Saltwater Joys
Buddy Wasisname Lyrics
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And to hear Aunt Bessie talking to herself.
And to hear poor Uncle John, mumbling wishes to old Nell
It made me feel that everything was fine.
I was born down by the water, it's here I'm gonna stay
I've searched for all the reasons why I should go away
But I haven't got the thirst for all those modern day toys
So I'll just take my chances with those saltwater joys.
Following the little brook as it trickles to the shore
In the autumn when the trees are flaming red
Kicking leaves that fall around me
Watching sunsets paint the hills
That's all I'll ever need to feel at home.
This island that we cling to has been handed down with pride
By folks that fought to live here, taking hardships all in stride
So I'll compliment her beauty, hold on to my goodbyes
And I'll stay and take my chances with those saltwater joys.
How can I leave those mornings with the sunrise on the cove
And the gulls like flies surrounding Clayton's wharf
Platter's Island wrapped in rainbow in the evening after fog
The ocean smells are perfume to my soul.
Some go to where the buildings reach to meet the clouds
Where warm and gentle people turn to swarmin', faceless crowds
So I'll do without their riches, glamour and the noise
And I'll stay and take my chances with those saltwater joys.
Some go to where the buildings reach to meet the clouds
Where warm and gentle people turn to swarmin', faceless crowds
So I'll do without their riches, glamour and the noise
And I'll stay and take my chances with those saltwater joys.
The lyrics of Buddy Wasisname's song "Saltwater Joys" speak of the deep love and attachment the singer has for the place of his birth, the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The opening lines describe a typical day in the cove, waking up to the tranquil atmosphere, listening to his aunt and uncle, and feeling contented with his surroundings. He feels that he belongs here and that everything is fine just the way it is.
The rest of the song continues this theme of attachment and contentment. The singer speaks of how he has no reason to leave and search for modern-day toys when everything he needs is around him. He finds comfort in nature as he follows the little brook that leads him to the shore, admiring the autumn leaves and sunsets painted over the hills. The singer expresses how the island has been handed down with pride and how he will stay to lay his roots despite the hardships presented. The song chooses to contrast his simple, peaceful lifestyle with those that choose the noise and glamour of the city, preferring instead to indulge in the soulful perfume of the ocean.
Overall, "Saltwater Joys" is an evocatively written love letter to Newfoundland, which highlights the beauty and simplicity of life on the coast, emphasizing the importance of feeling content with and being grateful for what we have. The song reminds us of the pleasures that can be found in simple things and the tranquillity of life in a home you feel connected to.
Line by Line Meaning
Just to wake up in the morning, to the quiet of the cove
Starting the day calmly, amidst the serene environment of the cove
And to hear Aunt Bessie talking to herself.
And listening to Aunt Bessie conversing with herself
And to hear poor Uncle John, mumbling wishes to old Nell
Also listening to Uncle John, conversing with his dog Old Nell.
It made me feel that everything was fine.
It gives the feeling that everything is alright.
I was born down by the water, it's here I'm gonna stay
I come from this place near the water and I have no plans of leaving.
I've searched for all the reasons why I should go away
I've tried to come up with reasons to leave but haven't found any.
But I haven't got the thirst for all those modern day toys
But I don't have the desire for all the latest gadgets and technology.
So I'll just take my chances with those saltwater joys.
So I'll just take my chances and live by the sea and all its joys.
Following the little brook as it trickles to the shore
Walking along the small stream as it flows towards the beach
In the autumn when the trees are flaming red
During the autumn season when the trees change to warm colors
Kicking leaves that fall around me
Kicking the fallen leaves around me
Watching sunsets paint the hills
Observing the sunsets that transform the hills
That's all I'll ever need to feel at home.
That's all I require to sense that I am where I belong.
This island that we cling to has been handed down with pride
We take pride in holding on to this island that we consider our own.
By folks that fought to live here, taking hardships all in stride
By people who faced difficulties while trying to settle in this island.
So I'll compliment her beauty, hold on to my goodbyes
So, I will appreciate the island's beauty and avoid leaving it
And I'll stay and take my chances with those saltwater joys.
And I'll remain and experience life's uncertainties and joys by the sea.
How can I leave those mornings with the sunrise on the cove
I find it hard to depart from the early mornings, starting with the sun rising above the cove
And the gulls like flies surrounding Clayton's wharf
With the seagulls hovering around Clayton's boat dock like flies.
Platter's Island wrapped in rainbow in the evening after fog
Platter's Island is covered in a rainbow of light after the fog has cleared.
The ocean smells are perfume to my soul.
The smell of the ocean is intoxicating to me.
Some go to where the buildings reach to meet the clouds
Some go to places where the buildings go up so high they almost touch the clouds.
Where warm and gentle people turn to swarmin', faceless crowds
Where friendly people change in character, becoming just another person lost in the sea of humanity.
So I'll do without their riches, glamour and the noise
So, I will live a simple life without the wealth, extravagance, and tumultuous nature of city life.
And I'll stay and take my chances with those saltwater joys.
And I will remain and take risks in the unpredictable, but rewarding ways of the seaside.
Contributed by Caleb W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@davidmichaeldecoste3328
I am a Nova Scotian brought up in a small fishing community. He is singing to me and I feel the words in my soul.
@Michformer
Atlantic Canadian pride! :)
@roblewis3147
A damn proud Newfie right here my son.
I haven't been home since 2008,and this song makes me home sick every time.
@kristaclaxton3476
My mom just passed away in October so I dedicate this all family in Newfoundland
@fashionfanatic6507
😢I grew up in Labrador, and as an adult traveled to the Rock. I loved it. Its magical. Loved attending kitchen party. This song makes me tear up, too. I want to go back. Its a piece of heaven. 😊❤😊
@imnobody8293
I 45 now from New Brunswick. Old joke from my youth: "What do you call a Newfie in New Brunsick? Broke. He couldn't afford to get to Toronto." I'm near Toronto now and far from the Atlantic. May not be a Newfie but I share that east coast kin outsider as a badge.
@williemonje02
One of the last songs I sang to my mom during her final hour. I'll always love you mom
@peterlittlehorse5695
Years ago my wife had a co-worker who was from Newfoundland and one day my wife started singing this song and her co-worker got all teary eyed and said to stop it or she was going to have to move home again.
@Joy-do9vv
I lived in St. John's for 12 years. Moved back to my home town (NYC) two years ago, but this makes me miss Newfoundland so much.
@johnrobia5460
My dad took me to his hometown when I was 14. I'm 29 now. And this music is the only way I can still connect to my heritage. This song makes me cry every single time. It always has even before I knew why. I actually had to beg my dad, he had a talk with me and I told him that I didn't know how I could continue to live missing a place I had never been. Tearing up just thinking about it now. The most beautiful damned place on Earth and I'll never be able to thank him enough for sharing it with me.