The Bluenose
The Real McKenzies Lyrics


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Designed by William Roué and built by Smith and Rhuland Co.
Launched in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1921
Christened by lady by Audrey
She slipped into the bay
Oh captain Angus Walters,
A skipper of high degree
The Bluenose was on her way
Season after season a regatta she′d endure
She won the cup for fastest ship
And this we know for sure




For 17 years no challenger could best the champion ship
For captain Angus Walters

Overall Meaning

The Bluenose is a Canadian national icon, and The Real McKenzies celebrated its history and significance through their song. The song talks about the history of Bluenose from its design and construction in 1921 to its domination in the regatta for 17 years straight. The Bluenose was designed by William Roué and was built by Smith and Rhuland Co. It was launched in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, in 1921, and was christened by Lady Audrey. As the ship slipped into the bay, Captain Angus Walters, a skipper of high degree, was on board, and The Bluenose started its journey.


As the song progresses, it talks about The Bluenose's success in various regattas that it took part in. More specifically, the ship won the cup for the fastest ship, and no challenger could beat the champion ship for 17 continuous years. The captain of the ship, Angus Walters, was an experienced sailor who led the ship to victories with his excellent skills. The song celebrates the ship's journey and its importance in Canada's history.


Line by Line Meaning

Designed by William Roué and built by Smith and Rhuland Co.
The Bluenose ship was intricately designed by William Roué and constructed with great care by Smith and Rhuland Co.


Launched in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1921
The Bluenose ship was launched in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1921, signifying the beginning of its career.


Christened by lady by Audrey
The Bluenose ship was officially christened by a lady named Audrey, a tradition that bestows blessings for the ship and its crew.


She slipped into the bay
The Bluenose ship was smoothly launched into the bay, marking the start of its journey.


Oh captain Angus Walters,
Captain Angus Walters was the leader of the ship and played a critical role in navigating and managing it.


A skipper of high degree
Captain Angus Walters was an expert and highly skilled sailor, knowledgeable in all the necessary aspects of operating a ship.


The Bluenose was on her way
After being launched, the Bluenose set out to sea for its first voyage, with Captain Angus Walters at the helm.


Season after season a regatta she′d endure
The Bluenose participated in consecutive regattas every year, facing challenging races and competitors.


She won the cup for fastest ship
The Bluenose was victorious in winning the cup for being the fastest ship, thanks to the efforts of Captain Angus Walters and his crew.


And this we know for sure
As an established historical fact, it is widely known and acknowledged that the Bluenose won the cup for the fastest ship.


For 17 years no challenger could best the champion ship
For a remarkable 17 year period, no adversary could match the speed and capabilities of the Bluenose, which was an amazing feat.


For captain Angus Walters
Captain Angus Walters was instrumental in maintaining the Bluenose’s success, with his expertise and leadership being essential to the ship’s achievements.




Writer(s): The Real Mckenzies

Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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