Clementine
Westlife · Allow Us To Be Frank [2004]
Excavatin' for a mine,
There lived a miner from North Carolina
And his daughter, chubby Clementine.
Now every mornin', just about dawnin'
A'when the sun begins to shine
You know she would rouse up, wake all a dem cows up
And walk 'em down to her Daddy's mine.
A'took the foot bridge, way 'cross the water
Though she weighed two-ninety nine.
The old bridge trembled and disassembled
(Oops!) dumped her into the foamy brine
Hey, crackle like thunder, (ho, ho) she went under
(ho, ho) blowin bubbles (bubble sound) down the line.
Hey, I'm no swimm'a but were she slimm'a
I might'a saved that Clementine.
(Ho) broke the record, way under water
I thought that she was doin' fine.
I wasn't nervous ya until the service
That they held for Clementine.
Hey you sailor (ho, ho) way out in your whaler
With a harpoon, your trusty line.
If she shows now, yo, there she blows now,
It just may be chunky Clementine.
(One more time)
Oh my darlin', oh my darlin', oh my darlin'
Oh my darlin' , oh my darlin' sweet Clementine,
You may be gone
But!
You're not forgotten,
Fare thee well
So long, Clementine
(Bubble sound) Bye!
About Clementine
"Clementine" by Westlife serves as a poignant centerpiece on their 2004 album *Allow Us To Be Frank*, marking a significant shift in the group's sound toward a more mature, acoustic-driven pop-rock style. Recorded during a pivotal era in their career, the track blends emotive vocals with a stripped-back arrangement that highlights the band's songwriting depth beyond their earlier radio-friendly hits. The song reflects the band's exploration of personal vulnerability and emotional resilience, themes that resonated deeply with their global fanbase. As part of their discography from the mid-2000s, "Clementine" stands out for its lyrical focus on navigating life's uncertainties, offering a reflective listening experience that complements the album's broader narrative of honesty and connection.

