Scrimshaw
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A Longest Johns Original, written by Andy Yates and released as track 9 on Ends of the Earth on 1 May 2026. During the album launch listening party, Andy said that he considered it "a bit of a love song to whales".
Factoids
Scrimshaw refers to the practice of carving or engraving whale bones or teeth or walrus tusks, and to the artifacts thus created. Originally a practical skill used by sailors on whaling ships to create tools, it became a leisure activity for sailors and pieces became more elaborate and decorative over time. The hobby still exists today, typically using ivory as a medium, though ethically sourcing ivory can still be challenging.[1]
Lyrics
Very kindly provided by the band.
I've heard them say it's an omen
Of terrible things yet to pass
Some have said it's a warning
For the sins to which we still grasp
Some say it's a sign of great power
To ward off the monsters that lurk
Some say they've been hearing the voices
Of the sailors who drowned in the dark
{Chorus}
Scrimshaw (when the clock has stopped at last)
Scrimshaw (for the sailors of the past)
Scrimshaw (and there's nothing left but bones)
Scrimshaw, carve your own
Oh, Captain Ahab, what do you seek?
Revenge of great meaning, or death on the sea?
Oh, Captain Ahab, what did you find?
The curse of ambition will be your demise
I've read tales of heroes and villains
Consumed by your terrible maw
There are signs of your coming and passing
From the depths of the sea to the stars
{Chorus}
Stories in ink and in bone
A portent of the unknown
The world is wide and long, my friends
And the freedom is yours to roam
And the freedom is yours to roam
{Chorus x2}