Ed McCurdy was born in 1919 in Willow Hill, Pennsylvania. His professional … Read Full Bio ↴Ed McCurdy was born in 1919 in Willow Hill, Pennsylvania. His professional career started in 1937 as a Gospel singer over station SVKY in Oklahoma City, and he has since of worked as a niteclub and theatre performer (including a short stint in burlesque) and as a radio announcer.
In 1946, McCurdy began singing folksongs over the Canadian Broad casting Corporation radio system. In 1952, he began writing and performing for children's program's in radio and television, continuing to utilize folkmusic at every opportunity. Since late 1954, he has been living in New York City, and has appeared frequently in Televisions broadcasts for both adults and children originating from that city.
McCurdy is accompanied on second guitar, and banjo, by ERIK DARLING, an Upstate New Yorker who has been working out of New York City in recent years. Mr. Darling has made numerous recordings as a banjoist and singer, both as a solo performer and as an accompanist. He has performed extensively in concerts, and on television and radio, including several years on Oscar Brand's "Folksong Festival" over station WNYC. His most recent musical adventure has been performing as all integral part of an exciting new folksong trio, "The Tarriers", in whose success his instrumental and vocal talents have played an important role.
McCurdy died March 23, 2000
In 1946, McCurdy began singing folksongs over the Canadian Broad casting Corporation radio system. In 1952, he began writing and performing for children's program's in radio and television, continuing to utilize folkmusic at every opportunity. Since late 1954, he has been living in New York City, and has appeared frequently in Televisions broadcasts for both adults and children originating from that city.
McCurdy is accompanied on second guitar, and banjo, by ERIK DARLING, an Upstate New Yorker who has been working out of New York City in recent years. Mr. Darling has made numerous recordings as a banjoist and singer, both as a solo performer and as an accompanist. He has performed extensively in concerts, and on television and radio, including several years on Oscar Brand's "Folksong Festival" over station WNYC. His most recent musical adventure has been performing as all integral part of an exciting new folksong trio, "The Tarriers", in whose success his instrumental and vocal talents have played an important role.
McCurdy died March 23, 2000
Across the Western Ocean
Ed McCurdy Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Across the Western Ocean' by these artists:
Jenna Moynihan The times were hard and the wages low Amelia, where you…
The Jolly Rogers Oh, the times are hard and the wage is low Amelia,…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Ed McCurdy:
A Pleasant Ballad When we kiss my heart on fire Burning with a strange…
Barbara Allen Oh, in the merry month of May The green buds they…
Jesse James Jesse James was a lad that killed many a man He…
Last night I had the strangest dream Last night I had the strangest dream I ever dreamed before …
Mr. Rabbit Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit Your head is mighty gray Yes, bless G…
Pleasant Ballad When we kiss my heart on fire Burning with a strange…
S-M-I-L-E Oh it isn't any trouble just to S-M-I-L-E It isn't any…
Simple Gifts This the gift to be simple, this the gift to…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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raymondcrooke
Thanks for your support, Dan. Folk music has so much to offer.
raymondcrooke
Thanks, Willie. There's a growing number of us doing our bit here on YouTube to preserve this wonderful heritage - you included.
Jennifer Burdoo
Haven't heard this before -- a new one to learn! Thanks. You're singing with a lower voice than usual, and it works. I only ever had one Ed McCurdy record, and it sounds like I should find more. My favorites from the record (a children's album) were a couple sea songs: Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor, and Once There Were Three Fishermen.
William Kearns
What a wonderful thing you are doing keeping these old song alive, and you do it so well.
Le Ménestrel
a beautiful song that you make me discover; well done; nice interpretation
Uncle V-Roy
This is one I should learn for my niece Amelia well done Ray!
lewdite
Beautifully played and sung...
raymondcrooke
Yes, it is a great song, Dan, though rather depressing. I think Simon and Garfunkle were first to record it (written by Ian Campbell), but it's hard to beat Luke Kelly's version. I don't remember hearing Ed McCurdy's rendition, but I'll watch out for it - and yours too!
raymondcrooke
I thought those songs were on the same album as this one. There's another one called, I think, "The Bold Fisherman" which I really like. Thanks for your comment.
hultonclint
One of the cool things about this song is that it's mentioned in the earliest known text to use the word "chanty-man" (and "chant" an early form of "chantey"). In Nordhoff's 1855 "The Merchant Vessel," he narrates an account of 1 of his voyages out of Liverpool (1840s) w/ Irish passengers for America. As they set out, some of the passengers volunteered to man the windlass, + the chantyman lead this, "Across the briny ocean." Allegedly, the emigrants were so choked up they could not cont. working