The Longest Johns formed in June 2012 after first singing together at a friend's barbecue. The original line up consisted of Josh Bowker, Andy Yates, Jonathan Darley and Dave Robinson. About a week later, they posted their first video on YouTube, singing "Haul Away Joe." They released their debut EP, Bones in the Ocean, in 2013, the title track of which is still one of their most popular. Their first full album, Written in Salt, was released in 2016, featuring tracks such as Drunken Sailor, Old Maui and Randy Dandy-O.
In June 2018 they released their second album, Between Wind & Water, which contained the smash hit "Wellerman". This recording, as well as the one used in the bands' Sea of Thieves series "Open Crewsing" would go on to cause the viral sensation in the years to come.
In October 2019, the band announced that Anna Cornish would be leaving the band to focus on her other band, The Norfolk Broads.
In March 2020, they released a song titled "Flatten the Curve", urging people to stay indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, the band released their third studio album, Cures What Ails Ya. This album was the Johns' first album featuring a full array of instruments on half of the songs.
In March 2023, The Longest Johns released a collab album, The Longest Pony, featuring collabs with the Barcelona folk group, El Pony Pisador. The album features the song "Al Pirata Joan Torrellas" which sung only in Catalan.
On 1 May 2023, the band announced the departure of founding member Dave Robinson.
Nantucket
The Longest Johns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breakers and Quakers and few of us stray
Hunting the oceans with men that won't tire
Nantucket sleigh rides and chimneys afire
Some may be wary and won′t understand
Trading a spear for a flag in the hand
A jetsam that rides 'pon some shipping out east
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we'll holler
As though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches
And brace to take the shock
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock
I′m not used to bracing in weather so calm
Still making cheer when I hear the alarm
As iron and fire knock nails from the stern
The shores are no longer my biggest concern
Our skipper is canny, a droll kind of soul
He never sulked and he′s still cracking jokes
Ah, Mr Starbuck, your aim is quite rare
Well, I aim to sink her beyond disrepair
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we'll holler
As though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches
And brace to take the shock
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock
History favours the bold and the brave
Conquer the mountains and weather the waves
Now I′m away with all liberty's sons
Off down the channel to stand by the guns
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we′ll holler
As though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches
And brace to take the shock
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we'll holler
As though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches
And brace to take the shock
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock
The song "Nantucket" by The Longest Johns is a sailor's tale that captures the essence of 19th-century whaling in Nantucket. The lyrics pay homage to the island's maritime history, including its hunting traditions, the skills of its men, and the risks involved in taking part in it. The singer reflects on their experiences whaling in Nantucket, the challenges they face, the camaraderie they share, and their love for the sea.
The first two verses describe the challenges and excitement of being a Nantucket whaler, a proud and skilled hunter of the oceans. They show that the life of a whaler is one of hard work and danger, but also of freedom and adventure. The chorus, "Fire flies from the long nines, shot-handlers run about, the captain says we'll holler, as though there was some doubt" depicts the thrill of the hunt and the need for precision and readiness.
In the third verse, the singer highlights their lack of experience in battling calm weather, but still being able to keep their spirits high. The fourth verse exalts the skipper for his wit and bravery, showing that he is an inspiration to his crew. The final verse is a call to arms, where the singer expresses their determination to stand by the guns and face any challenge that comes their way.
Line by Line Meaning
I come from an island, an islander's ways
I'm from an island, and I have a way of life typical of islanders.
Breakers and Quakers and few of us stray
The people where I'm from are divided into two groups: those who hunt whales and those who don't. Not many choose to leave the island.
Hunting the oceans with men that won't tire
My companions and I tirelessly hunt whales.
Nantucket sleigh rides and chimneys afire
After our successful hunt, we drag the whale back to shore, leaving a trail in the water behind us that looks like a sleigh ride. We light chimneys to help us cook the meat.
Some may be wary and won't understand
Some people may not trust or comprehend our way of life.
Trading a spear for a flag in the hand
We've exchanged our spears for flags as we've become more civilized.
A jetsam that rides 'pon some shipping out east
We're floating debris attached to the ships heading east to hunt whales.
Out to go hunting a different beast
We're embarking on a journey to hunt whales in a new place.
Fire flies from the long nines
The guns on our ship emit flashes of light when fired.
Shot-handlers run about
People who handle the firearms are hurrying around the ship.
The captain says we'll holler
Our captain reminds everyone to shout so that we can work together.
As though there was some doubt
The captain is confident in our success, so there's no need to worry.
And as we blow on the matches
We light the fuses attached to the guns.
And brace to take the shock
We prepare ourselves to withstand the kickback from the guns.
My mind is in Nantucket
Despite my current location, my thoughts are still focused on my home island.
Hauling whale meat into dock
I'm reminiscing about bringing the whale meat back to shore after a successful hunt.
I'm not used to bracing in weather so calm
I'm not used to preparing for the recoil of the guns in such calm weather.
Still making cheer when I hear the alarm
Despite the danger, I remain optimistic and continue to make jokes when I hear the alarm sound.
As iron and fire knock nails from the stern
The force of the guns firing is so great that it shakes the nails loose from the back of the ship.
The shores are no longer my biggest concern
I'm currently more focused on the hunt than I am on the safety of my home island.
Our skipper is canny, a droll kind of soul
Our captain is clever and funny.
He never sulked and he's still cracking jokes
Even in danger, our captain remains positive and humorous.
Ah, Mr Starbuck, your aim is quite rare
The captain compliments Mr. Starbuck's aim while we hunt for whales.
Well, I aim to sink her beyond disrepair
The captain's goal is to destroy the whale rather than just hunt it for its meat.
History favours the bold and the brave
People who are courageous and adventurous are often remembered favorably in history.
Conquer the mountains and weather the waves
People who overcome challenges like mountains or oceans are seen as heroes.
Now I'm away with all liberty's sons
I'm now part of a group of people who value freedom and equality.
Off down the channel to stand by the guns
I'm going down to the lower deck to stand next to the guns and fire them.
Writer(s): Andrew Yates, David Robinson, Jonathan Darley, Robert Sattin
Contributed by Tristan C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fencingperson
A scene so violent and sad narrated so beautifully.
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we'll
hollerhull 'erAs though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches
And brace to take the shock
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock.
@casscarter7374
I come from an island, an islander's ways
Breakers and Quakers and few of us stray
Hunting the oceans with men that won't tire
Nantucket sleigh rides and chimneys afire
Some may be wary, and won't understand
Trading a spear for a flag in the hand
But jetsam the try-pots, I'm shipping out east,
Off to go hunting a different beast
[Chorus]
Fire flies from the long nines
Shot-handlers run about
The captain says we'll hull 'er,
As though there was some doubt
And as we blow on the matches,
And brace to take the shock,
My mind is in Nantucket
Hauling whale meat into dock
I'm not used to bracing in weather so calm,
Still making cheer when I hear the alarm
As iron and fire knock nails from the stern,
The shoals are no longer my biggest concern
Our skipper is canny, a droll kind of soul;
Heat of assault and he's still cracking jokes
"Ah, Mr Starbuck, your aim is quite rare;
Well, I aim to sink her beyond disrepair"
[Chorus]
History favours the bold and the brave,
Conquer the mountains and weather the waves
Now I'm away with all liberty's sons,
Off down the channel to stand by the gun
[Chorus x 2]
@Vi0letRay
Please please please perform this during your Voyage tour, it makes me cry every time
@calebmurphy9406
Between this, Pride of the White Star Line, and Beer Is Great, Robbie really pulled his weight this album. Three absolute bangers.
@joshbowker5159
Not to mention Rolling Along… 😉
@calebmurphy9406
@@joshbowker5159 I knew I was forgetting one! Thank you, Josh! Also, RIP.
@joshbowker5159
@@calebmurphy9406 Many thanks 👻
@zealandnipges
I think the entire album is good its honestly my favorite out of all them long time longest johns fan
@Cry_Havoc
I'm just going to sit in my corner and squee like a teenager fangirl until I can think of something coherent to say.
@LuanTheOrb
Nice
@darthrevan-
I'm from Nantucket and this song warms my heart
@CourtlySeaDog
This is the deepest song by far. I love the drumline in the last stanza to show the transition from whaler to Navy sailor