Singer / songwriter / bassist Napolitano formed the band Dream 6 with guitarist James Mankey in Los Angeles in 1982, releasing an eponymous EP in France on the Happy Hermit label in 1983. When they signed with IRS in 1986, labelmate Michael Stipe suggested the name Concrete Blonde, describing the contrast between their hard rock music and introspective lyrics. They were joined by drummer Harry Rushakoff on their eponymous debut album. Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson replaced Rushakoff on Bloodletting and several tracks on Mexican Moon, while Rushakoff was in treatment for drug addiction. Rushakoff was kicked out of the band in 2002 for failing to show up for several rehearsals and shows. He was replaced by Gabriel Ramirez.
Their most popular album was 1990's Bloodletting. The band broke up in 1995, but reunited in 2001, releasing Group Therapy in 2002 and Mojave in 2004.
The Ship Song
Concrete Blonde Lyrics
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and burn your bridges down
we make a little history baby
every time you come around
come lose your thoughts upon me
and let your hair hang down
you area mystery baby everytime you call around
we talk about it all night long
but when i crawl into your arms everything
it comes tubling around
oh your face is falling sad now
beore you know the time is nigh
when i must remove your wings
and you must try and fly
The song 'The Ship Song' by Concrete Blonde appears to be about a tumultuous and passionate relationship that is on the verge of ending. The chorus, "Come sail your ships around me and burn your bridges down, we make a little history baby every time you come around," suggests that the lovers are willing to take risks and make bold moves in their relationship, even if they may come back to haunt them in the future. The lines "We talk about it all night long and we define our moral ground, but when I crawl into your arms everything, it comes tumbling around" indicate that the couple has strong opinions about their relationship and its boundaries, yet when they are physically intimate, they seem to forget everything they previously discussed.
The last verse is especially poignant, as the singer acknowledges that the end of the relationship is near. "When I must remove your wings and you must try and fly" implies that the singer recognizes that the other person needs to move on in order to grow, but it also suggests that the act of letting go will be difficult for both parties. Overall, the lyrics of 'The Ship Song' paint a picture of a complicated and intense romance that is both thrilling and heartbreaking at the same time.
Line by Line Meaning
come sail your ships around me
Come orbit around me; revolve your life around me
and burn your bridges down
Forget everything else; destroy any other connections you had before me
we make a little history baby
Our relationship is significant; it will be remembered
every time you come around
Every time you are in my life; every time I see you
come lose your thoughts upon me
Confide in me; share your innermost thoughts and emotions
and let your hair hang down
Be yourself; let loose and enjoy life
you are a mystery baby every time you call around
You are unpredictable and intriguing every time you come back into my life
we talk about it all night long
We discuss our relationship and its meaning for hours
and we define our moral ground
We establish what we believe is right and wrong in our relationship
but when I crawl into your arms everything it comes tumbling around
When I am with you, everything else fades away; I am completely focused on you
oh your face is falling sad now
You are becoming upset and unhappy
before you know the time is nigh
Before you realize it, the time for change is approaching
when I must remove your wings
I must take away your freedom and independence
and you must try and fly
You must adapt to this change and become stronger because of it
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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