Neil and Roger had been singing together as a duo in West Yorkshire since 1966 whilst John burst upon the folk scene a little later in 1972 as a member of Hebric. John, who has a voice similar to Paul Robeson also sings with the local operatic society in Halifax and is a member of The Bradshaw Mummers who can be seen in quaint outfits throughout most summers at various festivals acting out the important chapters of English history. John sang lead bass with Northern Ballet at Leeds Playhouse for the winter season of Mozart’s Requiem. Meanwhile Joe Stead had begun a professional career in London in 1966 which eventually took him to various parts of the world and more recently the first Valparaiso Festival of the Sea in Chile. Joe has performed in concert in America with Pete Seeger twice and also sung at a garden party with Paul Robeson in London in 1958. Neil also sang in concert with Pete Seeger when he and Joe crossed the Atlantic with Paul Downes to perform in a concert in New Jersey to raise funds for the Delaware Valley River Project.
There are now two new members in the group. David Buckley joined Kimber's Men at the end of April 2006. David is an actor and a singer who has performed in musicals and with the Halifax Operatic Society. They found him playing the part of Captain Smith in 'Titanic the Musical'. David sings tenor harmony. He has recently written a song called 'I will always be there' which may become as popular as 'Don't take the heroes'.
In June 2007 Kimber's Men increased their number to 5 when 'Gaz' joined the quartet.
God moves on the water
Kimber's Men Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
Titanic left Southampton
Everybody was bright and gay
But when they hit that iceberg
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
Well mothers told their daughters
On a pleasure trip they go
But when they struck that iceberg
They don′t see them no more
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
The were warned by a freight boat
Captain Smith would not take heed
He would not hear that wire, man,
And they run with the greatest speed
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
One man John Jacob Ashton
Was a man so bold and brave
As that great boat was sinking
All the women he's trying to save
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
Well he kissed his wife the last time
The boiler did explode
He put her on the lifeboat
Said ′I won't see you no more'
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
Well that fourteenth day of April
Nineteen hundred and twelve
One thousand and six hundred
Went down forever to dwell
God moves on the water
April the fourteenth day
God moves on the water
Everybody gonna run and pray
"God moves on the water" is a folk song by Kimber's Men that tells the tragic story of the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912. The lyrics emphasize the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the fear and desperation that gripped the passengers and crew as the ship met its tragic fate.
The song opens with the line "God moves on the water," suggesting that even in the face of disaster, there is a higher power at work. The repetition of this line throughout the song serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of the sinking. The lyrics also convey a sense of urgency and impending doom, as the phrase "Everybody gonna run and pray" is repeated after each mention of the date.
The second verse highlights the initial excitement and optimism of the passengers as the ship set sail from Southampton. However, this joy quickly turns to despair when the Titanic collides with an iceberg, forever changing the lives of those on board. The third verse further depicts the tragedy, with mothers unable to find their daughters after the ship hits the iceberg. This verse emphasizes the heart-wrenching loss experienced by many families.
The fourth verse shifts focus to the actions of the ship's captain, Captain Smith, who allegedly ignored warnings from a passing freight boat about the looming iceberg. Despite the urgency conveyed by the warnings, Smith fails to take heed, leading to the devastating consequences. The final two verses tell the story of John Jacob Ashtom, a brave man who tries to save as many women as possible before the ship sinks. As he bids farewell to his wife, the explosion of the boiler separates them, leaving little hope of reunion.
Line by Line Meaning
God moves on the water
This line is a statement that emphasizes the presence and power of God during a significant event.
April the fourteenth day
Refers to the specific date when the event took place, adding a sense of historical significance.
Everybody gonna run and pray
A depiction of the collective response to the event, with people feeling the need to run and pray for safety and salvation.
Titanic left Southampton
Describing the departure of the Titanic from Southampton, indicating the beginning of a journey.
Everybody was bright and gay
Portraying the mood and atmosphere on the ship before the tragedy struck, with passengers feeling happy and hopeful.
But when they hit that iceberg
Highlighting the pivotal moment when the ship collided with the iceberg, leading to the subsequent events.
Well I know their lives was changed
Reflecting on the profound impact the disaster had on the lives of the passengers, signifying a turning point.
Well mothers told their daughters
Depicting the exchange of advice and warnings between mothers and daughters before embarking on the trip.
On a pleasure trip they go
Describing the nature of the journey, which was initially intended to be a pleasurable and enjoyable experience.
But when they struck that iceberg
Referring to the moment of impact when the ship collided with the iceberg, leading to unexpected consequences.
They don’t see them no more
Implying that the individuals who were on the ship are no longer visible or alive after the tragic event.
The were warned by a freight boat
Highlighting the presence of a freight boat that tried to warn the Titanic about the impending danger.
Captain Smith would not take heed
Suggesting that Captain Smith, the captain of the Titanic, did not pay attention or listen to the warning.
He would not hear that wire, man
Indicating that Captain Smith ignored or disregarded the communication transmitted through wireless telegraphy.
And they run with the greatest speed
Describing the swift and urgent reactions of the people on the ship once they realized the severity of the situation.
One man John Jacob Ashton
Introducing an individual named John Jacob Ashton, who becomes a significant figure in the midst of the disaster.
Was a man so bold and brave
Describing John Jacob Ashton as courageous and fearless in his actions during the chaotic and dangerous circumstances.
As that great boat was sinking
Referring to the sinking of the Titanic, emphasizing the magnitude and grandeur of the ship.
All the women he’s trying to save
Depicting John Jacob Ashton's heroic efforts to rescue and protect the women on board the sinking ship.
Well he kissed his wife the last time
Illustrating a poignant moment when John Jacob Ashton bids farewell to his wife, knowing it would be their final encounter.
The boiler did explode
Describing an explosion that occurred in the boiler of the ship, contributing to its downfall.
He put her on the lifeboat
Depicting John Jacob Ashton's selfless act of ensuring the safety of his wife by placing her on a lifeboat.
Said ′I won't see you no more'
Expressing the realization that they will be separated permanently, with John Jacob Ashton acknowledging their impending loss.
Well that fourteenth day of April
Repeating the date of April 14th to further emphasize its significance in relation to the events being described.
Nineteen hundred and twelve
Providing the specific year, 1912, to anchor the events within a historical context.
One thousand and six hundred
Indicating the number of people, 1,600, who tragically perished in the disaster.
Went down forever to dwell
Expressing the permanent fate of those who lost their lives as they sank into the depths of the ocean.
Writer(s): Blind Willie Johnson
Contributed by Katherine P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jesse Ferguson
A great performance of a catchy song!
Ben Tovia
Happy April the 14th