Damn the Amsterdam
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"Damn the Amsterdam" is a song by shanty punk band Skinny Lister featuring The Longest Johns. It was released as a single from Skinny Lister's 2021 album A Matter Of Life & Love. The lyrics describe the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Amsterdam, an 18th century Dutch cargo ship, which suffered delays due to weather, illness among the crew, and mutiny before losing its rudder and running aground in a storm in the English Channel. It sank in the mud and was rediscovered very well preserved in 1969; the wreck is now a protected site, and portions of the ship are still visible at very low tides.
The Longest Johns are featured on the studio track and in the music video, and performed the song live with Skinny Lister while touring together in November 2021.
Lyrics
God bless the Amsterdam
And all to sail in her
Steady may she get away
From here to India
God speed the Amsterdam
We'll raise the anchor mates
To loves farewell, it's hello hell
Full sail toward our fates
{Chorus}
God damn the Amsterdam
God save us from her curse
I never saw the likes of this before
And god damn its getting worse
God steer the Amsterdam
The captain lost the plot
A raging sea of mutiny
Men full of grog and rot
God help the onеs who fell
As fever took a grip
I wish to Christ I nеver set
my eyes upon this ship
{Chorus}
God guide the Amsterdam
God free us from this fog
Her rudder lost onto the rocks
Her crew all sick as dogs
God gave the Amsterdam
A shallow grave of sand
Her maiden task would be her last
God damn the Amsterdam
{Chorus}
God rest the Amsterdam
Lay where she ran aground
Her timbers show when tide is low
Just west of Hastings town
God knows I heard it said
That dreamers have a plan
Some pretty day she'll sail again
Back home to Amsterdam
God knows I've heard it said
That dreamers have a plan
Well, God forbid she sails again
God damn the Amsterdam
Recordings
Streaming/Purchase
YouTube Videos
Gig Videos
- The Globe, Cardiff (13 Nov 2021)
- O2 Institute, Birmingham (20 Nov 2021) (front row)
- O2 Institute, Birmingham (20 Nov 2021) (row 4)
- O2 Institute, Birmingham (20 Nov 2021) (back upper level)