In relation to its title, the piece can be fancifully imagined as follows. A sailor, set to depart on a long voyage, says goodbye to his tearful family, with a stoic sorrow. Meanwhile, outside, other sailors busily prepare the ship for departure, as they joyously think of coming adventures and warm sands. The sailor and his loved ones then exchange their final, emphatic farewells, as the ship raises its anchor (represented by the pedal solo on p.7), and swiftly departs, at full sail and with great commotion.

—Vladyslav Nazarchuk