The group can usually be heard singing on Friday evenings throughout the summer on the Platt in wonderful Port Isaac.
Fisherman's Friends are John, Julian and Jeremy Brown, Trevor Grills, John Lethbridge, Billy Hawkins, Nigel Sherratt, Peter Rowe, John McDonnell and Jon Cleave.
Fisherman's Friends, from Port Isaac on the North Cornwall coast, have secured a deal – said to be worth £1 million – with Universal, the company behind acts such as Lady Gaga, Take That and Amy Winehouse
The 10-strong group, which also has a date at this year's Glastonbury Festival, will issue an album of traditional tunes and folk songs next month after being discovered by a record producer on holiday.
Fisherman’s Friends are shanty singers--each of whom are or have been fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards (as well as builders, artisans, hoteliers, and shop keepers) in the local area--from Port Isaac on Cornwall’s rugged north coast.
At around eight in the evening during the summer months, tourists and locals gather to hear this ten-man group sing a rousing set of shanties and Cornish folk songs. This album, recorded in a 15th-century church in nearby St Kew, features a rich haul of 12 songs from their Port Isaac repertoire, including the classic "South Australia", the haunting Cornish robber ballad "The Cadgwith Anthem" and the beautiful "Brightly Beams".
In February 2013 Trevor Gills and tour manager Paul McMullen were both killed in a tragic accident while touring.
No Hopers Jokers & Rogues
Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Were on the road to nowhere lets find out where it goes
It might be a ladder to stars
Who knows
Come on you no hopers and rouges
Leave all your forales in fields were they lie
Your factories and offices
Kiss them all goodbye
The song "No Hopers, Jokers & Rogues" by Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends is a rallying cry for those who feel like they are not part of the mainstream. The lyrics encourage people who are often overlooked and dismissed by society to come together and find their own path. The opening lines "come on you no hopers, you no hopers, you rogues" are a call to action, inviting people who have been labeled as "hopeless" or "rogue" to take charge of their own lives and forge their own destinies.
The lyrics then go on to describe the journey ahead as a "road to nowhere," but one that could lead to greatness. The idea of the journey being a "ladder to the stars" suggests that although the path may be difficult and uncertain, it could ultimately lead to success and fulfillment. The repeated refrain of "come on you no hopers and rogues" is a celebration of those who dare to take a different path in life, and an encouragement to leave behind the trappings of the old life and embrace the unknown.
Overall, the lyrics of "No Hopers, Jokers & Rogues" are a powerful message of hope and determination, urging listeners to take control of their own lives and believe in their own potential.
Line by Line Meaning
come on you no hopers, you no hopers, you rouges
A call to action for those perceived as hopeless or disreputable to join together and follow a path towards the unknown future.
were on the road to nowhere lets find out where it goes
Acknowledgement that the group may not know the outcome of their journey, but choosing to explore the possibilities regardless.
it might be a ladder to stars
The potential for the journey to lead to greater success or fame, like climbing a ladder towards the stars.
who knows
An acknowledgement that the potential result of the journey is uncertain and could bring about unexpected outcomes.
come on you no hopers and rouges
A repeated call to action for those who may feel like they do not belong, yet are still welcomed to join the journey.
leave all your forales in fields were they lie
A call to abandon the past and the things that have held them back, symbolized by leaving flowers in fields to wither.
your factories and offices
Referring to traditional careers and jobs that may have limited their potential or passions, implying a rejection or abandonment of them.
kiss them all goodbye
An emphatic statement of finality, indicating a commitment to the journey and a severing of ties to the past.
Writer(s): Rupert Christie, Tom Gilbert
Contributed by Landon I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@glyn6170
I spent summer of '95 at Rocky Harbour working at Gros Morne NP as my placement for my degree.
Loved the place, the music, the people.
Spent the summer listening to The Irish Decendants, Spirit of the West and Buudy Watshisname and the other fellow.
Just been talking about Lobsters today and get some from Norris Point.
What a place to live.
@MakingWay000
Come, all you no hopers,
You jokers and rogues
We're on the road to nowhere,
Let's find out where it goes
It might be a ladder to the stars, who knows
Come, all you no hopers,
You jokers and rogues.
Leave all your furrows in the fields where they lie
Your factories and offices;
Kiss them all goodbye
Have a little faith in the dream maker in the sky
There's glory in believing him
And it's all in the beholder's eye.
Turn off your engines and slow down your wheels
Suddenly your master plan loses its appeal
Everybody knows that this reality's not real
So raise a glass to all things past and celebrate how good it feels.
Awash on the sea of our own vanity
We should rejoice in our individuality
Though it's gale force, let's steer a course for sanity
@1down4up78
I got here randomly and how fitting is that!
It’s like my wondering spirit attracts this stuff. That n algorithms.
37 now, lived in Australia for 2 years driving half way around working the land n stuff. Built a bed in my 4x4.
Lived in NZ for a few years too and moved out to the Canadian Prairies for 4 years. Hit the road up obviously, John Denver playing double obviously.
Been to 50 something countries, some by luck, others accidentally. Had an 1 of 2 engines go on my plane and we bailed out in Iceland.
Writing this because I’ve lost my sweet, Welsh Grandmother a few days ago. She was a traveller at heart, different times mind. Different affordability.
I come back to the UK to settle down, every part of my soul belong on the road, wondering, exploring, feeling. Trying hard to keep my head down but I am my Nan, restless.
The road makes my heart kinder, wish I had the courage to except that’s were I belong.
@williamwallbank265
The guy who sings the 1st chorus is my Uncle
@keithhicks1750
william wallbank he seems a lovely guy. We saw him Sunday in Plymouth. The F F are my favourite.
@adrv5721
That’s pretty awesome.
@GeorgieTheTory
I remember watching him sing every friday in Port Isaac
@matthewcook3828
7 years later, tell him this guy loves his voice and very much respects his music. He's bringing joy to people still.
@SifuRod
that rocks these guys are pure magic
@thproductionwensleydale624
I have seen the film, I've heard the music. I would like to Thank You all down in Cornwall for returning something that could have been lost in the 21st Century forever and never heard and appreciated by the new generation. You have done the UK and most of all Cornwall Proud.
@niklasschulz5728
True words
@infinitelighthouse5278
What movie?
@thproductionwensleydale624
@@infinitelighthouse5278 Fisherman Friend's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONd3AlSfMIs