Inspiration can come in many forms. This one was born when I was reviewing a fellow FAWMer's song and noted how it illustrated: "The shifting tides of our lives" - I immediately thought. That's a great line to build a song around. So I did.
We're (A) on this ship together
Though (C#m) some don't admit the fact
Some pre(F#m)tend they live in a bubble
And (A) put on some big act
Some (C#m) take the opportunity
To (F#m) meet and greet new friends
(D) Others think it's (A) such good fun
To find (E) people to of(A)fend
We're all (D) searching for a lifeboat
In (A) case the ship goes down
The (E) waves are getting stronger
As is our (A) fear that we might drown
No (D) matter what the cost
We have a (A) longing to survive
The (E) pounding we all take
In the (D) shifting (E) tides of our (A) lives
It's (A) not always plain sailing
When the (C#m) waves crash o'er the deck
The (F#m) stabilising measures
Don't calm the (A) fear of a shipwreck
When the (C#m) storm black skies are brooding
And (F#m) lightning strikes the sea
It's (D) hard to be as(A)sured by
The (E) company's guaran(A)tee
CHORUS
We (A) plan the trips we intend to take
When(C#m)ever we're in port
But our (F#m) limited budget means
We (A) often stay on board
We (C#m) watch the First Class Passengers
As they (F#m) stroll down the gangway
And (D) dream we'll be a(A)mongst them
When the (E) chance comes by our (A) way
BRIDGE
The (Bm) ship is sailing on into the (A) sunset
The (Bm) iceberg's waiting silently at (A) sea
The (Bm) string quartet playing on the (A) poop deck
Are re(E)hearsing (D) "Nearer my God to (A) thee!"
Some (A) like to look you in the eye
Some a(C#m)void all eye contact
Some want to (F#m) sit at the Captain's table
And (A) many put on an act
(C#m) Others just enjoy themselves
They're (F#m) only along for the ride
A (D) few are planning (A) secretly
To (E) throw themselves over the (F#m ) side
(Repeat Last two Lines)
@cowboydick Feb 2022
Love the textures here ... the harmony vocal on the chorus, the strings that sneak in, the lyrics ... and your voice, which reminds me of such old-school folk singers as Ewan MacColl. Good work!
@sheilerk Feb 2022
What amazing storytelling! The underlying social commentary is so well done, and the use of the ship to carry the message is perfect. So many great lines. Too many to begin doing a cut and paste. I don't have a favorite, it's all tied together brilliantly, and wonderfully sung and played. I did think the Titanic references in the bridge were especially apropos.
@kahlo2013 Feb 2022
I love this chorus and your layered vocals. Nice addition of instrumental layers in the verse. This has such a classic folk feel that I love. Great hook and wonderful insight.
@billwhite51 Feb 2022
fine writing, especially in the chorus.. and you cant go wrong with a C#m in the key of A.
@cindyrella Feb 2022
I love inspiration from others and I'm glad you were inspired to write this! Champion song!