Ship Song

Nick Cave

About Ship Song

"The Ship Song" is a song written by Nick Cave (lyrics and music), originally performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on their 1990 The Good Son album. It was released by Mute Records as the first single from the album on 12 March 1990, as a CD single, 7" vinyl and a 12" vinyl release. The song reached #84 on the UK Singles Charts. The video for the song was directed by John Hillcoat. In May 2001 "The Ship Song" was selected by Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) as one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time.  


Year:
1998
62 
#1

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Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history baby
Every time you come around
Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
Every time you calling 'round

We talk about it all night long
We define our moral ground
But when I crawl into your arms
Everything comes tumbling down

Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history baby
Every time you come 'round

Your face has fallen sad now
For you know the time is nigh
When I must remove your wings
And you, you must try to fly

Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history baby
Every time you come around
Come loose your dogs upon me
And let your hair hang down
You are a little mystery to me
Every time you calling 'round

Come sail your ships around me
And burn your bridges down
We make a little history baby
Every time you come 'round

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Nick Cave

Nicholas Edward "Nick" Cave (born 22 September 1957) is an Australian musician, songwriter, author, screenwriter, composer and occasional film actor. more »

3 fans

Written by: Blixa Bargeld, Roland Wolf, Nicholas Cave

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"The Ship Song” by Nick Cave belongs to the Alternative rock genre. This genre of music is known for its experimental approach to rock music with a broader cultural scope.
Artist Background
Nick Cave is an Australian musician and songwriter with a career spanning over four decades. His lyrics often encompass love, death, religion, and violence, all of which can be seen in “The Ship Song”.
Original Date of Release
The song was released on 12 February 1990 as the lead single from the album "The Good Son", becoming one of the most widely recognized and beloved tracks by Nick Cave.
Studio Production
Recorded at Tritonus Studios in Berlin, Germany, and mixed at Master Rock Studios in London, “The Ship Song” showcases Nick Cave’s unique brand of artistry.
Lyrical Significance
The song’s lyrics are rich and emotional, demonstrating Cave’s mastery of storytelling. The lyrics depict a love relationship as a ship on a perilous voyage.
Critical Acclaim
“The Ship Song” received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising its emotional depth and the haunting beauty of the music.
Music Video
The music video of this song, directed by John Hillcoat, enhances the song's dark, melancholic mood with black and white imagery.
Cultural Impact
In 2012, the Sydney Opera House used an ensemble version of the tune, featuring various Australian musicians and singers, to promote its use as a venue.
Cover Versions
Owing to the song's popularity, several cover versions have been made by various artists, including UK artists Fabian Holland and Kyte.
Recognition
The song was voted number 84 in the third annual Triple J Hottest 100 in 1991 and remains one of Cave's most popular songs.
Album Success
The album "The Good Son," which includes "The Ship Song," peaked at number 53 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold in Australia in 1991.
Live Performances
"The Ship Song" has been performed live at several of Cave's concerts and has often been included in his setlists due to its popularity among fans.
Influence
Many artists, including Amanda Palmer and Crowded House, have credited "The Ship Song" as a key influence on their own music, a testament to its enduring appeal and impact.

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