Three months into World War One, Britain's newly-installed First Sea Lord, Jackie Fisher, ordered a Rear Admiral Christopher Cradock and his motley crew of ships to intercept the German East Asiatic Squadron under Admiral Maximilian Von Spee, which was threatening to wreak havoc among Allied shipping in the Pacific.
Admiral Cradock's group of obsolete old ships, manned partly by naval reservists, stood no chance against their superior opponents and were overwhelmed at the Battle of Coronel on 1 November 1914, Cradock going down with his flagship, the unfortunately named HMS Good Hope.
The reference to "Troubridge" concerns a British admiral who was court-martialled earlier in the war for avoiding a similar showdown against a stronger enemy force in the Mediterranean.
I really enjoyed writing this song, which seemed to come out of nowhere. Very rough but hopefully you'll get the general idea :)
GOOD HOPE
Orders from Fisher, we’re in best position
To trap Maximilian and drive the Hun down
I can’t back out or I’ll wind up like Troubridge
Facing court martial, disgraced over town
Slow and steady boys, get yourself ready
They might hang themselves if we lend enough rope
Though we may suffer we’ll give them as much
And at least they’ll remember that old boat Good Hope
The ships of my flag were built stout for battle
Shame that battle was ten years ago
Rusty and ageing now everything’s breaking
Straining each rivet these grey ladies shake
Dreaming of Valparaiso
Coaling and limping victorious home
Then shots are fired and my fear revives
We are too short for broadside and too far to ram
First salvo straddle, trapped us like cattle
And while I’m a fighter, we’ve barely a prayer
@tukayandryan Feb 2022
Storytelling is on point here. Really interesting chord progressions. Fascinating historical story too.
@frostin Feb 2022
Love the historical theme, and a great chord structure as well
@mk2021 Feb 2022
Andy, this is definitely a strong effort. I am really loving this one. It has clever lyrics and a melancholy undertone on the piano. Brilliant work.
@melaniepegge Feb 2022
Oh and I agree with @mariekevinkmusic ... this is getting embarrassing
@melaniepegge Feb 2022
You are always so brilliant at story telling in song. The theme is really evocative. Interestingly I caught something on the radio this morning about a historic sunken ship and I thought... sounds like an Andy Griffiths song
@sheslin Feb 2022
The songs that come out of nowhere are the best! Your voice make me think of James Taylor. So smooth and rich. I love the twists and turns in your melody. I think you captured the perfect musical mood for these excellent lyrics.
@mariekevinkmusic Feb 2022
Stop writing songs. It is embarrassing us all.