Miller. In 1952, Kenneth Peacock took it down by hand from aging Mrs. John Fogarty of Joe Batt's Arm. He suspected that Mrs. Fogarty was that girl. It has been recorded several times by popular singers, and in 1961 the Canadian composer Ernest MacMillan conducted an orchestral piece written by Peacock based largely on the tune. The song has been recorded locally by Jean Hewson.

THE GREEN SHORES OF FOGO – Traditional

Our barque leaves this harbour tomorrow
Across the wide ocean to go,
And Katie, a burden of sorrow,
It is more than I wish you to know.

Chorus: Fare you well to the green shores of Fogo,
Fare you well Katie dear true and kind,
For where'er I may be I'll be true to thee,
Since old Fogo I'm leaving behind.

Now Katie, give over your sighing
And don't be down-hearted for me,
It's my fortune I'm after seeking
In a far distant land o'er the sea.

There's a dark cloud of sorrow hanging o'er me,
There's a precious great weight on my mind,
For I know there's one loving me truly
In old Fogo I'm leaving behind.