Soulmate BLOG

Conflict can kill or reinforce a relationship

Johnny Duhan is a well known Irish lyricist, poet, artist, and writer. He addresses relationships and their challenges in many of his works. One of his most famous compositions is The Voyage – a song that was made famous by the great Irish Tenor John McDermott.

To quote the Duhan website “The Voyage travels to the heart of marriage and family life, encompassing the aspirations and struggles of several generations of the strain. Birth is a recurring theme, with bells and chimes capturing the joyful mystery while the apprehension of bringing new life into a troubled world is marked in somber tones. Commitment within marriage is deeply expressed but the task of maintaining the bond is given due weight . . . throughout, Johnny’s voyage is laced with the optimism and humour of a sea shanty that carries us all the way to the ‘shores of the heart’.”

Below are the partial lyrics to this great song – I believe that I, and many of you, would be better served if we took this message to heart and mind.

Voyage

I am a sailor and you’re my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
For the heart’s treasure together we set sail
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope

Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew

Together we’re in this relationship
We’ve built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination is not marked on any chart
We’re navigating for the shores of the heart

Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew

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