They released their first album, Weave & Spin in 2011, and their second, Mayday, in 2013. Their third album, Cycle, was released in October 2016
My Boy Jack
Lady Maisery Lyrics
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Not this tide
When d′you think that he'll come back?
Not with this wind blowing and this tide
Has anyone else had word of him?
Not this tide
For what is sunk will hardly swim
Oh dear what comfort can I find?
None this tide nor any tide
Except he did not shame his kind
Not even with that wind blowing and that tide
So hold your head up all the more
This tide and every tide
Because he was the son you bore
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide
Lady Maisery's song, "My Boy Jack," is a poignant piece that tells the story of a mother who has lost her son. In the first stanza, the mother asks if there is any news of her son Jack. The answer comes back that there is no news. The mother then asks when her son will return, but again, the answer is that it will not be with this tide and this wind.
In the second stanza, the mother asks if anyone else has heard anything about her son. Again, the answer is no. The lyrics then take a somber turn as the singer acknowledges that what is sunk will hardly swim. The mother then asks what comfort she can find. But there is no comfort to be had, not this tide nor any tide. The only thing that brings her some solace is the knowledge that her son did not shame his kind, even with that wind blowing and that tide.
In the final stanza, the singer encourages the mother to hold her head up high, even in the face of grief. It is because he was the son she bore and gave to that wind and tide that she can take pride in him.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you news of my boy Jack?
Do you have any information about my son, Jack?
Not this tide
No, not at the moment. There is currently no news.
When d'you think that he'll come back?
Do you have an idea when he might return?
Not with this wind blowing and this tide
No, not in these weather conditions. It is not safe.
Has anyone else had word of him?
Has anyone else received any information about him?
For what is sunk will hardly swim
No, probably not. Once something has sunk, it is difficult to recover.
Oh dear what comfort can I find?
What can I do to feel better or find hope in this situation?
None this tide nor any tide
Unfortunately, there is no comfort or hope to be found at the moment or in the foreseeable future.
Except he did not shame his kind
The only comfort I have is knowing that my son did not bring shame upon our family or community.
Not even with that wind blowing and that tide
He remained honorable and true, even in dangerous situations like these.
So hold your head up all the more
Therefore, you should be proud and keep your head held high.
This tide and every tide
In all situations and circumstances, not just now.
Because he was the son you bore
This pride is warranted because he was your son, a product of your love and care.
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide
He bravely ventured out into the world, facing its dangers and uncertainties with courage and grace.
Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.