Since the choir was established, they have managed to release 5 cds and done lots of concerts and performances. Some of the highlights of the past few years have been the Langesund International Shantyfestival, Festival Maritim in Bremen (Germany), Telemarkfestivalen in Bø and Bergenfest 2006, and they are currently doing well in Japan. Feedback from their concerts have been very good, and they think that the main reason for their “little success” is that they enjoy so much doing this, and also that they allow and encourage their guests to sing along!
Theyr mission and main directives is to bring forth a forgotten song tradition. At the same time they wish to give their audience, and themselves, a lot of fun, and experience the pleasure of salty folk music. With the old true sailors in mind, they wish to give the shanties all the power, humour and respect they deserve.
The most of their stuff is done a cappella, but they also include mandolin, flute, and guitar on some of their songs. As far as it is possible, they do their concerts without any microphones. "They did not use microphones while rounding the salty Cape Horn, so we should be able to do the same in a pub!!"
Band members: Håkon Vatle, Ronny Sætre, Rune Nesse, Vidar Vedå, Roald Kaldestad and Gisle Østrem
Rio Grande
Storm Weather Shanty Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
('away for Rio!)
And we pointed our bow to the old southern star
(And we′re bound for the Rio Grande!)
And away, boys, away!
Away for Rio,
So fare thee well, all you pretty young girls,
{Anna}
Oh say was you never down Rio Grande?
('away for Rio!)
It′s there that the water runs down golden sand
(And we′re bound for the Rio Grande!)
The Storm Weather Shanty Choir's song "Rio Grande" is a lively, upbeat tune that tells the story of a ship's journey from an unknown location to the Rio Grande. The opening line "Our ship went a-sailin' on over the bar" suggests that the ship is leaving a harbor or port, and the singer and his companions are eagerly looking forward to their destination on the Rio Grande. The reference to the "old southern star" is a nod to the southern hemisphere, where the Rio Grande is located. The chorus "And away, boys, away! Away for Rio, So fare thee well, all you pretty young girls, And We're bound for the Rio Grande" expresses the excitement and anticipation of the journey, as the sailors bid farewell to the girls left behind and look forward to their adventure ahead.
The second stanza describes the beauty of the Rio Grande, with the singer asking if the listener has ever been to this magical place where the "water runs down golden sand." This line emphasizes the uniqueness and beauty of the Rio Grande, which is a river that flows through the southwestern United States and Mexico. Throughout the song, the Storm Weather Shanty Choir uses vivid imagery and colorful language to create a sense of adventure and wonder, transporting the listener to a different time and place.
Line by Line Meaning
Our ship went a-sailin′ on over the bar
Our ship set sail past the sand bar to leave for Rio Grande
And we pointed our bow to the old southern star
We directed our ship towards the southern constellation to reach Rio Grande
And away, boys, away!
Let's go, boys, let's go!
Away for Rio,
Leaving for Rio Grande
So fare thee well, all you pretty young girls,
Goodbye to all the beautiful young girls
And We're bound for the Rio Grande.
We're headed towards Rio Grande
Oh say was you never down Rio Grande?
Have you never been to Rio Grande?
It's there that the water runs down golden sand
The water flows over the golden sand at Rio Grande
(And we're bound for the Rio Grande!)
(And we're headed towards Rio Grande!)
Contributed by Mason Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.