I remember singing the song as a child (in the 80's) & I seem to remember the story being about a girl who watched the barges from her window, The stories I've read on here about the sick little girl seem kinda familiar but all I remember is I liked the song.
I was looking for songs 2 teach the girls & came across this version of Barges (6 Verses!!!) I only knew of 2! LOL
BARGES
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges' flickering light Silently flows the river to the sea And the barges too go silently
CHORUS: Barges, I would like to go with you I would like to sail the ocean blue Barges have you treasures in your hold Do you fight with pirates brave and bold
Out of my window, looking in the night I can see the barges' flickering light Starboard shines green and port is glowing red I can see them flickering far ahead
CHORUS
How my heart longs to sail away with you As you sail across the ocean blue But I must sit beside my window dear And watch you sail away from here
CHORUS
Out of my window looking in the night I can see the barges' flickering light Harbor ahead and anchorage in view I will find my resting place with you
CHORUS
Away from my window on into the night I will watch 'til they are out of sight Taking their cargo far across the sea How I'd wish that someday they would take me
CHORUS
Out of my window looking through the night I can see the barges' flickering light People are sailing far and far away And I hope to go with them one day