Otokichi Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I wonder if GBS' repertoire of reworked sea chanties and drinking songs has kept them off Songfacts? I've read that Newfies are considered to be unsophisticated, funny speaking, and often-drunk fisherfolk by urban Canada. (Imagine that, Canadian Rednecks!) Oh well, I'll play "When I'm Up," "Seagulls," and "Captain Kidd," assured that MusicStrands and Last.FM folk know a great band when they hear them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earth-Angel Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 If we don't get any Songfacts for an artist, there is nothing we can put up If you submit something, there is a much bigger chance that it will show up in the Database Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otokichi Posted November 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 (edited) It was late Summer, 2004 when I spotted a PBS special on Great Big Sea. This was a concert/party, with fans "getting vertical" and singing as loudly as the band on stage. This led to the "Great Big DVD & CD" release, which captured the look/feel of GBS. Here's a cover that caught my interest: "When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)" I am the fountain of affection I'm the instrument of joy And to keep the good times rolling I'm the boy, I'm the boy, You know the world could be our oyster, You just put your trust in me, Cause we'll keep the good times rolling Wait and see, wait and see....oh wait and see! His exhaltation, a sweet disintegration. A few discolorations, then it comes along up is why he chooses, the kisses and the bruises There ain't nothing he refuses, then it comes along It comes along, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted! [Chorus:] When I'm up I can't get down Can't get down, can't get level When I'm up I can't get down Get my feet back on the ground When I'm up I can't get down Can't get down, can't get level When I'm up I can't get down Get my feet back on the ground He just needs, something to blind him Something to wind him up It won't take long to find him When it comes on strong. Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong It comes on strong, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted! [Chorus] Oh it comes on strong, and I am lifted. It comes on strong, and I am lifted. I am lifted, I am lifted! Chorus GBS also writes interesting originals: "Ordinary Day" I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose I've been battered, but I'll never bruise, it's not so bad [Chorus] And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day and it's all your state of mind At the end of the day, you've still got to say, it's all right. See that girl on the street, what keeps her from dying Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying She might stumble, if they push her 'round She might fall, but she'll never lie down [Chorus] It's a beautiful day, but there's always some sorrow It's a double edged knife, but there's always tomorrow It's up to you now if you sink or swim, Keep the faith and your ship will come in. Then, there's a tale of strong drink: "The Old Black Rum" I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one Trying to find the courage to talk to one I asked her for a dance Not a second glance My night had just begun Well I drink to the father and the holy ghost I'm kneeling at the altar of my nightly post So I'll raise a glass, not the first nor last Come join me in this toast [Chorus:] Because the old black rum's got a hold on me Like a dog wrapped round my leg And the old black rum's got a hold on me Will I live for another day? Hey, Will I live for another day? Well the queen of George street just went walking on by Walking on by with some guy who don't care That she stood in line Since half past nine And spent three hours on her hair (On her hair!) Well her friend is looking at me with an evil grin I think the bloody racket might soon begin I must have said some thing To the George street queen The boys are joining in! [Chorus] So I drank all of my money And I slept out in the rain Everyday is different but the nights they're all the same You never see the sun on the old black rum But I know I'm gonna do it again! [Chorus 2x] From what I've read at Last.FM posters, GBS concert goers really get their money's worth and it's nearly impossible not to "get vertical." :guitar: Edited November 7, 2007 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otokichi Posted November 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 One final note: Great Big Sea MP3s can be heard at http://mog.com. In addition, there are music videos on YouTube if you're curious about these New Foundland Celt-Rockers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 Actually, the Songfacts Staff was very close to seeing Great Big Sea at the Pines Theater in Northampton this summer, and their version of The Mermaid is in regular rotation on my iPod ("I did not like the tail"). Otokichi, if you can track down any contact info on the band (record label maybe), and find out who the primary songwriter is, we can try to finagle an interview. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLizard Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 Great Big Sea freaking rock! ...And that's all I've got to say about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otokichi Posted November 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 (Cracks open "The Hard And The Easy" CD case and extracts the booklet.) "The Mermaid" is a cover, with the original written by Phil Hillier. Currently, GBS' distributor is Rounder Records as of "Courage & Patience & Grit." (Their third live album to date.) Recent credited songwriters are: Alan Doyle, Sean McCann, and Bob Hallett. This band has been shaking up the rafters of various concert venues since 1993, which doesn't exactly make them an unknown Indie group. According to a poll on the GBS official website, this song is the most popular among voting fans: "When I Am King" (Alan Doyle) Wake up, without a care. Your head's not heavy, conscience clear Sins are all forgiven here, yours and mine Fear has gone without a trace It's the perfect time, it's the perfect place Nothing hurting. Nothing sore. No one suffers anymore, The doctor's found a simple cure. Just in time [Chorus] All these things if I were King would all appear around me The world will sing when I am King The world will sing when I am King She walks right in she don't even knock. It's the girl you lost to the high school jock She shuts the door and turns the lock, and takes your hand. She says she always felt a fool, for picking the Captain over you She wonders if you miss her, says she always told her sister That you're the best damn kisser That she's ever had [bridge] Daylight waits to shine until the moment you awaken So you never miss the dawn No question, now, you know which road you're taking Lights all green, the radio plays just the perfect song Well, the war's been won. All the fights are fought You find yourself in just the spot It's a place where everybody's got a song to sing. Just like the final movie scene. The prince will find his perfect queen The hero always saves the world. The villains get what they deserve The boy will always get the girl When I am King This tune is off their 2004 "Rock & Roll" album, "Something Beautiful," and there are more gems on this album if the world is getting to you. :guitar: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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