Barge Ballad

Barge Ballad is the opening track of Written in Salt. This song is a Longest Johns original , written by Josh Bowker, who originally also sang lead on it. Since his departure from the band, JD usually leads the song.

The chorus is cumulative, with the list of instructions in the last line growing with each iteration.

Lyrics

Once there was a barge lad
(Way up atop the mast)
Shouting to the skipper,
"We've made it home at last!"
Well I was that barge lad
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I'm the skipper and that young nipper
Had better be holding fast

{Chorus}
Oh we're loaded down with bales so high,
You've got to lean backwards if you want to see the sky
Oh the Thames may forgive us, but the Alde never will

So eyes front
And away we sail

Oh you've got to be able,
(Way up atop the mast),
Your legs better be nimble
And your head better think fast
Well I was that able
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I'm the skipper and that young nipper
Is hearty enough to last

{Chorus}

So eyes front
Keep your head
And away we sail

Oh you've eyes like an eagle
(Way up atop the mast)
Spotting all the obstacles
That come across your path
Well I was that eagle
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I'm the skipper and that young nipper
Will keep us from taking a bath

{Chorus}

So eyes front
Keep your head
Clear your throat
And away we sail

Oh you've got to remember
(Way up atop the mast)
Knowing all the river routes
That you never learn from the charts
Well I do remember
(Way up atop the mast)
But now I'm the skipper and that young nipper
Is taking the rivers to heart

{Chorus}

So eyes front
Keep your head
Clear your throat
Know your way
Fill your pipe
Grab on tight
Look for the lights
And away we sail

Recordings

Streaming/Purchase

Written in Salt version

Commodore 1864 version

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