They began working with Island Records early, though the album that resulted has yet to be released. Instead, they released their independent self-titled debut album: Figgy Duff (1980). It was followed by After The Tempest, in 1982.
Throughout the next thirteen years, Figgy Duff continued touring and released three studio albums: Weather Out The Storm (1989), Downstream (1993), Retrospective (1995). The line-up changed several times, but the core of Dinn and Pamela Morgan, singer-songwriter, stayed the same. Their Weather Out the Storm was nominated for a 1991 Juno Award. Dinn died of cancer in 1993, and Morgan disbanded Figgy Duff soon after.
Discography:
Figgy Duff - Figgy Duff 1980
Figgy Duff - After The Tempest 1982
Figgy Duff - Weather Out The Storm 1989
- ( also released by Alpha Records Japan 1990 )
Figgy Duff - Downstream 1993
Figgy Duff - Retrospective 1995
also:
Due South Soundtrack - (Figgy Duff) Various Artists
Putumayo's Celtic Collection - (Figgy Duff) Various Artists
Close To The Floor - (Figgy Duff) Various Artists
Henry Martin
Figgy Duff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In merry Scotland there were three
And they did cast lots which of them should go, should go, should go
And turn robber all on the salt sea
The lot it fell first upon Henry Martin
The youngest of all of the three
That he should turn robber all on the salt sea, the salt sea, the salt sea
They had not been sailing for a long winter's night
And part of a short winter's day
When they did espy a stout lofty ship, lofty ship, lofty ship
Coming and bearing down on them straightway
Hello, hello, cried Henry Martin
What makes you sail so nigh?
I'm a rich merchant ship bound for fair London Town, London Town, London Town
Would you please for to let us pass by
Oh no, oh no, cried Henry Martin
This thing it never can be.
For I have turned robber all on the salt sea, the salt sea, the salt sea
For to maintain my two brothers and me
So lower your topsail and fire up your men
Bring your ship under my lee
For I have resolved for to pirate you here, you here, you here
For to maintain my two brothers and me
So broadside for broadside, and at it they went
For fully two hours or three
'Til Henry Martin gave them the death shot, the death shot, the death shot
And straight to the bottom went she
Sad news, sad news, to fair London came
Sad news to fair London Town
There's been a rich vessel and she's cast away, cast away, cast away
And all of her merry men drowned
The song "Henry Martin" by Figgy Duff tells the story of three brothers in Scotland who draw lots to decide who will turn outlaw and become a pirate to provide for their family. The youngest of the three, Henry Martin, is chosen and he sets out to sea with his brothers. Soon, they encounter a wealthy merchant ship and Henry Martin, now a full-fledged pirate, demands that the ship surrender its cargo. The merchant ship refuses and a battle ensues. After two or three hours of fighting, Henry Martin lands the fatal shot causing the merchant ship to sink and all crew members to perish. The song ends with the news reaching London that a rich merchant ship has been lost at sea with all hands.
While the story is one of adventure and piracy, it also provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of life for some people in Scotland at the time. Poverty was rampant and people often had to turn to illegal means to survive. The theme of sacrifice for family is also present as Henry Martin willingly becomes a pirate to provide for his brothers and himself. The song also touches on the dangers of the sea and the potential loss of life that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
There were three brothers in merry Scotland
In Scotland, there were three brothers.
In merry Scotland there were three
Scotland had three brothers.
And they did cast lots which of them should go, should go, should go
They drew straws to determine which brother would become a pirate.
And turn robber all on the salt sea
The chosen brother would turn to piracy on the open sea.
The lot it fell first upon Henry Martin
The youngest brother, Henry Martin, was chosen.
The youngest of all of the three
Henry Martin was the youngest of the three.
That he should turn robber all on the salt sea, the salt sea, the salt sea
Henry Martin was to become a pirate on the salt sea.
For to maintain his two brothers and he
He became a pirate to provide for his two brothers and himself.
They had not been sailing for a long winter's night
They had only been sailing for a short time.
And part of a short winter's day
They sailed for part of a short winter day.
When they did espy a stout lofty ship, lofty ship, lofty ship
They spotted a big tall ship on the horizon.
Coming and bearing down on them straightway
The ship was quickly coming towards them.
Hello, hello, cried Henry Martin
Henry Martin hailed the approaching ship.
What makes you sail so nigh?
Why are you sailing so close to us?
I'm a rich merchant ship bound for fair London Town, London Town, London Town
The ship claimed to be a wealthy merchant vessel heading to London.
Would you please for to let us pass by
Could you please let us go on our way?
Oh no, oh no, cried Henry Martin
Henry Martin refused the ship's request.
This thing it never can be.
That's not going to happen.
So lower your topsail and fire up your men
The pirates demanded the merchant ship surrender.
Bring your ship under my lee
They also commanded the ship to come alongside theirs.
For I have resolved for to pirate you here, you here, you here
Henry Martin declared that they were going to rob the ship.
So broadside for broadside, and at it they went
The two ships fought each other from the side.
For fully two hours or three
The battle continued for two to three hours.
'Til Henry Martin gave them the death shot, the death shot, the death shot
Henry Martin landed the final, deadly blow.
And straight to the bottom went she
The merchant ship sank.
Sad news, sad news, to fair London came
Tragic news of the shipwreck arrived in London.
Sad news to fair London Town
The people in London were saddened by the news.
There's been a rich vessel and she's cast away, cast away, cast away
A wealthy ship sank and was lost.
And all of her merry men drowned
All of the crew perished in the disaster.
Contributed by Makayla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.