Bill Hughes formed the idea of a trio of Irish tenors during a Cannes festival at which the famous Three Tenors, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras and Plácido Domingo were performing. Hughes wanted to produce a television special and first approached Ireland's Finbar Wright in 1998 to join the group but Wright's recording contract with Sony BMG prohibited such a venture. Hughes then invited Canadian John McDermott to head up the group and he accepted. After conferring with Ireland's leading vocal coach, Dr. Veronica Dunne, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan were asked to join. In 1999, "The Irish Tenors-in Dublin" debuted on PBS television in the United States.
PBS signed up for another special by the increasingly popular new group but early in 2000 McDermott's mother died and John decided he could not fully commit himself to the group. Days before PBS was to film The Irish Tenors - Live in Belfast Hughes again contacted Finbar Wright and asked him to step in. Wright agreed to help and was asked to stay on for upcoming tour dates. Having left Sony, Wright was able to join the trio on a permanent basis.
In 2001, the Irish Tenors filmed their third special, an historic PBS broadcast at New York's Ellis Island , hosted by Irish/American actor Martin Sheen. Their album "Ellis Island" topped Billboard's Heatseeker list and landed on its "Top 10 Best of 2001".
In 2006, after Tynan left the group to concentrate on his solo career, Karl Scully was asked by Kearns and Wright to join the trio. This successful blend of voices spurred Bill Hughes to produce a television 9 part series for Ireland's RTE titled The Irish Tenors & Friends. Friends performing on the television special with The Irish Tenors include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber , Paul Carrick, Finbar Furey , Hayley Westenra , Shayne Ward , Sharon Shannon, Peter Grant , Rebecca Storm, Lucia Evans , and Celine Byrne.
In 2007 the South Carolina Legislature issued a "Proclamation" welcoming the trio to that State at their performance in Charleston.
The trio continues to tour yearly.
Voyage
The Irish Tenors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
For the heart's treasure together we set sail
Withnomaps to guide us we steered our own course
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew
Together we're in this relationship
We've built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination is not marked on any chart
We're navigating for the shores of the heart
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered around us we have our own crew
The Irish Tenors' song "Voyage" is a beautiful love ballad that compares life to an ocean voyage, with love being the boat that keeps us afloat during troubled times. The lyrics describe two people who first signed on to sail together in life, with their hearts set on a treasure that they could only find by working together. They encounter many challenges along the way, such as storms and long periods of waiting, but they remain steadfast in their commitment to each other.
The metaphor of life as an ocean voyage is a powerful one, as it suggests that we can never truly know what lies ahead, and that we must rely on love and trust to see us through. This is especially true when we are faced with difficult times, the "troubled waters" of life. But even as we navigate these challenges, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone, as we have our loved ones, our "crew", to help us through.
Overall, "Voyage" is a beautiful testament to the power of love in our lives. Its lyrics remind us of the importance of working together, of weathering life's storms, and of always keeping our eyes on the horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a sailor and you're my first mate
I consider myself a sailor and you, my partner, as my primary support and companion on this journey through life.
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We willingly agreed to embark on this journey, sharing our lives, experiences, and future together.
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
We made a decision to commit fully to this relationship and set out on our journey with great determination, knowing that we will face challenges.
For the heart's treasure together we set sail
We are on a journey to explore the true value and depth of our hearts and emotions, and to build and strengthen our loving bond together.
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
We know that this journey is unique, and there isn’t a set path that guarantees success. We trust and support each other’s decisions as we create our own path forward.
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We encountered difficulty and hardship, but we fought through them with determination and resilience, strengthening our bond in the process.
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
We learned to be patient, resourceful, and hopeful during the calm and slow periods in our relationship, knowing that it will help us weather the storms ahead.
Working together we learned how to cope
Through our shared experiences, empathy, and support for each other, we have discovered and developed coping mechanisms for the challenges we face together.
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
Just as a boat keeps us afloat in an ocean, love acts as a foundation that keeps us grounded and our relationship intact.
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
Love is especially important during hard times, serving as an anchor to keep us emotionally and mentally stable during difficulties.
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
We embarked on this journey with just the two of us, as individuals, but have come together and evolved into something much greater.
Now gathered around us we have our own crew
Our shared journey has attracted and brought new people into our lives, who we now consider part of our community and support system.
Together we're in this relationship
We recognize and value the power of being together in this journey, sharing and supporting each other throughout the ups and downs.
We've built it with care to last the whole trip
Our commitment, kindness, and love for each other have laid the foundation for a lasting relationship that will see us through life's journey together.
Our true destination is not marked on any chart
Our journey together isn't defined by external goals or markers of success, but rather by the unique value of our relationship and our love for each other.
We're navigating for the shores of the heart
Our journey is one of the heart, as we navigate the often-intense emotions and complexities of love, discovering new depths and strengthening our connection along the way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maryhudson7744
My father quoted this on my parent’s 50th anniversary. He got chocked up. He now has Alzheimer’s but my mom is by his side everyday. This song chokes me up every time.
@jamesnelson6980
Just wonderful! My lovely bride passed away 11 years ago, this is a song that keeps her alive in my heart. Thank you, John, and my God bless you!
@ninas006
My dad told me he wanted my mom to listen to this when he knew he was dying.... She blew him away and never listened or took it to heart... But I am the crew, and I get it, and love the analogy of it all. I had my skipper!! ;)
@MorganTB
This man sings from the heart with a God given talent that he shares with the world. I could listen to his music 24 hours a day. What a voice, one of the all time great singers who is a true gentleman! Tom in TN. USA
@amcglas
There is more than words to this mans singing. Heart and feeling. A wonderful man who puts life to words. If you ever have a chance to see him in person, don't pass up the opportunity!
@maryhanke8735
lost my beloved husband of 55years. he was my captain in our life voyage. this song reflects my heartfelt love and feelings.
@suzetteokennedy5622
Celebrating our 31st Anniversary , This song is so applicable. Thank you John McDermott this shall always be a favourite in my book. Your soul-full rendition makes it all the more special.
@algywatt
We've just celebrated our Golden Wedding.We took a voyage from Greenock to Canada on "Empress of Canada" and we had nobody to turn to... "just me and you" now 50yrs later,we also have our own crew. Thanks John for putting our story to music...it's beautiful.
@cdnjoe4u
I've only recently come to appreciate this great Canadian singer....Always a message. Thanks John
@marycochran4380
This is magical and a "Voyage"that most of us seek. Hope for smooth sailing is what we all dream of. Thanks for this beautiful version.