A Salty Dog

Procol Harum

About A Salty Dog

"A Salty Dog" is a song by the British progressive rock band Procol Harum. Written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid, it was released as the lead single off the band's 1969 album A Salty Dog. It was also included on the 1972 album Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.


Year:
1973
4:39
120 

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"All hands on deck, we"ve run afloat" I heard the captain cry
"Explore the ship, replace the cook, let no one leave alive!"
Across the straits, around the Horn, how far can sailors fly?
A twisted path, our tortured course, and no one left alive

We sailed for parts unknown to man, where ships come home to die
No lofty peak, nor fortress bold, could match our captain's eye
Upon the seventh seasick day we made our port of call
A sand so white, and sea so blue, no mortal place at all

We fired the gun, and burnt the mast, and rowed from ship to shore
The captain cried, we sailors wept, our tears were tears of joy
Now many moons and many Junes have passed since we made land
A salty dog, this seaman's log, your witness my own hand

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Procol Harum

Procol Harum are a British rock band, formed in 1967, which contributed to the development of progressive rock, and by extension, symphonic rock. Their best-known recording is their 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Although noted for its baroque and classical influence, Procol Harum's music also embraces the blues, R&B and soul. In October 2012, the band were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more »

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Written by: GARY BROOKER, KEITH REID

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC., Onward Music Limited

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"A Salty Dog" is a song by the British progressive rock band Procol Harum. Written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid, it was released in 1969 as the title track to their third studio album.
Album Release
The "A Salty Dog" album, which was the first Procol Harum album produced by the band's lead singer, Gary Brooker, was released in June 1969.
Lyrics Inspiration
The song was inspired by the sea shanty tradition and the life and work of sailors. The title references the sailors’ slang term 'salty dog', which refers to an experienced seaman.
Music Composition
The song utilizes an ornate orchestral arrangement, with a distinct maritime feel. The drama and complexity of the baroque arrangement set it apart from much of the mainstream rock music of the time.
Chart Performance
"A Salty Dog" peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached #27 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the band's most popular songs.
Album Cover Art
The album cover art for "A Salty Dog" was created by central graphic design figure of the pop art movement, Peter Blake, who also designed the iconic cover for the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.
Cover Versions
"A Salty Dog" has been covered by several artists including Sarah Brightman, Transatlantic, and Marc Almond. A particularly famous cover version was by Styx on their 2005 album "Big Bang Theory".
Song Duration
The song duration of "A Salty Dog" is approximately 4 minutes 36 seconds, which is relatively long for a single released in the late 1960s.
Technical Innovation
The album "A Salty Dog" was one of the earliest rock music albums to be recorded using 8-track technology, providing greater flexibility in terms of overdubbing and mixing.
Impact on Progressive Rock
"A Salty Dog" is often considered a seminal track in the development of progressive rock, showcasing how the genre could incorporate classical styles and complex arrangements into its sound.

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