Brother Noland is an impact player in Hawaii’s music scene. He is always out in front, changing and pushing the music to unexpected places. The term innovator fits Noland well. Before his first smash hit, Coconut Girl, the term Jawaiian music didn’t really exist. Now, he is often credited with the birth of Jawaiian music. But like all true innovators, Noland cannot be pigeon holed. He loves the Jawaiian feel, but he can’t restrict himself to only one kind of music. He also excels in traditional Hawaiian music, slack key, and Hawaiian swing music because music makes him feel good and good music, no matter the genre makes him feel better.
Big Ship
Brother Noland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, turn-on the motor, Hey, turn-on the motor
Ho, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Come on now, ok, let′s go play
"Fisher man talk story:
(Verse 1):
There's a time when the sea gets rough
But the fishes they just move with the sea
Every day I watch you move in lightin′ speed
What you got to do is sit down relax
Act patiently like the fishes in the sea
You got to hold on, (hold on), you got to hold on, (hold on)
"The fisher man say"
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean "fisher man talk story again"
(Repeat 1st verse) than (Chorus
Leave out "fisher man talk story again")
(Bridge):
He said daddy say, (what your daddy say)
He said daddy say, (what your daddy say)
He said sail away, sail away, sail way, sailor, sailor
Sailor boy, humm, sail away
(Lead-in) (Repeat chorus) (Repeat bridge) (Lead-in)
(Verse 2):
There's a time when the sea gets rough
But the fishes they just move with the sea
What are you doing modern man?
Every day I watch you move in lightin' speed
What you got to do is (sit down relax)
Act patiently like the fishes in the sea
You got to hold on, (hold on), you got to hold on, (hold on)
"The fisher man say"
(Outro):
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean (you don′t need on commotion yeah)
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean (all you got to do is sail away)
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean (come on sail away, sail away)
The lyrics to Brother Noland's song "Big Ship" are a metaphor for life's journey. The chorus speaks of a big ship sailing on the ocean, representing the journey of life. The verses contrast modern man's hurried lifestyle with the more patient and relaxed approach of the fishes in the sea. The fisherman's advice to the modern man is to hold on and act patiently like the fishes do.
The lyrics suggest that, like the fishes in the sea, we should adapt and go with the flow of life instead of trying to control or rush it. The fisherman's wisdom is further emphasized in the chorus as he speaks about the big ship sailing on the ocean, suggesting that life is a journey that requires patience and persistence.
Through this song, Brother Noland illustrates the importance of slowing down and going with the flow. We should take life one day at a time and avoid getting caught up in the chaos of modern society. Instead, we should strive to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, turn-on the motor, Hey, turn-on the motor
The singer is urging someone to start the engine of a boat or ship.
Ho, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
The singer is expressing excitement or agreement.
Come on now, ok, let′s go play
The singer is encouraging someone to join them in an activity or adventure.
There's a time when the sea gets rough
The artist acknowledges that challenges and obstacles can arise while at sea.
But the fishes they just move with the sea
The artist notes how fish are able to navigate rough waters with ease, and suggests that humans can learn from this adaptability.
What are you doing mister man?
The singer is questioning someone's actions or behavior.
Every day I watch you move in lightin′ speed
The singer observes someone rushing through life, perhaps without much thought or intentionality.
What you got to do is sit down relax
The artist suggests that instead of constantly hurrying, it would be better to slow down and take a more patient and relaxed approach.
Act patiently like the fishes in the sea
The artist is using fish as a metaphor for how one should navigate through life's challenges, with calm and patience.
You got to hold on, (hold on), you got to hold on, (hold on)
The artist is emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean
The singer is referencing a large vessel out at sea.
"fisher man talk story again"
This line indicates that someone else is sharing a story or piece of advice.
Sail away, sail away, sail way, sailor, sailor
The singer is encouraging someone to set out on their own journey or adventure, like a sailor.
There's a time when the sea gets rough
This line is a repetition from the first verse.
leave out "fisher man talk story again"
This instruction indicates to exclude that particular line from the following repetition of the verse and chorus.
"Big Ship" sailing on the ocean
This line is repeated from the first verse, again referencing the large vessel.
He said daddy say, (what your daddy say)
The artist is quoting someone, asking what their father said.
sail away, sail away, sail way, sailor, sailor
This line is repeated from the bridge, again encouraging someone to embark on their own journey or adventure.
There's a time when the sea gets rough
This line is repeated from the first verse and second verse.
(you don′t need on commotion yeah)
This line suggests that one doesn't need chaos or drama in order to make progress or experience success.
(all you got to do is sail away)
This line again emphasizes the idea that one just needs to set sail and begin their own journey.
(come on sail away, sail away)
This line is a repetition of the previous line, adding further encouragement to set out on one's own path.
Writer(s): Freddie Mcgregor, Linvel Thompson
Contributed by Addison S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.