The Offing (2015)

Story Behind The Song

Been a longtime sailor.....

Song Description

A sailing song about a sailor who has been at sea a long and the woman who is waiting for him.

Song Length 3:35 Genre Folk - General, Folk - General
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Cheerful, In High Spirits Subject Ship, Sailing
Similar Artists Joni Mitchell, David Crosby Language English
Era 1970 - 1979

Lyrics

"The Offing"
**************************************
Lyrics and Music by Chet Nichols
Copyright 1969/2015 by Chet Nichols (ASCAP)/Magic Garage Music (ASCAP)
chet@chetnichols.net :: http://www.chetnichols.net
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Today it was cold
There was ice all around
But, the ship, it was happy
We were homeward bound

Sea dream, daydreams loom around
It?s been so long since they?ve been found
Pictures painted by a virgin?s hand
That someday soon will please her man
Today it was calm
There was fog all around
But, the ship it was happy
We were homeward bound
And I?m on the masthead looking for land
Just a-waiting to be touched by that virgin?s hand
Oh, land?
Oh, land?.

A roof of straw and seaweed walls
Sun?s itself on the beach?s halls
Quiz the mermaids in the cove
Well, they say that she?s waiting
And growing quit old
Today, it was warm
There was sun all around
And the ship it was happy
We were homeward bound
And I?m on the masthead just looking for land
Just a-waiting to be touched by that virgin?s hand
Oh, land?..
Oh, land?.
Land?ho!

I like the way you presented this song, your humming and holding of words was really great. It's so easy to write a review for a song that is well done...as simple as this was it made a big statement...I am glad I got to review this.
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Very 60s folk movement type of track melody reminiscent of that era. Very good guitar playing and sound suits the song well where nothing much else is needed as the performance is very good . Vocals are perfect too

I really like the rhythm guitar and the lead vocals - sounds a bit like Dan Fogelberg.

A folk song and a sailor's song, this tells a story in the traditional folk song manner. The singing voice is very pleasant and smooth, and the guitar playing is quite wonderful , if a little overpowering now and then. I like the refrain and the repeats, that make way for humming - nice hum.

Nice guitar and really engaging atmosphere to this track. Good story telling lyrics. Nicely recorded.

Nice percussive guitar work making this one seems larger than it really is. Vocal is well sung and on key throughout, it has a nice timber and tone.

Music and lyrics definitely fit. I like the mix, but the percussive nature of the guitar sometimes impedes on the vox. Love the singers voice, and the song has a unique structure that is definitely appealing.

Real nice feel. Liked the ryhthm.

Cool song! I like the urgent sound of the guitars right from the beginning...reminds me of the duo, Batdorf and Rodney. Love the doubling up of vocals at the end. The music and imagery is compelling - I can see that boat eternally heading toward the shore.

Very original song! When I heard the first the first few notes, I was expecting a blues song, but that impression quickly changed. There's so many things to like about this song! I found the varied rhythms a bit confusing in an interesting way...contributed to the song's originality for sure. Skillful guitar playing, a true pleasure to listen to. (wish I could play like that!) The story line was clear, a sailor coming home to his beloved (I like the way you cast your character as the virgin...found that refreshing). I really liked the way the song built up anticipation as the ship got closer to shore. Doubling the vocals on the last chorus was a good decision. I liked the self-harmonies and the passion with which you delivered the vocal. Loved the ending, the hum was a nice touch.

Lyrics Chet Nichols Music Chet Nichols
Producer Chet Nichols, Co-Producer & Stephen Barncard, Co-Producer & Recordist Publisher Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP)
Performance Chet Nichols - All Instruments and vocals Label Magic Garage Records

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