☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics are about the destruction of the place of Portmore and express the sadness over this loss.
- The chorus describes the former beauty and significance of Portmore.
- The song lyrics mention a tree that symbolizes the destruction of nature.
- The sorrow of the birds who no longer find shelter is also addressed.
- The song lyrics convey a message about the value of conservation and the importance of the environment.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Bonny Portmore" by
Loreena McKennitt are about the destruction of a place called Portmore. The singer expresses his sadness over the loss of this beautiful place.
The chorus of the song says: "O bonny Portmore, you shine where you stand, and the more I think on you, the longer I think. If I had you now as I had once before, all the lords in England couldn't buy Portmore." This shows that the place of Portmore was once of great beauty and significance.
The lyrics of the song also mention a tree that stood on the coast of Portmore and is referred to as the "ornament tree." The singer laments the sad destruction of this tree. He tells how the boats from Antrim came and carried away the tree. The line "For the oak and the ash, they are all cut down" shows that not only the tree, but also the nature and surroundings of Portmore were destroyed.
The lyrics of the song also express the sorrow of the birds who no longer find shelter and cannot sleep in Portmore because the forests were cut down. The line "The walls of bonny Portmore are all down to the ground" shows that the place itself no longer exists.
Overall, the lyrics of the song "Bonny Portmore" by Loreena McKennitt express the sadness and loss over the destruction of a once beautiful place. It also conveys a message about the importance of preserving nature and protecting our environment.