A Salty Dog
Procol Harum Lyrics
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"Explore the ship, replace the cook, let no one leave alive!"
Across the straits, around the Horn, how far can sailors fly?
A twisted path, our tortured course, and no one left alive
We sailed for parts unknown to man, where ships come home to die
No lofty peak, nor fortress bold, could match our captain's eye
Upon the seventh seasick day we made our port of call
We fired the gun, and burnt the mast, and rowed from ship to shore
The captain cried, we sailors wept, our tears were tears of joy
Now many moons and many Junes have passed since we made land
A salty dog, this seaman's log, your witness my own hand
The song "A Salty Dog" by Procol Harum/The London Symphony Orchestra tells the story of a group of sailors who embark on a treacherous journey across the seas. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the captain shouting orders to his crew to explore the ship, replace the cook, and not allow anyone to leave alive. The melody and lyrics convey a sense of panic and urgency as the ship has run aground.
The sailors embark on a journey into uncharted waters, where they encounter challenges and obstacles that threaten their survival. The second verse suggests that the journey has led them to a place where ships come to die, a land that is treacherous and unknown to man. The lyrics also highlight the captain's expertise, and his ability to navigate through difficult waters unscathed.
As the ship approaches a white-sand beach with crystal blue waters, the sailors are overcome with joy and relief that they have finally made it to their destination. They burn the mast and fire the gun in celebration, and the captain gives the order to row from ship to shore. The final verse reflects on the passage of time since the sailors made land, and the singer refers to himself as a "salty dog," a reference to a seasoned seaman.
Overall, the song paints a vivid picture of a treacherous journey across the seas, highlighting both the dangers and the triumphs of life at sea.
Line by Line Meaning
All hands on deck, we've run afloat, I heard the captain cry
The ship is sinking and the captain is panicked, so he is summoning everyone to help.
Explore the ship, replace the cook, let no one leave alive!
The captain is trying to find the source of the problem and suspects the cook, so he orders the crew to search the ship, replace the cook, and not let anyone escape.
Across the straits, around the Horn, how far can sailors fly?
The journey is treacherous and it's unclear if they will make it out alive.
A twisted path, our tortured course, and no one left alive
The journey has been full of hardship and tragedy, and it's possible that no one will survive.
We sailed for parts unknown to man, where ships come home to die
They embarked on a dangerous journey to a place where other ships have failed to return.
No lofty peak, nor fortress bold, could match our captain's eye
The captain has exceptional navigation skills and is able to guide the ship through difficult waters.
Upon the seventh seasick day we made our port of call
After a week of seasickness and trouble, they finally arrived at their destination.
A sand so white, and sea so blue, no mortal place at all
The location they arrived at was stunningly beautiful and felt otherworldly.
We fired the gun, and burnt the mast, and rowed from ship to shore
They celebrated their successful arrival by making noise and destroying parts of the ship.
The captain cried, we sailors wept, our tears were tears of joy
Everyone was overcome with emotion at having survived the journey and made it to their destination.
Now many moons and many Junes have passed since we made land
A significant amount of time has passed since their arrival.
A salty dog, this seaman's log, your witness my own hand
The artist is reporting on their journey and attesting to its accuracy and truthfulness.
Lyrics © Onward Music Limited
Written by: GARY BROOKER, KEITH REID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrSirDrew
Lyrics
'All hands on deck, we've run afloat!' I heard the captain cry
'Explore the ship, replace the cook: let no one leave alive!'
Across the straits, around the Horn: how far can sailors fly?
A twisted path, our tortured course, and no one left alive
We sailed for parts unknown to man, where ships come home to die
No lofty peak, nor fortress bold, could match our captain's eye
Upon the seventh seasick day we made our port of call
A sand so white, and sea so blue, no mortal place at all
We fired the gun, and burnt the mast, and rowed from ship to shore
The captain cried, we sailors wept: our tears were tears of joy
Now many moons and many Junes have passed since we made land
A salty dog, this seaman's log: your witness my own hand
@marcanglin7127
Gary has made his final port of call: A sand so white, and seas so blue, no mortal place at all. RIP, Gary: Thank you for all of the music and Godspeed.
@markbunce3405
Reminds of my father xxxxx how many moons ? 😥😥😥😥😥😥
@chrisnewman299
A wonderful tribute Marc to the now late-great Gary Brooker and this very beautiful track “ Salty Dog” from the same titled Classic album & an all time great band. Their work maintained it’s unique quality right from the outset. Fantastic music. Chris 🎼
@timcarroll490
My God, rest in peace Gary
@angelicaluce3230
AY AY SIR - I'll SECOND that!
@andermachines2645
And now Keith Reid
@zenstain
This is absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
@marcosmza1962
Agree. It was the first song I heard. I was 11yo. It was a one way ticket for my brain. I will miss the warm voice of Gary Brooker. Greetings from 🇦🇷
@dotibarclay
Always been one of my favorites although some people ask me what it's meaning is , LISTEN
@user-gj1ei9dh8n
Agree..our tears were tears of joy 😅🎉❤