Fisherman's Blues

The Waterboys

About Fisherman's Blues

"Fisherman's Blues" is a song from Scottish-Irish folk rock band The Waterboys, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album of the same name. It was written by Mike Scott and Steve Wickham, and produced by Scott. The song reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, No. 13 in Ireland and No. 32 in the UK. A re-issue of the single in 1991 saw the song return to the Top 20 in Ireland, reaching No. 17.


Year:
1991
4:23
427 

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I wish I was a fisherman 
Tumblin' on the seas 
Far away from dry land 
And it's bitter memories 
Castin' out my sweet line 
With abandonment and love 
No ceiling bearin' down on me 
Save the starry sky above 

With light in my head 
With you in my arms

I wish I was the brakeman 
On a hurtlin' fevered train 
Crashin head long into the heartland 
Like a cannon in the rain 
With the feelin of the sleepers 
And the burnin of the coal 
Countin the towns flashin by 
And a night that's full of soul 

With light in my head 
With you in my arms

And I know I will be loosened 
From the bonds that hold me fast 
And the chains all around me 
Will fall away at last 
And on that grand and fateful day 
I will take thee in my hand 
I will ride on a train 
I will be the fisherman 

With light in my head 
You in my arms

Light in my head 
You in my arms

Light in my head 
You 

With light in my head 
You in my arms

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The Waterboys

The Waterboys are a band formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from Scotland, Ireland and England. Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Spiddal, New York, and Findhorn have all served as homes for the group. The band has played in a number of different styles, but their music is a mix of Celtic folk music with rock and roll. After ten years of recording and touring, they dissolved in 1993 and Scott pursued a solo career. They reformed in 2000, and continue to release albums and tour worldwide. Scott 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… more »

2 fans

Written by: SCOTT, WICKHAM

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
Fisherman's Blues was released on 17 October 1988, as the title track of The Waterboys' fourth studio album.
Genre Shift
The song marked a significant departure from the Waterboys' earlier sound which was often classified as new wave or alternative rock. Fisherman's Blues showcased a return to traditional Irish music.
Song Creation
The song was written by the band's lead vocalist, Mike Scott. He composed it, inspired by his love for folk music, specifically the Irish and Scottish traditional songs.
Recording Process
The song was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland. It was a product of extended recording sessions that lasted over a span of 2-3 years.
Notable Instrumentation
Steve Wickham's fiddle playing significantly shaped the song's Irish folk sound. His collaboration with Mike Scott was especially notable in this track.
Album Success
The album, with this song as the title track, was a commercial success. It is often hailed as one of the Waterboys' best works, reaching number 3 in the UK Albums Chart and number 76 in the Billboard 200.
Use in Media
Fisherman's Blues was used in a variety of films and television series, including "Waking Ned Devine", "Just Looking", and notably in several episodes of the TV series "How I Met Your Mother".
Live Performances
This track is notable for its popularity in the band's live performances and concerts. It often featured as the encore song in the setlist.
Cover Versions
Various artists worldwide have covered Fisherman's Blues, showcasing the song’s universal appeal.
Reissue
The album Fisherman’s Blues was given a reissue in a 2006 Collector's Edition with bonus tracks, and again in 2013 as part of a 7-CD Fisherman's Box release with additional outtakes and alternative versions of the song.

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