The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from the British Isles. London, Dublin, Spiddal, and Findhorn have all served as a home for the group. The band has played in a number of different styles, but most often their music can be described as a mix of Celtic folk music with rock and roll, or folk rock. After ten years of recording and touring, the band dissolved in 1993 and Scott pursued a solo career. The band reformed in 2000, and continues to release albums and tour worldwide. Scott himself emphasizes a continuity between The Waterboys and his solo work, saying that "To me there's no difference between Mike Scott and the Waterboys; they both mean the same thing. They mean myself and whoever are my current travelling musical companions."
More than thirty musicians have performed live as a Waterboy. Some have spent only a short time with the band, contributing to a single tour or album, while others have been long-term members with significant contributions. Scott has been the band's lead vocalist, motivating force, and principal songwriter throughout the group's history, but a number of other musicians are closely identified with the band.
Anthony Thistlethwaite was an original member of the band, and remained a member until 1991 when the band broke up, although he also joined a few recording sessions for A Rock in the Weary Land. After Scott and Wickham, Thistlethwaite has more songwriting credits than any other Waterboy. His saxophone, regularly featured in solos, was one half of the early group's distinctive brass section, but he has also played guitar, keyboards and a number of other instruments for the band. He pressed to return The Waterboys to a rock music sound after Room to Roam, but did not appear on Dream Harder, the result of that decision. He is now a member of The Saw Doctors, and has also released three solo albums.
Kevin Wilkinson, another original member, was The Waterboys' drummer from 1983–1984, and continued to play in some studio sessions afterwards. His most recent appearance was on A Rock in the Weary Land. He led the rhythm section of the group during its "Big Music" phase, sometimes without the assistance of any bass guitar. Scott describes Wilkinson's drumming as "bright and angular, an unusual sound".
Karl Wallinger joined the group in 1983, shortly after its formation. He left the group two years later, but in that relatively short period made important contributions to both A Pagan Place and This is the Sea. He co-wrote "Don't Bang the Drum", the environmentalism anthem on This is the Sea. His keyboards and synthesizer work expanded the group's sound, and he also did some studio work for demo sessions. Wallinger's World Party project was heavily influenced by his work with The Waterboys.
Roddy Lorimer's participation in the group began in 1983, contributing his trumpet playing "on and off" through 1990. He and Thistlethwaite took turns leading the brass section of the band, and Lorimer was also a featured soloist, most famously on "The Whole of the Moon" and "Don't Bang the Drum". He further contributed backing vocals to the song. His trumpet style is a combination of his classical training with an experimental approach encouraged by Scott. Lorimer returned for some studio work in 2006.
Steve Wickham transformed the group with his joining in 1985. His strong interest in folk music directly resulted in the band's change of direction. His initial involvement with The Waterboys ended in 1990 when Scott and Thistlethwaite wanted to return to rock and roll, but Wickham rejoined the group again in 2000, and, as of 2007, continues to perform with the band. Described by Scott as "the world's greatest rock fiddle player", he has written more songs for the band than anyone other than Scott, including the group's handful of instrumental recordings.
After 2000, Richard Naiff became one of the three core Waterboys members.Richard Naiff first recorded with the band in 1999, and joined permanently in 2000. As of 2007, he is a core member, along with Scott and Wickham. He is a classically-trained pianist and flautist, and plays keyboards for The Waterboys. Ian McNabb described him as Scott's "find of the century" and reviewers have described him as "phenomenally talented".
Other notable members of the band include bassist McNabb, leader of Icicle Works; Sharon Shannon, who became Ireland's all-time best-selling traditional musician; the experimental musician Thighpaulsandra, producer Guy Chambers, and Patti Smith Group drummer Jay Dee Daugherty.
SHENANDOAH
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look away, you rollin' river
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Look away. We're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Now the Missouri is a mighty river
Look away, you rollin' river.
Look away. We're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Well a white man loved an Indian maiden
Look away, you rollin' river
With notions his canoe was laden
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Look away, you rollin' river
It was for her I'd cross the water.
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
For seven long years I courted Sally
Look away, you rollin' river
Seven more years I longed to have her
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
Well, it's fare-thee-well, my dear,
I'm bound to leave you
Look away you rollin' river
Shenandoah, I will not deceive you
Look away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri
The lyrics to The Waterboys' song Shenandoah are a tribute to the beauty and legendary history of the Shenandoah River, which flows through Virginia and West Virginia before joining the Potomac River. The singer longs to hear the river's gentle flow, but he is heading west with a group of fellow settlers across the wide Missouri. The lyrics also acknowledge the indigenous peoples who have lived along the river's banks, and the adaptations and compromises made by the settlers, who often fell in love with the local women, leading to a melding of cultures.
The lyrics draw on traditional folk song lyrics, first recorded in the 19th century. The song was widely sung by American sailors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often while at sea, which led to its popularity reaching Europe. The Waterboys' version of Shenandoah is an homage to both the traditional lyrics and the myriad of musical interpretations of the song, with a Celtic-inspired arrangement that merges the beauty of the river with the sadness and longing of the journey westwards. The song is a testament to the unending allure of the frontier, as the singer dreams of new beginnings across the Mississippi.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
The singer deeply yearns to hear the beautiful voice of the Shenandoah River
Look away, you rollin' river
The singer acknowledges the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah River as it flows freely through nature's course
Oh, Shenandoah, I long to hear you
Once more, the singer reiterates their intense longing to hear the song of the Shenandoah River
Look away. We're bound away
As the group departs, they take one last look at the Shenandoah River on their journey out of town
Across the wide Missouri
The group crosses the wide expanse of Missouri as they continue on their journey
Now the Missouri is a mighty river
The Missouri River, like the Shenandoah, is also powerful and majestic
Look away, you rollin' river.
Again, the singer takes notice of the Missouri's rolling and majestic beauty
Indians camp along her border
Native Americans have a connection to the Missouri River, as evidenced by their presence and camping along its borders
Look away. We're bound away
Despite the beauty and allure of the Missouri River, the group is determined to continue their journey
Across the wide Missouri
Once more, the group crosses the expanses of the Missouri River
Well a white man loved an Indian maiden
A story of a white man loving an Indian woman is recounted
Look away, you rollin' river
The singer continues to acknowledge the river's beauty, but is also using it as a metaphor for the journey of life
With notions his canoe was laden
The white man was loaded with ideas and concepts as he embarked on his journey with the Indian woman
Look away, we're bound away
The group is on the move once again
Across the wide Missouri
Continuing their journey across the Missouri River
Oh Shenandoah, I love your daughter
Back to the Shenandoah River, where the singer professes their love for the river's daughter as a metaphor for a lover or partner
Look away, you rollin' river
As before, the singer admires the river's beauty
It was for her I'd cross the water.
The singer would go to great lengths and make any sacrifice for their beloved, whether it be the river's daughter or a real-life partner
Look away, we're bound away
Once again, the group departs on their journey
Across the wide Missouri
Another crossing of the Missouri River as the group continues on their way
For seven long years I courted Sally
The singer recounts a long love affair and courtship with a woman named Sally
Look away, you rollin' river
As they depart, the river once again serves as a metaphor for life's journey and the passage of time
Seven more years I longed to have her
The singer continues to long for Sally, even after seven years of courtship
Look away, we're bound away
The group departs once again, leaving behind their memories and past experiences
Across the wide Missouri
Another crossing of the river as they continue their journey
Well, it's fare-thee-well, my dear, I'm bound to leave you
The singer says goodbye to a loved one as they move on in life's journey
Look away you rollin' river
Once again, the river serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the journey of life
Shenandoah, I will not deceive you
The singer asks for the forgiveness of the Shenandoah River, pledging not to deceive or betray its trust or beauty
Look away, we're bound away
As always, the group continues on its journey to new experiences and discoveries
Across the wide Missouri
The final reference to crossing the Missouri River, as the journey comes to a close
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Susan
I wish I was a fisherman
Tumblin' on the seas
Far away from dry land
And its bitter memories
Casting out my sweet line
With abandonment and love
No ceiling bearin' down on me
Save the starry sky above
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woo!
I wish I was the brakeman
On a hurtlin' fevered train
Crashing a-headlong into the heartland
Like a cannon in the rain
With the beating of the sleepers
And the burnin' of the coal
Counting the towns flashing by
In a night that's full of soul
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woo!
Tomorrow I will be loosened
From bonds that hold me fast
That the chains all hung around me
Will fall away at last
And on that fine and fateful day
I will take thee in my hands
I will ride on the train
I will be the fisherman
With light in my head
You in my arms
Light in my head
You in my arms
Michael Schotten
What a gorgeous, soulful version this is!!! I've seen Mike and Steve perform this wonderful song acoustically, way back in the 90ies. You are really close, maybe even better...
Sherrif86
What a beautiful simplicity that hits right to the core of the song. And the fact you sing straight from the heart brings this video to a rare inspiring level. Love it.
Bethany June
You rock 🌷 thank you
Tweedle Cochon
You never disappoint. On each and every upload you deliver something unique, compelling and memorably beautiful. I'd love to hear more of your own songs if ever you feel like revisiting them.
Bethany June
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you 🌷
Surely one day I'll begin posting more OG tunes..
Eric Singer
Beautiful song. One of my favorites! Beautiful voice. Beautiful woman.
Bethany June
Ahh that's very kind. Thank you 🌷
Eric Singer
You're welcome Bethany.
Susan
I wish I was a fisherman
Tumblin' on the seas
Far away from dry land
And its bitter memories
Casting out my sweet line
With abandonment and love
No ceiling bearin' down on me
Save the starry sky above
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woo!
I wish I was the brakeman
On a hurtlin' fevered train
Crashing a-headlong into the heartland
Like a cannon in the rain
With the beating of the sleepers
And the burnin' of the coal
Counting the towns flashing by
In a night that's full of soul
With light in my head
You in my arms
Woo!
Tomorrow I will be loosened
From bonds that hold me fast
That the chains all hung around me
Will fall away at last
And on that fine and fateful day
I will take thee in my hands
I will ride on the train
I will be the fisherman
With light in my head
You in my arms
Light in my head
You in my arms
Joel Moore
Wow! Wonderful rendition of this song. Love the Waterboys and especially Fisherman's Blues. You did it justice for sure. Well done!!