Story Behind The Song
I've spent many a night bellied up to the bar, side by side, thick with fisherman returned from their latest trip. Having been born and raised in the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts, proud in its rich history in the whaling and fishing industry, I wanted to paint a song picture to capture the vibe of what this all means, particularly since governmental regulations have devastated the local industry and caused many of my friends to lose their jobs and businesses as a result. The song attempts to immerse you in the feel of all of this.
Song Description
attempting to capture the very essence of the soul of the New Bedford fisherman intertwined with lengthy history of whaling/fishing industry in New Bedford, MA
Song Length |
4:39 |
Genre |
Folk - Traditional, Folk - General |
Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Serene, Heartbreaking |
Subject |
Existence |
Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
WHALING CITY -Starburst/Loveless
V-1
Pounding waves, misty haze
Sea legs in their prime
Weathered rough skin unshaved
The cold numbs my mind
V-2
Cod and salt stain my clothes
Calloused hands work the nets
Nerves are frayed like a rope
The years ain't got me yet
(PRE CHORUS)
Risky days, haunting nights
On the edge of destiny
Fighting Mother Nature's plight
Ripping holes right through me
(Chorus)
In an ole Whaling City SouthCoast Massachusetts
where my heart has found a home
mighty seas kiss the land
in this place we call our own
In an ole Whaling City SouthCoast Massachusetts
V-3
Hard times we've endured
Blue collar through and through
The Salty winds have cured
This first mate and crew
V-4
My old man and Granddad
Worked their whole lives at sea
As a boy and a man
They taught these skills to me
(PRE CHORUS)
Casting lines out in the sea
For the thrill of the fight
Bringing home our catch for fees
Tough as nails, life's alright
(REPEAT CHORUS)
(BRIDGE)
Forty days walk these boots
Forty nights wear my gear
Forty days stand my watch
Forty nights face the fear
(REPEAT CHORUS)