Ivan moved to Los Angeles where he expanded his musical prowess and gained an overall no-nonsense attitude to his approach at writing, performing and recording music. It wasn't long before he became a pivotal member of Bonnie Raitt's band, Rufus, Keith Richards & the Xpensive Winos and the Spin Doctors. Ivan launched his solo career with the acclaimed If My Ancestors Could See Me Now and, several years later, followed with Thanks. In between solo records, Ivan wrote, performed and/or recorded with Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Robbie Robertson, The Rolling Stones and other major artists.
Ivan recently wrote and co-produced Saturday Morning Music, a highly autobiographical solo album. Saturday Morning Music is a timeless hybrid of Soul, Rock, and New Orleans Funk that translates into an incomparable modern musical gumbo that includes performances by Bonnie Raitt, Bobbie Womack, Keith Richards and Aaron Neville.
Ivan says:
"Saturday Morning Music was a chance to express myself and reflect on my life. The sound of this record is a mix of the music I grew up with as well as the music I've been involved with in the past couple of years. The songs are my story and the people who collaborated with me are not only my friends and family, but also my mentors. I am very fortunate to complete a project like this that is rewarding on so many levels. I feel extremely blessed to do this for a living."
Ivan is currently performing with his own band which recently appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, and has also re-teamed with his father and uncles, The Neville Brothers, for future recordings and live performances.
Bio taken from: http://www.ivanneville.com/biography.html
Mr. Stormalong
Ivan Neville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
O, poor old Stormy's dead and gone,
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
We dug his grave with a silver spade,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
His shroud of the finest silk was made.
We lowered him with a silver chain,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
Our eyes all dim with more than rain.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
An able sailor, bold and true,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
A good old bosun to his crew.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
He′s moored at last, and furled his sail,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
No danger now from wreck or gale.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
I wish I was old Stormy's son,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
I'd build me a ship of a thousand ton.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
I′d fill her up with New England rum,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
And all my shellbacks they would have some.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
I′d sail this wide world 'round and ′round,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
With plenty of money I would be found.
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
Old Stormy's dead and gone to rest,
To my way hay, Stormalong, John!
Of all the sailors he was the best,
To my aye, aye, aye, aye, Mister Stormalong!
The song "Mr. Stormalong" by Ivan Neville is a classic sea shanty that pays tribute to a legendary sailor named Stormy. The first verse announces Stormy's demise, mourning his loss, and celebrating his life. The song then goes on to describe the funeral procession, with the silver spade, silk shroud, and silver chain, painting the picture of a sailor who was respected and revered.
The song then turns to admiration for Stormy's sailing skills and the role he played as a bosun, or boatswain, to his crew. The idea of following in Stormy's footsteps and becoming a successful sailor like him is expressed in the final verses, with the wish to build a ship and sail the world with a crew fueled by New England rum. The closing lines reminisce about Stormy being the best sailor of them all, a true legend.
The song is a beautifully crafted tribute to a sailor who was larger than life. It celebrates a man who lived and breathed the sea and left a lasting impact on all those who knew him.
Line by Line Meaning
O, Stormy's gone, that good old man,
We bid farewell to the good old man, Stormy.
O, poor old Stormy's dead and gone,
Poor Stormy has passed away.
We dug his grave with a silver spade,
We laid him to rest with great honor and dignity.
His shroud of the finest silk was made.
He was wrapped in a shroud made of the finest silk.
We lowered him with a silver chain,
He was lowered into his grave by a silver chain.
Our eyes all dim with more than rain.
Our eyes were filled with tears and sorrow.
An able sailor, bold and true,
He was a skilled, courageous sailor.
A good old bosun to his crew.
He was a respected leader and mentor to his crew.
He's moored at last, and furled his sail,
He has reached his final resting place and can rest from his labors.
No danger now from wreck or gale.
He is now free from the dangers of the sea.
I wish I was old Stormy's son,
I greatly admire Stormy and wish to be like him.
I'd build me a ship of a thousand ton.
I would build a great ship in his honor.
I'd fill her up with New England rum,
I would fill the ship with the best of everything in his honor.
And all my shellbacks they would have some.
All of his former sailors would be welcome aboard.
I'd sail this wide world 'round and 'round,
I would sail the world like he did.
With plenty of money I would be found.
I would be successful and wealthy like he was.
Old Stormy's dead and gone to rest,
Stormy has passed away and is now resting peacefully.
Of all the sailors he was the best.
He was the greatest sailor of them all.
Writer(s): Simon Emmerson, Ewan Maccoll
Contributed by Adam Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.