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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 8:31:08 GMT -8
In my desperate attempt for attention, I present this question for your thinking pleasure:
What is your favourite ship-themed song? (or general nautical themed song).
Over the months, I've referenced a few items into some general discussions, but of course there are a lot more where that came from. Even if they are not your favourites, please mention some of them, as I'm curious about how extensive the world's song library is re ship songs.
Regard songs that mention ferries, I can only think of one, and that was written in Liverpool.......but not by the Quarrymen (yeah, it's fun being obscure).
And don't forget the various navy songs from English & American navy tradition.
ps: post the lyrics (some or all) as well, so that we can get a full education.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 8:32:13 GMT -8
Very nice idea, Flugel.
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Post by Starbucks Queen on Feb 3, 2007 8:45:06 GMT -8
Eeh - as far there ARE maritime - themed songs around, but GOOD ones ?? I mean... GOOD  No.. do not know any ones, I doubt anything "ferry" or even "maritime" related would make it even close to the Top 100.. Unless it's different in Canada, then please provide me with the facts, and fill up my educational gap !! |
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Post by SS San Mateo on Feb 3, 2007 8:57:26 GMT -8
How about "In The Navy" by the Village People? |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Feb 3, 2007 10:07:58 GMT -8
I think a rewrite is called for. "On the ferries" fits very nicely in place of "in the navy".  And don't forget the "Anchors Away" lol. |
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 3, 2007 10:52:50 GMT -8
Well we could start with some Canadian folk legends such as Gordie Lightfoot's Wreck of the Ella Fitzgerald, or Stan Rogers' The Mary-Ellen Carter or Jeanie C. Stan Rogers wrote a lot of beautiful music prior to his unfortunate early demise. The two songs of his that I have mentioned are maritime examples of such.
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Post by Barnacle on Feb 3, 2007 11:23:31 GMT -8
And then there's a couple of local ones kicking around down here such as "Elwha On The Rocks" (1983) and "Ballad of the Cathlamet" (1986). I have a copy of Elwha, but have ony heard Ballad once.
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Post by kylefossett on Feb 3, 2007 11:57:50 GMT -8
i really enjoy one that i joke with people aboput not being allowed to play on a bc ferry anymore. the tragically hip's 1993-94 hit nautical disaster.
*edit note- original post spelled fery not ferry*
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Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,192
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Post by Neil on Feb 3, 2007 12:30:15 GMT -8
Kyle beat me to it. Nautical Disaster, not so much for the words but the music. My favorite 'Hip song.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 12:37:10 GMT -8
I think a rewrite is called for. "On the ferries" fits very nicely in place of "in the navy". And don't forget the "Anchors Away" lol. Anchors Aweigh (this was also a movie in 1945): this is a link to a poorly sung version, by real sailors. ------------------------------ Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh. Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay. Through our last night on shore, drink to the foam, Until we meet once more: Here's wishing you a happy voyage home. Stand, Navy, out to sea, Fight our battle cry; We'll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y. Roll out the TNT, Anchors Aweigh. Sail on to victory And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray! Stand Navy, down the field, Sail set to the sky We'll never change our course So Army you steer shy-y-y-y Roll up the score Navy Anchors Aweigh Sail, Navy, down the field, And sink the Army, sink the Army gray. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 12:41:12 GMT -8
Ship Ahoy (also a movie from 1942, with Red Skelton and also the Chairman of the Board):
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When the man o' war or merchant ship comes sailing into port
The jolly tar with joy, will sing out, Land Ahoy!
With his pockets full of money and a parrot in a cage
He smiles at all the pretty girls upon the landing stage...
All the nice girls love a sailor
All the nice girls love a tar
For there's something about a sailor
(Well you know what sailors are!)
Bright and breezy, free and easy,
He's the ladies' pride and joy!
He falls in love with Kate and Jane, then he's off to sea again,
Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!
He will spend his money freely, and he's generous to his pals,
While Jack has got a sou, there's half of it for you,
And it's just the same in love and war, he goes through with a smile,
And you can trust a sailor, he's a white man (meaning: honest man) all the while!
All the nice girls love a sailor
All the nice girls love a tar
For there's something about a sailor
(Well you know what sailors are!)
Bright and breezy, free and easy,
He's the ladies' pride and joy!
He falls in love with Kate and Jane, then he's off to sea again,
Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 12:43:34 GMT -8
Kyle beat me to it. Nautical Disaster, not so much for the words but the music. My favorite 'Hip song. "Nautical Disaster" I had this dream where I relished The fray and the screaming that filled my head all day It was as though I'd been spit there, settled in , into a pocket Of a lighthouse off some rocky socket, Off the coast of France, Dear One afternoon, four thousand men died in the water here Five hundred more were thrashing madly as parasites might in you blood Now I was in lifeboat designed for ten and ten and only, Anything that systematic would get you hated. It's not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated. The selection was quick, the crew was picked and those left in the water got kicked off our pant leg and we headed for home. Then the dream ends when the phone rings You doing alright he said it's out there ,most days and nights But only a fool would complain Anyway Susan if you like our conversation is as faint as the sound in my memory As those fingernails scratching on the hull |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 3, 2007 13:06:07 GMT -8
And here is the one that you've all be waiting for. Enjoy the YouTube video:  Life goes on day after day Hearts torn in every way So ferry 'cross the Mersey 'cause this land's the place I love and here I'll stay People they rush everywhere Each with their own secret care So ferry 'cross the Mersey and always take me there The place I love People around every corner They seem to smile and say We don't care what your name is boy We'll never turn you away So I'll continue to say Here I always will stay So ferry 'cross the Mersey 'cause this land's the place I love and here I'll stay and here I'll stay Here I'll stay ----------------------- And here's a tourist's video of the ferry trip across the Mersey River, at Liverpool: |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Posts: 1,671
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 3, 2007 15:32:26 GMT -8
Okay, I'm thinking:
'Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.
The weather started getting rough,
The tiny ship was tossed,
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The minnow would be lost, the minnow would be lost.
The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
With Gilligan
The Skipper too,
The millionaire and his wife,
The movie star
The professor and Mary Ann,
Here on Gilligans Isle.
So this is the talel of the castways,
They're here for a long, long time,
They'll have to make the best of things,
It's an uphill climb.
The first mate and the Skipper too,
Will do their very best,
To make the others comfortable,
In the tropic island nest.
No phone, no lights no motor cars,
Not a single luxury,
Like Robinson Crusoe,
As primative as can be.
So join us here each week my freinds,
You're sure to get a smile,
From seven stranded castways,
Here on "Gilligan's Isle." '
Heh heh heh
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 3, 2007 15:35:02 GMT -8
Oh it's too painful: Love, exciting and new Come Aboard. We're expecting you. Love, life's sweetest reward. Let it flow, it floats back to you. The Love Boat soon will be making another run The Love Boat promises something for everyone Set a course for adventure, Your mind on a new romance. Love won't hurt anymore It's an open smile on a friendly shore. Yes LOVE! It's LOVE! Love Boat soon will be making another run The Love Boat promises something for everyone Set a course for adventure, Your mind on a new romance. Love won't hurt anymore It's an open smile on a friendly shore. It's LOVE! It's LOVE! It's LOVE! It's the Love Boat-ah! It's the Love Boat-ah! And I apologize again  |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 3, 2007 15:51:12 GMT -8
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 3, 2007 19:06:42 GMT -8
The Wreck of the Edmundfitsgerald would have to be my favorite. It's great song!
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Post by Curtis on Feb 3, 2007 23:49:50 GMT -8
"The Lake it is said never gives up it's dead
When the gales of November turn Gloomy"
Excellent Poem, First heard it ironically on the day the Queen of the North Sank.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 4, 2007 9:08:54 GMT -8
"The Lake it is said never gives up it's dead When the gales of November turn Gloomy" Here's the song, with some good pictures-stills as a video. |
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 4, 2007 9:51:07 GMT -8
Looks like a backwards frieghter. I am always used to seeing frieghters with the bridge way at the stern or the ship not the front.
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 4, 2007 11:05:38 GMT -8
Has to be for me "The Black Ball Ferry Line" by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. not the least of which as it names some of the ferries we still have in service down here, some 50 years after the song was released.  The Black Ball Ferry Line On the Black Ball Ferry Line up in Seattle Where sunshine seldom shines up in Seattle All the whistles go (Sound Effect of whistle) and the bells go (Sound Effect of bell clang) And the ferryboats are chuggin’ right along right along… All the people love to ride the blue Pacific On the Black Ball Ferry Line to be specific While the whistles go (SE) and the bells go (SE) And ferryboats are chuggin’ right along…right along Up on the upper deck The view is great by heck You give your gal a peck and you’re in clover And when the whistles blow You hate to go below ‘Cause that’s the signal that the trip is near over On the Black Ball Ferry Line up in Seattle Every single GOP and Democrat’ll hear those whistle go (SE) And the bells go (SE) As the ferryboats are chuggin’ right along right along Get aboard get aboard when the weather’s fine Take your pick of the ferries on the Black Ball Line There’s the Illahee and Chippewa And the Quillayute…the Kalakala… You’ll find all these on the Black Ball Line… The Klahanie, the Nisqually, there’s the Malahat (we’ll think of that!) The Klickitat (there goes my hat!) The S! S! City of Sacramento! (What are we doing down in California?) All the people love to ride the blue Pacific On the Black Ball Ferry Line to be specific While those whistles go (SE) and the bells go (SE) And the ferryboats are chuggin’ right along…right along… Down in the engine room The boilers hum a tune They’re singin’ love in bloom with deep emotion And on the deck above Each happy pair in love Is holdin’ hands and dreaming that they own the ocean On the Black Ball Ferry Line up in Seattle Every single GOP and Democrat’ll hear Those whistles go (SE) and the bells go (SE) And the ferryboats a chuggin’ right along…right along… Oh the ferryboats are chug-a lug a luggin’ Oh the ferryboats are chug-chug- a-luggin’ Ferryboats are chug-chug-chuggin’ along! |
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 4, 2007 22:36:28 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 4, 2007 22:58:49 GMT -8
I guess that we can't write the definitive Canadian ferry song " The wreck of the QotN", until we actually know what happened to cause the wreck. The truth of the wrecking might influence the tone of the song...... Although the truth of the Edmund Fitzgerald isn't known, and Mr.Lightfoot still wrote a great song: Here's the verse about the actual sinking, and then my modification for the QotN: Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searches all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her.
They might have split up or they might have capsized;
May have broke deep and took water.
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters. Does anyone know where the luck of man goes When the night turns the ocean to darkness? If Glentworth was right, they should have seen Sainty light And then made the required course correction. They might have screwed up, or perhaps just bad luck, Or the glare of the screen was distracting. And all that remains is the answers to gain, An inquiry and a few court actions. |
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Post by Airchime on Feb 14, 2007 21:25:23 GMT -8
Sorry it took so long to add my two-cents to this post, but I had to go digging around my cassette tape drawer to find this baby!
My favorite ferry songs (so far) are usually paradies heard on the radio and made by silly DJ's!
About 10 years ago, 100.3 The Q in Victoria was playing this pretty heavy in the summer. It's sung with the music from that '70s hit In the Summertime. I think that's what it's called.........
You're in the ferry line and your throat is gettin' dry
It's so bloody hot, you think you're gonna die
You'd buy a Coke, but you just don't have a dollar-ninety-five
Honk your horn, shake your fist
Hit the Stonehouse, wait, and maybe catch the five
You're in the ferry line and you haven't moved at all
It's been four hours now and you're hearing nature call
In the ferry line you've got washrooms, you've got washrooms on your mind
Read War and Peace, have a snooze and maybe you'll get on the boat tonight at nine
(Music continues playing as this announcement is spoken over the PA)
"Your attention,
Would the 14-year-old in the ballroom please stop stepping on the 3-year-olds head!
The driver of the brown Chevette that's Lane 10! A one and a zero!
To make it simpler, a stick and a ball!"
You're in the ferry line and they're giving you the nod
But the jerk in front of you is in the bloody coffee shop
Cars are passing you and you aint goin', you ain't goin' very far
The last ferry leaves that means 10 hours sleepin in your f***in' car!
Sing along with us
De de ded-de de
Da da dad-da da
Not to hap-happy! I am.
I'm a walk-on passenger
It's cheaper!
My other favorite is from Rock 101 in Vancouver. It's called "Glen Clark's Boats" and is sung to the Love Boat theme!! I can't find the tape to write out the lyrics for you all right now. It's gotta be around here somewhere!!
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Post by BrianWilliams on Feb 15, 2007 0:16:19 GMT -8
Y'all beat me to it.
Lightfoot's "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is one of the better ship songs of modern times, but do you know his earlier "Ballad Of Yarmouth Castle"?
Well, it's four o'clock in the afternoon and the anchors have been weighed.
From Miami to Nassau, she's bound across the waves.
She'll be heading south through Biscayne Bay into the open sea,
Yarmouth Castle, she's a-dying and don't know it.
Now the many years she's been to sea, she's seen the better times.
She gives a groan of protest as they cast away her lines.
And the grumble of her engines and the rust along her spine
tells the Castle she's too old to be sailing.
But the sands run out within her heart, a tiny spark glows red.
It smolders through the evening, there's laughter overhead.
Now the men are served, and the cards are dealt and the drinks are passed around,
deep within the fire starts a-burning.
Now it's midnight on the open sea and the moon is shining bright.
Some people join the party and others say good-night.
There's many who are sleeping now, it's been a busy day and a tiny wisp of smoke is a-rising.
"Oh Lord," she groans, "I'm burning! Let someone understand!"
But her silent plea is wasted in the playing of the band.
Everybody's dancing on her deck and they're having such a time,
then a voice says "Shut up and deal, I'm losing."
Deep within the Yarmouth Castle, the fire begins to glow.
It leaps into the hallways and climbs and twists and grows.
And the paint she wore to keep her young, oh Lord, how well it burns
and soon that old fire is a-raging.
Up beneath the bridge it's climbing fast, the captain stands aloft.
He calls up to the boatswain, and says, "Boatswain, we are lost."
For the ragged hoses in the racks, no pressure do they hold
and the people down below will soon be dying.
All amidships, oh she's blazing now, it's spreading fore and aft.
The people are a-scrambling as the fire blocks their path.
The evil smoke surrounds them, and they're falling in their tracks
and the captain in his lifeboat is a-leaving.
Oh then the ship, Bahama Star comes steaming through the night,
she sees the Castle blazing and 'tis a terrible sight.
"Jump down, jump down!" the captain cries, "We'll save you if we can!"
Then the paint on his funnels is a-frying.
"God help the ones who sleep below and cannot find the way.
Thank God for those we've rescued upon this awful day."
Now the heroes, they are many, but the times are growing slim
and now from stern to bow, she's a-blazing.
Oh the Yarmouth Castle's moaning, she's crying like a child.
You can hear her if you listen above the roar so wild.
Is she crying for the ones who lie within her molten sides?
Or crying for herself, I'm a-wondering.
But the living soon were rescued, the ones who lived to tell,
from the Star they watched her as she died there in the swells.
Like a toy ship on a millpond, she burned all through the night.
Then slipped beneath the waves in the morning.
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No.. do not know any ones, I doubt anything "ferry" or even "maritime" related would make it even close to the Top 100.. 
And don't forget the "Anchors Away" lol.
