Durham Town

Roger Whittaker · Herzen Brauchen Liebe [2008]

I've got to leave old Durham town,

I've got to leave old Durham town.

I've got to leave old Durham town,

And the leaving's gonna get me down.



Back in nineteen forty-four,

I remember Daddy walking out the door.

Mama told me he was going to war, he was leaving,

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me. - fade



I've got to leave old Durham town,

I've got to leave old Durham town.

I've got to leave old Durham town,

And the leaving's gonna get me down.



When I was a boy, I spent my time,

Sitting on the banks of the river Tyne.

Watching all the ships going down the line, they were leaving,

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me.



I've got to leave old Durham town,

I've got to leave old Durham town.

I've got to leave old Durham town,

And the leaving's gonna get me down.



The last week Mama passed away,

Good-bye, son, was all she'd say.

There's no cause for me to stay, so I'm leaving,

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving free.



I've got to leave old Durham town,

I've got to leave old Durham town.

I've got to leave old Durham town,

And the leaving's gonna get me down.



I've got to leave old Durham town,

I've got to leave old Durham town.

I've got to leave old Durham town,

And the leaving's gonna get me down.

About Durham Town

Roger Whittaker's "Durham Town" stands as a poignant addition to his extensive catalogue of folk and traditional music, reflecting his deep engagement with regional ballads and storytelling. Recorded for the 2008 album *Herzen Brauchen Liebe*, the track exemplifies Whittaker's signature ability to blend classical vocal technique with the raw emotional resonance of folk traditions. The song draws upon the rich musical heritage of the American South, a genre for which Whittaker has long been a respected interpreter. While the specific narrative of "Durham Town" remains rooted in the tradition of the ballad, Whittaker's delivery transforms the material into a universal meditation on love and loss. His performance captures the quiet intensity characteristic of his later works, maintaining a dignified presence that honors the source material without overshadowing it. This recording contributes to his legacy as an artist who bridges the gap between classical training and authentic folk expression, offering listeners a timeless piece within his broader body of work.