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.
This Is The Sea
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you better throw them away
you want to turn your back
on your souless days
once you were tethered
now you are free
once you were tethered
now you are free
this is the sea
now if you are feeling weary
if you've been alone too long
or maybe you been suffering from
a few too many plans that have gone wrong
and you're tryin' to remember
how fine your life used to be
running around banging your drum
like it's ninteeen seventy three
well that was the river
this is the sea
now you say you got trouble
you say you got pain
you say you got nothin' left to believe in
nothin' to hold on to
nothin' to trust
nothin' but chains
you've been scouring your conscience
raking through your memory
scouring your conscience
raking through your memory
that was the river
this is the sea
now i can see you're waverin'
as you try to decide
you've got a war in your head
and it's tearing you up inside
you're tryin' to make sense
of something that you just don't see
tryin' to make sense now
and you know that you once held the key
but that was the river
and this is the sea
now here is a train
it's comin' on down the line
you realise if you hurry
you got still enough time
and you don't need no tiket
and you dont pay no fee
and you don't need no ticket
and you dont pay no fee
because that was the river
and this is the sea
that was the river
this is the sea
that was the river
this is the sea
the river, the river, the river, the river
the river, the river, the river
and this is the sea
sea mmmmmm sea
Behold The Sea
The Waterboys' 'This Is The Sea' is a song that not only talks about life but also about the importance of letting go of the past and moving towards a brighter tomorrow. The song urges the listener to move on from the "soulless days" of the past and "throw them away," in order to be liberated and free - just like how a river dumps off its content into the sea.
The song's lyrics can be interpreted in several ways. One possible interpretation is that the "river" is a metaphor for the past, and the "sea" is a metaphor for the future. The song encourages its listeners to let go of the past, leave it behind and not cling on to what they once were. Instead, it motivates them to move towards the future with a renewed spirit of adventure and optimism. The song suggests that it is futile to keep playing the same old tunes - like banging your drum as if it's 1973. Instead, it recommends being open to new experiences and challenges, symbolized by the train that is coming down the line.
The lyrics talk about the various struggles that people face in their lives - pain, doubt, fear, etc. But the song gives the listener hope by stating that though the "river" (the past) may have seemed choppy, uncertain, and often painful, the "sea" (the future) offers new opportunities for growth, enjoyment, and fulfillment. The song declares that the listener is no longer tied down by the past and they now have the freedom to explore new possibilities. In summary, the song is a powerful reminder that no matter what happens in the past, the future is always a blank book waiting to be written, and that one should be courageous and seize opportunities that come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
These things you keep
Let go of your emotional baggage and anything that holds you back.
you better throw them away
Get rid of the things that weigh you down and prevent you from moving forward.
you want to turn your back
Reject the old ways of your soulless past and seek new meaning.
on your souless days
Reflect on the emptiness of your previous days and strive for something more fulfilling.
once you were tethered
You used to be tied down and restricted by your past.
now you are free
You have broken free from your past and are now free to pursue your dreams.
once you were tethered
Again, emphasizing that you were once held back.
now you are free
Reiterating that you are now unshackled.
that was the river
The river represents your former life, which is now in the past.
this is the sea
The sea represents your new life, full of possibility and adventure.
now if you are feeling weary
If you are feeling tired and drained from trying to figure out your new path.
if you've been alone too long
If you have been struggling to find your way without any support or companionship.
or maybe you been suffering from
Maybe you have been struggling with emotional pain and uncertainty.
a few too many plans that have gone wrong
Maybe you have tried and failed too many times, leaving you feeling lost and demoralized.
and you're tryin' to remember
You are struggling to remember what it felt like to live a happy and fulfilling life, before all the struggles.
how fine your life used to be
Remembering how everything used to fall into place for you, and you want it back.
running around banging your drum
Feeling alive and passionate, confident and successful, like you were in the 70s when you felt so free.
like it's ninteeen seventy three
Referencing to the 70s era where music and freedom were at their peak.
well that was the river
Reminding you that the past is over and that you need to move on.
this is the sea
Urging you to embrace your new life and all of its possibilities.
now you say you got trouble
Acknowledging that you are facing challenges.
you say you got pain
Acknowledging that you are in pain and may be struggling with deep emotional wounds.
you say you got nothin' left to believe in
Feeling hopeless and despairing, lacking faith and direction.
nothin' to hold on to
Feeling like you are lost and without anchor or support.
nothin' to trust
Lacking faith in yourself, in others, or in life in general.
nothin' but chains
Feeling trapped and held down by your struggles and limitations.
you've been scouring your conscience
You are searching deep within yourself for answers and clarity.
raking through your memory
You are digging through your past, trying to find meaning and direction.
that was the river
Again, reminding you that the past is gone and that you need to move on.
this is the sea
Telling you to move forward and embrace your new life.
now i can see you're waverin'
You are struggling with indecision and uncertainty about your future.
as you try to decide
Trying to make a decision about which path to take.
you've got a war in your head
There is an inner conflict within you that is causing you distress.
and it's tearing you up inside
You are in pain and feel torn apart by your inner struggles.
you're tryin' to make sense
Trying to understand your feelings and find clarity.
of something that you just don't see
Feeling blind to the answers and solutions you need.
and you know that you once held the key
You remember when you had the power to control your life and find happiness.
but that was the river
Again, reminding you that the past is over.
and this is the sea
Telling you to embrace your new life and find your way forward.
now here is a train
An opportunity is presenting itself to you.
it's comin' on down the line
The opportunity is fast approaching and will soon be gone.
you realise if you hurry
You understand that you must act fast.
you got still enough time
There is still time for you to take action, but you must act quickly.
and you don't need no tiket
This opportunity is free and does not require anything from you.
and you dont pay no fee
This opportunity will not cost you anything.
because that was the river
Reminding you that the opportunity is part of your new life, not your old one.
and this is the sea
Telling you that the opportunity is part of your new life, full of possibility and adventure.
that was the river
Bringing you back to the river representing your past.
this is the sea
Bringing you back to the sea representing your new life.
that was the river
Reminding you one more time that your past is behind you.
this is the sea
Emphasizing that you should focus on your new life and all of its possibilities.
the river, the river, the river, the river
Repeating the river to underscore how important it is to let go of the past.
the river, the river, the river
Repeating the river again to drive home its importance.
the river
Final reminder to let go of the past.
and this is the sea
Final affirmation to focus on the future and embrace new possibilities.
sea mmmmmm sea Behold The Sea
Encouragement to appreciate and explore the new life and possibilities before you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SlavicGirl
Great song reminds me of a brilliant poem “ Fear” by Kahlil Gibran
It is said that before entering the sea
a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path she has traveled,
from the peaks of the mountains,
the long winding road crossing forests and villages.
And in front of her,
she sees an ocean so vast,
that to enter
there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.
But there is no other way.
The river can not go back.
Nobody can go back.
To go back is impossible in existence.
The river needs to take the risk
of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear,
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean.
here is link to the wonderful video of this poem https://youtu.be/K_IXi4VceRM
Fiachra McKeever
"This Is The Sea"
These things you keep
You'd better throw them away
You wanna turn your back
On your soulless days
Once you were tethered
And now you are free
Once you were tethered
Well now you are free
That was the river
This is the sea!
Now if you're feelin' weary
If you've been alone too long
Maybe you've been suffering from
A few too many
Plans that have gone wrong
And you're trying to remember
How fine your life used to be
Running around banging your drum
Like it's 1973
Well that was the river
This is the sea!
Wooo!
Now you say you've got trouble
You say you've got pain
You say've got nothing left to believe in
Nothing to hold on to
Nothing to trust
Nothing but chains
You've been scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
Scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
But that was the river
This is the sea yeah!
Now I can see you wavering
As you try to decide
You've got a war in your head
And it's tearing you up inside
You're trying to make sense
Of something that you just don't see
Trying to make sense now
And you know you once held the key
But that was the river
And this is the sea!
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!
Now I hear there's a train
It's coming on down the line
It's yours if you hurry
You've got still enough time
And you don't need no ticket
And you don't pay no fee
No you don't need no ticket
You don't pay no fee
Because that was the river
And this is the sea!
Behold the sea!
Beth Dupont
These things you keep
You'd better throw them away
You wanna turn your back
On your soulless days
Once you were tethered
And now you are free
Once you were tethered
Well now you are free
That was the river
This is the sea!
Now if you're feelin' weary
If you've been alone too long
Maybe you've been suffering from
A few too many
Plans that have gone wrong
And you're trying to remember
How fine your life used to be
Running around banging your drum
Like it's 1973
Well that was the river
This is the sea!
Wooo!
Now you say you've got trouble
You say you've got pain
You say've got nothing left to believe in
Nothing to hold on to
Nothing to trust
Nothing but chains
You're scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
Scouring your conscience
Raking through your memories
But that was the river
This is the sea yeah!
Now I can see you wavering
As you try to decide
You've got a war in your head
And it's tearing you up inside
You're trying to make sense
Of something that you just can't see
Trying to make sense now
And you know you once held the key
But that was the river
And this is the sea!
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!
Now I hear there's a train
It's coming on down the line
It's yours if you hurry
You've got still enough time
And you don't need no ticket
And you don't pay no fee
No you don't need no ticket
You don't pay no fee
Because that was the river
And this is the sea!
Behold the sea!
.......
I've known this song as long as......(even got the record somewhere, as I was in live with: "The Stolen Child"
and it hit me today ....hard in heart and soul: The lyrics. As if I never have heard it before.
...time to realize, that now.....THIS IS THE SEA.
Time to hop onboard the train...
Nik
I first heard this song parked at an old cemetary on the north side of my small home town in Iowa. It was playing from an 'alternative' college radio station in 1986. I was a junior in high school, I was desperately alone, I was angry at the world , I was drunk, and this came over the waves. I'll never forget the moment. I tried to play and sing it the best I could for years when drunk and lost, then sober and lost. It still means more to me than any single song has. Moments are like that.
snow11wolf
I graduated high school in the late '70's. I had never hear this song until the spring of 2020. And then it was a just a wee bit of what John Murphy of "The 100" displayed. What a new view revealed to me!
A.D. Nielsen
Damn, your comment hit me hard. So much nostalgia.
Farzana Mughal
👍👍
mian farooq
Hey u there?
Killer Casting
Thanks Nik. Beautiful words. Heartfelt. Honest. Mike and Karl would approve ! ❤️
SlavicGirl
Great song reminds me of a brilliant poem “ Fear” by Kahlil Gibran
It is said that before entering the sea
a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path she has traveled,
from the peaks of the mountains,
the long winding road crossing forests and villages.
And in front of her,
she sees an ocean so vast,
that to enter
there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.
But there is no other way.
The river can not go back.
Nobody can go back.
To go back is impossible in existence.
The river needs to take the risk
of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear,
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean.
here is link to the wonderful video of this poem https://youtu.be/K_IXi4VceRM
just a human being.
words to this song better than that.imo.
Andrew Budd
This is my recovery song,recovering from a hopeless state of mind & body.39yrs of active addiction & 9 months free.
That was the river & sobriety is the sea.First heard this aged 17,still playing aged 53.
Anyone in early recovery,keep on keeping on.Life IS truly & amazing experience.
Mike Hiltz
Found this song watching the series "The 100" and i cant agree with you more. 7 days away from reaching 1 year of sobriety (11/3/20 sober date) and this song moved me tremendously.