Members Dean Calin, Christie Dalby, Gina Dalby, Jon Krivitzky and David Yondorf have traveled across the US and Europe together, bringing their inimitable style of music to music and maritime festivals and other venues.
Bounding Main has produced four CDs, all well received internationally. Their music is sold through Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, CD Baby, Last.fm and other music distribution channels.
Haul Away Joe
Bounding Main Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
That if I did not kiss the girls my lips would grow all mouldy
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
I sailed the seas for many years not knowing what I was missing
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
but then I got my self to shore and started into kissing
(tell me!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather
(tell me!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Though first I had a Spanish girl, but she was daft and lazy
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Now I've got an Irish girl who damn near drives me crazy
(tell me!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather
(tell me!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Well Louis was the king of France before the revolution
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe
But then get got his head chopped off which spoilt his constitution
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather
(tell me!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Way haul away, we'll haul away together!
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
The song "Haul Away Joe" by Bounding Main is a traditional sea shanty that talks about the journey of a sailor who has had experiences with women, and has learned the value of love as he traveled the world. The first verse begins with the singer reminiscing about how his mother used to advise him to kiss the girls, or else his lips would grow moldy. This can be interpreted as a suggestion to live life to the fullest and not miss out on opportunities. The chorus emphasizes the sailors' destination, which is bound for better weather, suggesting that they are embarking on a journey towards a brighter future.
The second verse further delves into the singer's experiences with women, stating that he sailed the seas without knowing what he was missing. But then he found himself on shore and started kissing girls, which he enjoyed immensely. The third verse talks about the singer's past lovers. He first had a Spanish girlfriend who was lazy and daft. But now he has an Irish girlfriend who nearly drives him crazy. This highlights the different experiences one can have in life and relationships with different people.
Interestingly, the shanty also includes a nod to French history, mentioning Louis XVI and how he was beheaded during the French Revolution, which spoilt his constitution. This has nothing to do with the overall theme of the song, but it adds a bit of historical versatility to the shanty.
Overall, Haul Away Joe is a classic sea shanty that emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest, experiencing different things, and enjoying the journey. It acknowledges the highs and lows that come with relationships, and the hope for a brighter future - much like the journey of a sailor.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a little lad my mother often told me
My mother used to tell me when I was young
That if I did not kiss the girls my lips would grow all mouldy
She warned me that if I didn't kiss girls, my lips would become moldy
I sailed the seas for many years not knowing what I was missing
I went out to sea for many years without realizing what I lacked
but then I got my self to shore and started into kissing (tell me!)
But when I returned to land, I started kissing women (you know what I mean!)
Though first I had a Spanish girl, but she was daft and lazy
At first, I had a Spanish girl, but she was foolish and idle
Now I've got an Irish girl who damn near drives me crazy (tell me!)
But now I have an Irish girl who almost drives me insane (you know what I'm saying!)
Well Louis was the king of France before the revolution
Louis was the King of France before the revolution occurred
But then get got his head chopped off which spoilt his constitution
But then he had his head chopped off, which ruined his health
Way haul away, we'll haul away together!
Let's all haul away together!
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather (tell me!)
We're heading for better weather (you know what I mean!)
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe!
Let's haul away, Joe!
Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.