Story Behind The Song

this is a true account of trip by ferry from Southampton England to Casablanca Morocco via Lisbon Dec.31 1969 -Jan.03 1970 during which we encountered a storm which had become hurricane strength over the Canaries.

Song Description

a narrative about a sea trip. the instrumentation includes guitars, harmonicas and kkwaenggwaeri. it is 3/4 time

Lyrics

[verse I]
on the dock @ Southampton
there's sleet in a gale
captain, oh, captain
are we ready to sail?
lovers departing
their hearts on their sleeves
seeking comfort & warmth
on this cold new year's eve

[verse II]
cold weather refugees
journeying south
winter-weary & each one
looking down-in-the-mouth
glad to be leaving
the dampness & dark
glad to escape
from the bleak London fog

[chorus I]
roll, roll. roll with the swell
the pitch & the toss
and the clanging of bells
with the sweet smell of diesel
and smoke in your eyes
the wind howls a chorus
and the ship heaves a sigh

[verse III]
as we sailed past the Scillies
the clock it struck twelve
with the party in full swing
wishing each other well
the champagne it flowed
till we'd all had our fill
then we all went below
feeling queasy & ill

[chorus II]

[bridge I]
on second day out
the sky threatened rain
the seas became heavy
from a wild hurricane
the ship started shaking
it shuddered & groaned
beaten & bruised
& swallowed in foam

[chorus III]

[verse IV]
and so the storm lasted
a night & a day
as we tossed like a cork
in the Bay of Biscay
the waves stood like mountains
the colour of lead
and the ship boldly climbed them
barely moving ahead

[chorus IV]

[verse V]
well, we docked safe @ Lisbon
as the sun did appear
then bound for Casablanca
the skies remained clear
and early next morning
we're given the go
to begin our adventure
in old Morocco

[chorus to fade]