They may be dead, but you can carry their memory so they never really die. You live to let them live as well. Would you mind sharing their story so they can live on with us as well? If it is too difficult, I understand.
"Every Day I Think About What You Said To Me That Day On The Bridge, And I've Tried To Live My Life The Best I Could. I Hope That Was Enough."- Saving Private Ryan. This movie also hits those of us with survivors guilt. Cheers mate.
"A man dies two deaths. Once when his Mortal Soul leaves this world, and again at the last Utterance of his name. In someways, man can be made Immortal."
I was in the US military for six years. Towards the end of that time, my mental health deteriorated severely. I was ready to die. I wanted to die. One of my SNCOs helped get me through it until I got out. He died suddenly of cancer a few months later. For some inscrutable reason, that's when the TH-cam algorithm introduced me to this song. For me, this song will always be about him, about how he saved my life and i never properly thanked him for it. It will always be about how he motivated me to stay alive until i found a real reason to go on. I try to sing along every time i hear it but i always get choked up. Idk why I'm sharing this story. If anyone reads this, i hope you've found your reason to stay ashore, as it were.
You're not alone I wanted to die too. I lost my job was about to lose my apartment. I decided to get a knife and end it but someone whispered in my ear. How would your family feel if you did this. And I put the knife back in the draw and never thought about it again
Stay strong brother. To you I'm just some random nobody on youtube but I know how much it hurts and I know it's suffocating but just remember that even if you may feel lonely, you're never alone. God bless until we meet on the other side, free of pain and any other mortal barrier that divides us.
"Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss, I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this." Never has the message of "Don't kill yourself" been more simply, and effectively and beautifully articulated. I especially love the admittance of doubt in that line. It's not some cliche moment where the character realizes their life's true purpose, it's just the casual understanding that this person isn't as sure as they thought they were about dying. And that's all it takes. Just that little bit of doubt can be enough to pull someone from the edge.
@@kevindonohue2912 No, that not only defeats the entire purpose of the song, but it also just doesn't make sense with how the sentence is structured. "This" is meant to refer to "the darkest abyss."
In October of last year My father's health took a turn for the worst and I had to make a trip back to Tacoma Washington to say goodbye to him. When I arrived at my parents boat, I could see that there was no possible way that he would wake up and speak with me. He did not want to go in a hospital. He wanted to go out in his own way, in his sleep surrounded by loved ones on his sailboat.. he loved the water and sailing. A kind of weird for a guy who served in the army. But hey, I served in the Navy and loved sailing just as much as he did.. that was something that we definitely have in common. I sung this song to him as a final goodbye... He passed away just a few hours later... Good bye Dad, I love and miss you!
"I live out the years that they left me behind" is so haunting. The thought of the dead giving you the years they didn't get to use so that you may live.
i dont think its that they 'GIVE' you 'MORE LIFE'.... but that the ones that were supposed to share with you have left it behind, and you carry their memory with you as a solo roller
I don’t think I have survivor guilt, but I’m pretty this induced that. Maybe a little more sympathetic maybe it’s just depression. IDK. This song hurts and it helps at the same time. I don’t know what to make of it.
@@Smytjf11 it’s comforting, it’s sad for sure, but to some extent it’s comforting knowing others feel the same way a lot of us do. Whether that’s survivors guilt or your super empathetic is kind of null. As someone with survivor guilt I feel the comfort but the almost emotional feeling of having a head down remember those that once were. Cheers mate!
Such a strange, quintessentially human fault. "I survived but other humans didn't therefore I am bad". I wonder if it served to discourage abandoning your comrades in early hominids, perhaps a lone human who survived is dead either way back then?
@@Dicka899Struggle creates bonds. Bonds that no one outside of that particular trial can replicate unless they also experienced it. A collective consciousness in a way, where each of you is one piece of a whole through shared trauma. Losing family hurts, but losing a sentient being that shares and actually understands your suffering is like losing one of your senses. It deprives you of context, of familiarity, and functionality. The puzzle is no longer complete and without your fellow pieces it never will be. It's not something you can fix because the other pieces are lost indefinitely. You can only live with it and hopefully one day figure out that even if you may feel lonely, you were never truly alone.
Yo that whole verse hits hard. "As the souls of the dead live for 'ere in my mind As I live all the years that they left me behind I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea I remember the fallen and they think of me for our souls in the ocean together will be" but seriously, I've been awfully close to death, and it gives you an interesting perspective on life. It absolutely can feel that you are staring into an abyss. Please never chose the abyss. Life is worth living. I believe in heaven, but that doesn't mean I want to die. I'm giving this life my very best shot, and so should you. Lets call to each other to stand fast and forge on. The living can do that for each other. It's part of what makes this life so good. God Bless :)
I listened to this song for the first time in June of last year, and I don't think I've gone a day without listening to it. It's taken on that quality where it's no longer just a song to me. When I hear it, I don't just hear music or the words being sung, I hear a part of myself. Listening to this song is such an intimate and personal experience for me. Some days it means more than others. Some days it resonates deeper than others. And over the past year different lines have stood out to me at different times. At first, it was that switch from "their bones" to "*my* bones" that broke me. Then the "I don't owe them my life" part. Then it was the "I'm *this* far from drowning, *this* far from the sea" part. Most recently, the way they land on the word "eyes" in the line "as the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes" has begun to mean a lot to me. It's as if with each verse they're emphasizing the speaker progressively coming to see the reality of their situation. It starts off as thoughts in their mind, then voices in their ears, and then finally they see the truth with their eyes. After slowly sinking into a sea of lies and self-loathing, they're faced with the truth that they don't have to die, and that they don't want to die. I really can't articulate why it works so well any better than the song itself does, but I just felt the need to express somewhere a small fraction of what this song means to me.
@@damnson261 I think I know what you mean. Especially since that line comes right after the one talking about finding peace in death. You're not scared of dying, you're scared of living. Is that what you mean?
This is probably my favourite song of Longest Johns. I have in my life, unfortunately, stared down at the darkest abyss, and it's not a good sight. If you ever feel like nothing matters, or if you don't see yourself going through your situation, reach out to someone, might that be your family, your friends, or a specialist. Trust me, it gets better, do not give up, you matter more than you can believe.
This gnome may well be angry, but it speaks wise words which, for those who have gazed down into that black endlessness, ring so very true. Well said angry garden gnome, may your ire be doused and your garden be happy.
I'm not a sailor with dead sailing friends , but this song resonates deeply wit me for sure. I'm a little over a year clean from a 9 year heroin and fentynal addiction, I live in a new city, most of my friends, including my truest closest friend are dead now from the live we used to live together, and the few that aren't I'm unable to ever see anymore. I feel lost, alone, I miss my friends, I just want just want feel at home again. This is quickly becoming my favorite song.
Never have I heard a more beautiful song about survivors guilt and the resulting depression. When I heard this song for the first time, I didn't really listen to it, as English is a second language to me. But when I nocited the actual text the first time my mind went straight to: "This song has been telling you not to kill yourself, thanks".
Oh, I bid farewell to the port and the land And I paddle away from brave England's white sands To search for my long ago forgotten friends To search for the place I hear all sailors end As the souls of the dead fill the space of my mind I'll search without sleeping 'til peace I can find I fear not the weather, I fear not the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be Plot a course to the night to a place I once knew To a place where my hope died along with my crew So I swallow my grief and face life's final test To find promise of peace and the solace of rest As the songs of the dead fill the space of my ears Their laughter like children, their beckoning cheers My heart longs to join them, sing songs of the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand I shed a small tear for my home upon land Though their eyes speak of depths filled with struggle and strife Their smiles below say I don't owe them my life As the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes And my boat listed over and tried to capsize I'm this far from drowning, this far from the sea I remember the living, do they think of me? When my bones in the ocean forever will be Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on I make sail for the dawn 'til the darkness has gone As the souls of the dead live for'er in my mind As I live all the years that they left me behind I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be
I lost my father when I was 11, I find myself thinking more and more of him as the years pass. Its been 22 years and I can say I know the look of that darkest abyss, and although I can honestly say I'm not sure what I want but I don't think its that..... yet the years that he left me behind to live seem to get longer and longer each year
Boys, right now I'm just tired, I want to end with everything for "the promise of peace and the solace of rest" but you guys are making me keep going so thanks, I have already looked "at the darkest abyss" and I'm sure what I want isn't this so thanks for making me realize that, if it wasn't for you probably I wouldn't be writing this, thanks Longest Johns, thanks Dave
for the longest time, ever since I discovered this song I could not hear it without tearing something about it always touched me deep inside the day my grandfather died, I locked myself in my room, and listened to this song on repeat until I could stop crying later at the funeral I was able to be there for my mom, to hug her as she poored her grief on my shoulder I could hold on and be strong for her, for him as long as memory of my grandpa lives with me, this song shall be our farewell until we're can meet again on the other side of the sea
I've never cried more in my "adult" life than when I heard the words "when *my* bones in the ocean forever will be" for the first time. This song really helped shake me out of a really dark period of my life, and over the past year I've changed in ways I never thought possible. I know I shouldn't give all the credit of my own self-actualization to a song, but I truly don't know where I'd be right now if these words had never reached me. If I hadn't been reminded through the medium of song that I don't want the abyss, that I want to sail for the dawn and maybe one day the darkness will go away. It has and it hasn't, of course. Such is life. But I don't think I'm a lost cause like I used. I'm not a hopeful person by nature, but this song has inched me closer and closer to hope with every time I listen to it. Compared to the depth of gratitude that I feel, the words "Thank you" feel like a joke. But for what it's worth, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, Dave.
It's coming back to songs like this I cry further seeing how much impact Dave has had on this group and its emotional power swings. To know he's left and off doing what he truly enjoys is nice but fucked if it doesn't hurt knowing he isn't around for these. You're valid and loved internet stranger I hope you find the dawn for which you search
As someone who was on the Frontline of the pandemic for a year and a half, and lost a lot of friends and colleagues, and developed ptsd because of it, this song has kept me going when nothing else did. "I remember the fallen and they think of me, for our soul's in the ocean, and together we'll be."
This is why even as a Canadian who isn't really directly impacted by anti vaxxers I fucking hate them People have lost family due to the virus and they just shrug and off and say "Damn liberals and these lockdowns"
A beautiful and almost haunting song, it speaks so clearly as to how the ones you cherish stay with you even when they’re gone and the best tribute we can offer them is to be their living legacy.
"When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand, I shed a small tear for my home upon land. Though their eyes speak of death with struggle and strife, their smiles below say I don't owe them my life."😢
I've always thought of this song and Retirement Song being a single story, as the character returns to land and wants to settle down after his life of sailing. Him insulting the crew is him reminiscing on his time with the crew he morned here.
Although this didn't come to me in my recommended list until today it's still very fitting. Yesterday was my mate's birthday and he passed on 8 years ago. He didn't die at sea but it's still the perfect tone as I remember my friend.
Over the past couple of years I've known this song, it's the only one that I can cry to without feeling pathetic. Great song, sad story, it's all I've ever wanted or needed
This song is one that I hold well for one of my D&D characters. Though not a sailor, she is a veteran. She lost her men in a betrayal of her higher ups and wishes she died with them. Though now she's found people again, a reason to keep going, and perhaps someone certain... things are beginning to dawn on her.
@@sliccmang8176 Thanks! There's a lot more to Novia, that's a quick abridged thing. Right now she's dealing with a god-adjacent thing that's attached itself to her. She, a barbarian, may be taking some levels in warlock soon. She was thinking about that, but the recent dawning of why kissing was the contest of choice between her and one of the other party members, that's taken up her mind... XD
I did something similar, thought they actually were a sailor. An old man college of lore bard who lost his whole crew. He was venturing into the deeps to find some ancient spell to bring his friends back. Used all his magical secrets for the levels I played him on necromancy spells amd then treated his minions as if they were friends as a way of coping with the loss.
@@sassyviking6003 Novia was a paladin in her service, abandoning her oath once things went down and she was discharged. The whole reason that her company was slaughtered is because her higher-ups made them so and didn't tell her. She knows she can't bring them back, and the patron will do best to pull on the fact that getting this power will help her to make sure the group is well protected, she can do more to keep them safe. As an ancestral guardian, the men who died are with her, but she hasn't realized it yet as she's not very perceptive. Next game is going to be going to the city where they're buried, so it's going to be tough on her. She hasn't been there since it happened.
I've stopped counting at how much I've listened to this song but it never fails to get me. I think this version (together with hearing it live) might me the most beautiful I've heard yet.
For my father, and Jerome, and Slater, and CR, and John, and Tony, and uncle Ray, and Kirby. Thank you guys. I think of you often and I only hope you think of me
This song will always have a special place in my heart. I was at the side of the bed of a very dear friend who was dying. Was with him till the very end, and this song was what I listened to on repeat both to and from the hospital. Every time I hear I always think of that day, but of all the wonderful times we had together. Thank you so much for this beautiful recording.
Dear reader, Today we laid to rest my great grandpa. He was a navy veteran of 20 years. Albert/Lee served on multiple ships including the Galveston, Midway, Kittyhawk, and another one with a funny name. He served during the Vietnam war, and completed 4 tourings during his time. Albert had to deal with survivors guilt, probably seen a lot of bad stuff, but in the end he lived a very long time and he overcame those very hard obstacles that he carried after the war. I hope that he may inspire a person and said person become strong. Anyways, fair day and fair seas.
This song hit me so hard. I'm still in tears everytime i listen to it. Every now and then you come across a piece of music, a song or some piece of story that hits you like a brick in the face. This is one of them for me. I can hardly describe what a massive wave of emotion broke over me here.
I was still new to Shanties at the time but I knew the emotions behind these songs were touching even with their silliest ones, but when I first heard this one way back when it was the very first shanty song that made cry with its lyrics and with the Longest Johns singing it. It hit really close to home with me at the time cause I lost a very close friend of mines and I was still recoverying from it and when I heard this song I was in tears by its message. It may not be same sercumstances but the meaning is still there, I'll forever miss my friend but I know that the memories we've had will live on within me and our friend and I'll continue to live on for both of us and smile like a dumb happy bastard. I have many favoirte shanties I listen to, but this will forever be my favorite one of all with is personal meaning.
The last verse of this song always gives me shivers, love this song so much. The message of loss and wanting to end it all but making it through, and remembering the fallen and honoring them.
For some reason, The Mary Ellen Carter makes me tear up and this doesn't, but I'm pretty strange. Beautiful song regardless. (And if you want to cry, I have many song recommendations)
This is absolutely one of my favorite songs by The Longest Johns. Along with their cover of Wellerman, Leave Her Johnny, Here's a Health to the Company, Oak & Ash & Thorne, and Santiana. Such really good songs and awesome singing. Love you guys.
My mother in law's ashes were scattered over a tall cliff into the sea. She died of cancer at the age of 43. I always think of her and this song when I see the ocean.
This has got to be my absolute most favorite song by you guys. It legit makes me cry, because it makes me think of all the dear and close people I lost in the last 4 years. And it lets me know that I dont need to grieve, I dont need to end it all to be with them again. They might be gone, but they'd want me to live on, be happy, live my life even though some of them didn't get much of one themselves. Because we'll be together again one day. And that day will last for eternity.
Lyrics: Oh, I bid farewell to the port and the land And I paddle away from brave England's white sands To search for my long ago forgotten friends To search for the place I hear all sailors end As the souls of the dead fill the space of my mind I'll search without sleeping 'til peace I can find I fear not the weather, I fear not the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be Plot a course to the night to a place I once knew To a place where my hope died along with my crew So I swallow my grief and face life's final test To find promise of peace and the solace of rest As the songs of the dead fill the space of my ears Their laughter like children, their beckoning cheers My heart longs to join them, sing songs of the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand I shed a small tear for my home upon land Though their eyes speak of depths filled with struggle and strife Their smiles below say I don't owe them my life As the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes And my boat listed over and tried to capsize I'm this far from drowning, this far from the sea I remember the living, do they think of me? When my bones in the ocean forever will be Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on I make sail for the dawn 'til the darkness has gone As the souls of the dead live for'er in my mind As I live all the years that they left me behind I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be
I lost a close cousin to accidental overdose in october. 2 days later, my best friend followed him. They had been practically brothers for 20 years, but in the 2 years he'd been my friend he had changed my life. I'll miss them both forever. I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be
Mom, Granpa, Granny, I'm doing well? do you think of me? have I done enough to deserve still being here? had I done enough to atone for my mistakes? I miss you so much...
I was literally listening to Bones in the ocean when I got this notification... This song is so calming for me, I just want to sit on the beach at night facing the water and stars singing this with others
To whoever may need to hear this, may those friends live strong in your head and heart, keep sailing on brothers, and remember, their smiles below say you don’t owe them your life ❤️
I wish I could thank you in person for writing this song, Dave. I hope you know that it means more to me than I'm able to say, and I'm not the only one.
Lost two good friends of mine within 5 years of each other. One in 2016 to suicide, the other in 2021 to a motorbike crash. It was mere days after the second death that I first came across this song, it gave me a comfort that I never thought I'd feel again, and it continues to give me that same reassurance every time I listen to it. To everyone else striving through survivor's guilt like me, please know that your fallen comrades are not gone, you just can't see them. Eventually we will all be reunited with our loved ones who departed too soon. So remember the fallen, because they think of us 🍻
The lads each have their particular strengths for their songs Jd is best at those warm campfire folk songs Robbie seems best at the energetic fun sometimes comedic songs Andy is the shanty man and has some really good pipes for those sea songs of old But Dave is, like in this song, so brilliant at those haunting, magical tales often somber and a bit eerie but so so powerful and emotional. Love all 4 of them and their pretty adequate music!
Is it just me or "the curse", "downed and drowned" and this song vibe a lot like a storyline, just from three different perspective? Like, a curser, a cursed, and the cursed's survived companion? Idk, I often like to listen to them in row and to me they just piece together in a strange but pleasant way
I think what makes this song such a gut punch is the juxtaposition of the lyrics and melody. This horribly tragic memory and suicide attempt is sung with a calmed, almost up-beat tone, so the refrain hits like a freight train every time. It only slows a little in the final verse, at the moment of the decision to live, and it's as if the entire experience is a deeply engrained memory that is not quite happy but not quite sad. The final refrain shows an understanding that is both comforting and distressing, and the only option is to live on with it always at the back of your mind.
The voices are so well balanced, I love this session. Would buy this as a record. And: Daves songs are just awesome through and through. Sure that he isn't hundreds of years old and lived through all the pirate times?
I swear you guys are like magicians. I already loved your music, and I would listen to it all the time while my kid was in the hospital. But now that he's around seven months old, he's absolutely OBSESSED with you guys. He can be in the worst mood, and hear you guys, and almost instantly change his attitude.
I love this video and the song of course. it's like to be there singing with you guys: magic. and this song and its meaning resonate with me on deep level. I'm thankful for your music.
The longest johns and dreadnaughts helped me admit I wasn't okay with this song, along with others. I likely have ptsd from my situation growing up, and DEFINITELY do from an accident I was witness and first response to in 2018, among others. I don't trust professionals, but whenever I need a reminder that I'm not at fault for the deaths I've borne witness, and none of those lost would want me to lose what time I have left, I listen to this song among others. I cry for a bit, let the memories wash over me until the playlist is done, then get back to it. I'm broken enough to hurt, smart enough to know it, and strong enough to hold myself together with the help of those that love me. All this learned because of shanties and folk music, some in languages I don't speak or need to speak in order to understand the meaning of the songs.
Lads, I know that many have said this, but for those of us that have survivor guilt, this is a balm to the soul. Thank you.
They may be dead, but you can carry their memory so they never really die. You live to let them live as well. Would you mind sharing their story so they can live on with us as well? If it is too difficult, I understand.
"Every Day I Think About What You Said To Me That Day On The Bridge, And I've Tried To Live My Life The Best I Could. I Hope That Was Enough."- Saving Private Ryan. This movie also hits those of us with survivors guilt. Cheers mate.
Aye, Sir!
🥲
"A man dies two deaths. Once when his Mortal Soul leaves this world, and again at the last Utterance of his name. In someways, man can be made Immortal."
I was in the US military for six years. Towards the end of that time, my mental health deteriorated severely. I was ready to die. I wanted to die. One of my SNCOs helped get me through it until I got out.
He died suddenly of cancer a few months later. For some inscrutable reason, that's when the TH-cam algorithm introduced me to this song. For me, this song will always be about him, about how he saved my life and i never properly thanked him for it. It will always be about how he motivated me to stay alive until i found a real reason to go on. I try to sing along every time i hear it but i always get choked up.
Idk why I'm sharing this story. If anyone reads this, i hope you've found your reason to stay ashore, as it were.
I'm glad you found your reason, friend. Keep making sail for the dawn, and don't ever forget your reasons to stay ashore.
You're not alone I wanted to die too. I lost my job was about to lose my apartment. I decided to get a knife and end it but someone whispered in my ear. How would your family feel if you did this. And I put the knife back in the draw and never thought about it again
Shalom brother
Stay strong brother. To you I'm just some random nobody on youtube but I know how much it hurts and I know it's suffocating but just remember that even if you may feel lonely, you're never alone. God bless until we meet on the other side, free of pain and any other mortal barrier that divides us.
US Army, OEF Vet 07-15. We're still here, we're still alive, and we're still doing well. Here if you need friend.
"Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss, I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this."
Never has the message of "Don't kill yourself" been more simply, and effectively and beautifully articulated. I especially love the admittance of doubt in that line. It's not some cliche moment where the character realizes their life's true purpose, it's just the casual understanding that this person isn't as sure as they thought they were about dying. And that's all it takes. Just that little bit of doubt can be enough to pull someone from the edge.
I read "I don't think it's this" to mean the here and now; perhaps the darkest abyss is the only way out.
@@kevindonohue2912 No, that not only defeats the entire purpose of the song, but it also just doesn't make sense with how the sentence is structured. "This" is meant to refer to "the darkest abyss."
Having been in the position of suicide that line always takes me somewhere else. This is a beautiful song
@@calebmurphy9406 Thank you for your opinion.
You should really check out the poem "The view from halfway down" from Bojack Horseman. Same themes, VERY strong piece
In October of last year My father's health took a turn for the worst and I had to make a trip back to Tacoma Washington to say goodbye to him. When I arrived at my parents boat, I could see that there was no possible way that he would wake up and speak with me. He did not want to go in a hospital. He wanted to go out in his own way, in his sleep surrounded by loved ones on his sailboat.. he loved the water and sailing. A kind of weird for a guy who served in the army. But hey, I served in the Navy and loved sailing just as much as he did.. that was something that we definitely have in common. I sung this song to him as a final goodbye... He passed away just a few hours later... Good bye Dad, I love and miss you!
Your story brought a tear to my eyes, thank you for sharing it. I think it's beautiful that you sang this song to him.
He’s with all the sailors as yore, singing with ale and smiles on their person!!! He’s with all our brothers remembered and forgotten all
"I live out the years that they left me behind" is so haunting. The thought of the dead giving you the years they didn't get to use so that you may live.
i dont think its that they 'GIVE' you 'MORE LIFE'.... but that the ones that were supposed to share with you have left it behind, and you carry their memory with you as a solo roller
The journey of survival guilt is expressed so beautifully in this piece.
*Survivor's Guilt
I don’t think I have survivor guilt, but I’m pretty this induced that. Maybe a little more sympathetic maybe it’s just depression. IDK. This song hurts and it helps at the same time. I don’t know what to make of it.
@@Smytjf11 it’s comforting, it’s sad for sure, but to some extent it’s comforting knowing others feel the same way a lot of us do. Whether that’s survivors guilt or your super empathetic is kind of null. As someone with survivor guilt I feel the comfort but the almost emotional feeling of having a head down remember those that once were. Cheers mate!
Such a strange, quintessentially human fault. "I survived but other humans didn't therefore I am bad". I wonder if it served to discourage abandoning your comrades in early hominids, perhaps a lone human who survived is dead either way back then?
@@Dicka899Struggle creates bonds. Bonds that no one outside of that particular trial can replicate unless they also experienced it. A collective consciousness in a way, where each of you is one piece of a whole through shared trauma. Losing family hurts, but losing a sentient being that shares and actually understands your suffering is like losing one of your senses. It deprives you of context, of familiarity, and functionality. The puzzle is no longer complete and without your fellow pieces it never will be. It's not something you can fix because the other pieces are lost indefinitely. You can only live with it and hopefully one day figure out that even if you may feel lonely, you were never truly alone.
“As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on
I make sail for the dawn 'til the darkness has gone”
That is the truthful message of life.
I remember the fallen and they think of me.
For our souls in the ocean together will be.
Yo that whole verse hits hard.
"As the souls of the dead live for 'ere in my mind
As I live all the years that they left me behind
I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea
I remember the fallen and they think of me
for our souls in the ocean together will be"
but seriously, I've been awfully close to death, and it gives you an interesting perspective on life. It absolutely can feel that you are staring into an abyss.
Please never chose the abyss. Life is worth living. I believe in heaven, but that doesn't mean I want to die. I'm giving this life my very best shot, and so should you.
Lets call to each other to stand fast and forge on. The living can do that for each other. It's part of what makes this life so good. God Bless :)
The bass comes over so well in this recording. Dave writes good songs :)
Which one is singing bass? I can never figure it out
@@breachdemon JD does
@@breachdemon JD - Tallest, glasses, shirt sleeves rolled up. He's between Dave & Andy.
*baritone
@@antontalbot9148 no, you're wrong, it's bass
I listened to this song for the first time in June of last year, and I don't think I've gone a day without listening to it. It's taken on that quality where it's no longer just a song to me. When I hear it, I don't just hear music or the words being sung, I hear a part of myself. Listening to this song is such an intimate and personal experience for me. Some days it means more than others. Some days it resonates deeper than others. And over the past year different lines have stood out to me at different times. At first, it was that switch from "their bones" to "*my* bones" that broke me. Then the "I don't owe them my life" part. Then it was the "I'm *this* far from drowning, *this* far from the sea" part. Most recently, the way they land on the word "eyes" in the line "as the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes" has begun to mean a lot to me. It's as if with each verse they're emphasizing the speaker progressively coming to see the reality of their situation. It starts off as thoughts in their mind, then voices in their ears, and then finally they see the truth with their eyes. After slowly sinking into a sea of lies and self-loathing, they're faced with the truth that they don't have to die, and that they don't want to die. I really can't articulate why it works so well any better than the song itself does, but I just felt the need to express somewhere a small fraction of what this song means to me.
🙏
@@damnson261 I think I know what you mean. Especially since that line comes right after the one talking about finding peace in death. You're not scared of dying, you're scared of living. Is that what you mean?
You wrote what this song means as well as the song "sings" it. Obviously I'm no writer but you nailed it!
@@damnson261 Thank you for sharing what the song means to you. We definitely have different perspectives on it which is great!
@@rc8rsracer1 Thank you, friend. I appreciate it!
It's not often i cry but i did shed a tear over this song
Many blessings to you
SAME
Stand fast and forge on, brother.
I’ve heard this song a million times and still can’t listen to it without crying. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard
Dave will be long missed, a brilliant performance of this and all other songs he’s done. Wish him the best!
Who was he?
@@jakomioftherose2434 Dave is the person who sings the main lyrics of this song. He wrote this song and many others for the band.
This is probably my favourite song of Longest Johns.
I have in my life, unfortunately, stared down at the darkest abyss, and it's not a good sight.
If you ever feel like nothing matters, or if you don't see yourself going through your situation, reach out to someone, might that be your family, your friends, or a specialist.
Trust me, it gets better, do not give up, you matter more than you can believe.
This gnome may well be angry, but it speaks wise words which, for those who have gazed down into that black endlessness, ring so very true. Well said angry garden gnome, may your ire be doused and your garden be happy.
@@timradford4393 thank you Tim, likewise to you kind sir.
I'm not a sailor with dead sailing friends , but this song resonates deeply wit me for sure. I'm a little over a year clean from a 9 year heroin and fentynal addiction, I live in a new city, most of my friends, including my truest closest friend are dead now from the live we used to live together, and the few that aren't I'm unable to ever see anymore. I feel lost, alone, I miss my friends, I just want just want feel at home again. This is quickly becoming my favorite song.
Never have I heard a more beautiful song about survivors guilt and the resulting depression.
When I heard this song for the first time, I didn't really listen to it, as English is a second language to me. But when I nocited the actual text the first time my mind went straight to:
"This song has been telling you not to kill yourself, thanks".
Oh, I bid farewell to the port and the land
And I paddle away from brave England's white sands
To search for my long ago forgotten friends
To search for the place I hear all sailors end
As the souls of the dead fill the space of my mind
I'll search without sleeping 'til peace I can find
I fear not the weather, I fear not the sea
I remember the fallen, do they think of me?
When their bones in the ocean forever will be
Plot a course to the night to a place I once knew
To a place where my hope died along with my crew
So I swallow my grief and face life's final test
To find promise of peace and the solace of rest
As the songs of the dead fill the space of my ears
Their laughter like children, their beckoning cheers
My heart longs to join them, sing songs of the sea
I remember the fallen, do they think of me?
When their bones in the ocean forever will be
When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand
I shed a small tear for my home upon land
Though their eyes speak of depths filled with struggle and strife
Their smiles below say I don't owe them my life
As the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes
And my boat listed over and tried to capsize
I'm this far from drowning, this far from the sea
I remember the living, do they think of me?
When my bones in the ocean forever will be
Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss
I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this
As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on
I make sail for the dawn 'til the darkness has gone
As the souls of the dead live for'er in my mind
As I live all the years that they left me behind
I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea
I remember the fallen and they think of me
For our souls in the ocean together will be
I remember the fallen and they think of me
For our souls in the ocean together will be
I lost my father when I was 11, I find myself thinking more and more of him as the years pass. Its been 22 years and I can say I know the look of that darkest abyss, and although I can honestly say I'm not sure what I want but I don't think its that..... yet the years that he left me behind to live seem to get longer and longer each year
It is my last will that this song be played at my funeral.
same
Just change "in the ocean" to "6 feet under." It kinda fits.
@@joeywomer damnn
For me it's "Meet Me In The Middle Of The Air" by Paul Kelly, but this is a VERY close second.
Agreed. Already decided that myself and my Grandfather shall rest at the bottom, just as a sailor should.
This is one of my favourite songs you have ever made. The sentence "I make sail for the dawn until the darkness has gone" is just chilling.
Boys, right now I'm just tired, I want to end with everything for "the promise of peace and the solace of rest" but you guys are making me keep going so thanks, I have already looked "at the darkest abyss" and I'm sure what I want isn't this so thanks for making me realize that, if it wasn't for you probably I wouldn't be writing this, thanks Longest Johns, thanks Dave
a song that gives me comfort. A song that gives me hope.
one of many, yet still uniquely comforting
The words finally mean something to me, goodbye grandpa, you will never be forgotten, and you will always be missed.
for the longest time, ever since I discovered this song I could not hear it without tearing
something about it always touched me deep inside
the day my grandfather died, I locked myself in my room, and listened to this song on repeat until I could stop crying
later at the funeral I was able to be there for my mom, to hug her as she poored her grief on my shoulder I could hold on and be strong for her, for him
as long as memory of my grandpa lives with me, this song shall be our farewell
until we're can meet again on the other side of the sea
I've never cried more in my "adult" life than when I heard the words "when *my* bones in the ocean forever will be" for the first time. This song really helped shake me out of a really dark period of my life, and over the past year I've changed in ways I never thought possible. I know I shouldn't give all the credit of my own self-actualization to a song, but I truly don't know where I'd be right now if these words had never reached me. If I hadn't been reminded through the medium of song that I don't want the abyss, that I want to sail for the dawn and maybe one day the darkness will go away. It has and it hasn't, of course. Such is life. But I don't think I'm a lost cause like I used. I'm not a hopeful person by nature, but this song has inched me closer and closer to hope with every time I listen to it. Compared to the depth of gratitude that I feel, the words "Thank you" feel like a joke. But for what it's worth, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, Dave.
It's coming back to songs like this I cry further seeing how much impact Dave has had on this group and its emotional power swings. To know he's left and off doing what he truly enjoys is nice but fucked if it doesn't hurt knowing he isn't around for these. You're valid and loved internet stranger I hope you find the dawn for which you search
As someone who was on the Frontline of the pandemic for a year and a half, and lost a lot of friends and colleagues, and developed ptsd because of it, this song has kept me going when nothing else did.
"I remember the fallen and they think of me, for our soul's in the ocean, and together we'll be."
This is why even as a Canadian who isn't really directly impacted by anti vaxxers
I fucking hate them
People have lost family due to the virus and they just shrug and off and say
"Damn liberals and these lockdowns"
I worked Emergency Medicine during, cheers man.
A beautiful and almost haunting song, it speaks so clearly as to how the ones you cherish stay with you even when they’re gone and the best tribute we can offer them is to be their living legacy.
Don’t let the abyss pull you in guys, life is worth it
"When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand, I shed a small tear for my home upon land. Though their eyes speak of death with struggle and strife, their smiles below say I don't owe them my life."😢
Just found this today,played it a thousand times,now it's ground into my mind,shed so many for thoughts of the past.simply brilliant.
I've always thought of this song and Retirement Song being a single story, as the character returns to land and wants to settle down after his life of sailing. Him insulting the crew is him reminiscing on his time with the crew he morned here.
This song made me cry
Although this didn't come to me in my recommended list until today it's still very fitting. Yesterday was my mate's birthday and he passed on 8 years ago. He didn't die at sea but it's still the perfect tone as I remember my friend.
Ocean gate crew your bones in the ocean will forever will be
Who gives a rats ass
During my choir concert, the tenor and bass boys sang this song so beautifully and it was my favorite song during the concert
Over the past couple of years I've known this song, it's the only one that I can cry to without feeling pathetic. Great song, sad story, it's all I've ever wanted or needed
This song was my go to while grieving my grandmother. It makes me think of her whenever I hear it. So beautiful and heartfelt
My grandmother is dying currently. And it's alreadying bringing me peace. I agree completely.
Beautiful. The harmonies gave me chills just as much as the lyrics.
The last harmony gives me shivers down my whole body every time I hear it thanks for this masterpiece
This song is one that I hold well for one of my D&D characters. Though not a sailor, she is a veteran. She lost her men in a betrayal of her higher ups and wishes she died with them. Though now she's found people again, a reason to keep going, and perhaps someone certain... things are beginning to dawn on her.
That’s so cool! Great backstory dude
@@sliccmang8176 Thanks! There's a lot more to Novia, that's a quick abridged thing. Right now she's dealing with a god-adjacent thing that's attached itself to her. She, a barbarian, may be taking some levels in warlock soon.
She was thinking about that, but the recent dawning of why kissing was the contest of choice between her and one of the other party members, that's taken up her mind... XD
Hey I also used bones in the ocean for one of my D&D PCs, but for him it was his town that was destroyed. I even modified the lyrics to fit better
I did something similar, thought they actually were a sailor. An old man college of lore bard who lost his whole crew. He was venturing into the deeps to find some ancient spell to bring his friends back. Used all his magical secrets for the levels I played him on necromancy spells amd then treated his minions as if they were friends as a way of coping with the loss.
@@sassyviking6003 Novia was a paladin in her service, abandoning her oath once things went down and she was discharged. The whole reason that her company was slaughtered is because her higher-ups made them so and didn't tell her. She knows she can't bring them back, and the patron will do best to pull on the fact that getting this power will help her to make sure the group is well protected, she can do more to keep them safe. As an ancestral guardian, the men who died are with her, but she hasn't realized it yet as she's not very perceptive.
Next game is going to be going to the city where they're buried, so it's going to be tough on her. She hasn't been there since it happened.
I've stopped counting at how much I've listened to this song but it never fails to get me. I think this version (together with hearing it live) might me the most beautiful I've heard yet.
*places right hand over heart*
For my father, and Jerome, and Slater, and CR, and John, and Tony, and uncle Ray, and Kirby. Thank you guys. I think of you often and I only hope you think of me
Oh boy! My emotions need to be ready for this one...
This song will always have a special place in my heart. I was at the side of the bed of a very dear friend who was dying. Was with him till the very end, and this song was what I listened to on repeat both to and from the hospital. Every time I hear I always think of that day, but of all the wonderful times we had together. Thank you so much for this beautiful recording.
“Make sail for the dawn til the darkness has gone”. Fuck. Shit makes me cry every time I hear it. So poignant and beautiful.
Dear reader,
Today we laid to rest my great grandpa. He was a navy veteran of 20 years. Albert/Lee served on multiple ships including the Galveston, Midway, Kittyhawk, and another one with a funny name. He served during the Vietnam war, and completed 4 tourings during his time. Albert had to deal with survivors guilt, probably seen a lot of bad stuff, but in the end he lived a very long time and he overcame those very hard obstacles that he carried after the war. I hope that he may inspire a person and said person become strong. Anyways, fair day and fair seas.
Chills. Absolutely chills without fail every single time I hear this song. Very well written and sung fellas.
This is a masterpiece. Gives us all, who hear it second hand PTSD.
This song hit me so hard. I'm still in tears everytime i listen to it. Every now and then you come across a piece of music, a song or some piece of story that hits you like a brick in the face. This is one of them for me. I can hardly describe what a massive wave of emotion broke over me here.
I was still new to Shanties at the time but I knew the emotions behind these songs were touching even with their silliest ones, but when I first heard this one way back when it was the very first shanty song that made cry with its lyrics and with the Longest Johns singing it. It hit really close to home with me at the time cause I lost a very close friend of mines and I was still recoverying from it and when I heard this song I was in tears by its message. It may not be same sercumstances but the meaning is still there, I'll forever miss my friend but I know that the memories we've had will live on within me and our friend and I'll continue to live on for both of us and smile like a dumb happy bastard. I have many favoirte shanties I listen to, but this will forever be my favorite one of all with is personal meaning.
The last verse of this song always gives me shivers, love this song so much. The message of loss and wanting to end it all but making it through, and remembering the fallen and honoring them.
This is one of the three songs that have ever made me cry. Thank you guys so much for remembering me of it.
For some reason, The Mary Ellen Carter makes me tear up and this doesn't, but I'm pretty strange. Beautiful song regardless. (And if you want to cry, I have many song recommendations)
@@ariadne0w1 They both get me sometimes. But I've had more grief than most, so both songs resonate with me pretty heavily.
@@themindfulmoron3790 Hope you’re getting better buddy!
Same here. I cry very little and still, my eyes get wet every time
What are the other songs?
Literally the song I've been wanting you guys to revisit the most
I don't cry easily, I get choked up sometimes but there isn't much that can make me shed actual tears
this song is one of those few things
This is absolutely one of my favorite songs by The Longest Johns. Along with their cover of Wellerman, Leave Her Johnny, Here's a Health to the Company, Oak & Ash & Thorne, and Santiana. Such really good songs and awesome singing. Love you guys.
For some reason this soothes my PTSD?
I like to just play this song whenever I want a good cry
My mother in law's ashes were scattered over a tall cliff into the sea. She died of cancer at the age of 43. I always think of her and this song when I see the ocean.
thank you dave
i remember crying my eyes out when i first had this on repeat what a great session
This has got to be my absolute most favorite song by you guys. It legit makes me cry, because it makes me think of all the dear and close people I lost in the last 4 years. And it lets me know that I dont need to grieve, I dont need to end it all to be with them again. They might be gone, but they'd want me to live on, be happy, live my life even though some of them didn't get much of one themselves. Because we'll be together again one day. And that day will last for eternity.
a new and fresh version of an old favourite, it's lovely
Lyrics:
Oh, I bid farewell to the port and the land
And I paddle away from brave England's white sands
To search for my long ago forgotten friends
To search for the place I hear all sailors end
As the souls of the dead fill the space of my mind
I'll search without sleeping 'til peace I can find
I fear not the weather, I fear not the sea
I remember the fallen, do they think of me?
When their bones in the ocean forever will be
Plot a course to the night to a place I once knew
To a place where my hope died along with my crew
So I swallow my grief and face life's final test
To find promise of peace and the solace of rest
As the songs of the dead fill the space of my ears
Their laughter like children, their beckoning cheers
My heart longs to join them, sing songs of the sea
I remember the fallen, do they think of me?
When their bones in the ocean forever will be
When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand
I shed a small tear for my home upon land
Though their eyes speak of depths filled with struggle and strife
Their smiles below say I don't owe them my life
As the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes
And my boat listed over and tried to capsize
I'm this far from drowning, this far from the sea
I remember the living, do they think of me?
When my bones in the ocean forever will be
Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss
I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this
As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on
I make sail for the dawn 'til the darkness has gone
As the souls of the dead live for'er in my mind
As I live all the years that they left me behind
I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea
I remember the fallen and they think of me
For our souls in the ocean together will be
I remember the fallen and they think of me
For our souls in the ocean together will be
I lost a close cousin to accidental overdose in october. 2 days later, my best friend followed him. They had been practically brothers for 20 years, but in the 2 years he'd been my friend he had changed my life. I'll miss them both forever.
I remember the fallen and they think of me
For our souls in the ocean together will be
I love this song so much and it's so touching “I remember the fallen and they think of me” got me so hard
Safe travels, Dave.
I want to join in! Do a show up north! Preferably near Preston 👌👌👌
Mom, Granpa, Granny, I'm doing well? do you think of me? have I done enough to deserve still being here? had I done enough to atone for my mistakes? I miss you so much...
I was literally listening to Bones in the ocean when I got this notification... This song is so calming for me, I just want to sit on the beach at night facing the water and stars singing this with others
TLJ really dropped this banger and refused to elaborate, fantastic work gentlemen 👏
To whoever may need to hear this, may those friends live strong in your head and heart, keep sailing on brothers, and remember, their smiles below say you don’t owe them your life ❤️
I wish I could thank you in person for writing this song, Dave. I hope you know that it means more to me than I'm able to say, and I'm not the only one.
Em i the only one who listening to this song once a day ...bec each time befoi go to work i listen to this song ...
i cant hear this without crying. thank you for sharing such amazing talent.
I have a new favourite song.
This is probably my favorite song to sing when driving, this or South Australia by Kimber's Men
Thumbs up feel soo not enough.
We need something like a “I fucking love it” button for songs like this. C’mon TH-cam.
Remembering my homies 😓
This... matters.
You made a difference.
Lost two good friends of mine within 5 years of each other. One in 2016 to suicide, the other in 2021 to a motorbike crash. It was mere days after the second death that I first came across this song, it gave me a comfort that I never thought I'd feel again, and it continues to give me that same reassurance every time I listen to it. To everyone else striving through survivor's guilt like me, please know that your fallen comrades are not gone, you just can't see them. Eventually we will all be reunited with our loved ones who departed too soon. So remember the fallen, because they think of us 🍻
This always reminds me of my old man, Rest easy shippers x
The lads each have their particular strengths for their songs
Jd is best at those warm campfire folk songs
Robbie seems best at the energetic fun sometimes comedic songs
Andy is the shanty man and has some really good pipes for those sea songs of old
But Dave is, like in this song, so brilliant at those haunting, magical tales often somber and a bit eerie but so so powerful and emotional. Love all 4 of them and their pretty adequate music!
Is it just me or "the curse", "downed and drowned" and this song vibe a lot like a storyline, just from three different perspective?
Like, a curser, a cursed, and the cursed's survived companion?
Idk, I often like to listen to them in row and to me they just piece together in a strange but pleasant way
I think what makes this song such a gut punch is the juxtaposition of the lyrics and melody. This horribly tragic memory and suicide attempt is sung with a calmed, almost up-beat tone, so the refrain hits like a freight train every time. It only slows a little in the final verse, at the moment of the decision to live, and it's as if the entire experience is a deeply engrained memory that is not quite happy but not quite sad. The final refrain shows an understanding that is both comforting and distressing, and the only option is to live on with it always at the back of your mind.
There is a reason this is my favorite The Longest Johns song. The pure soul instilled in it always brings me to tears.
I get teary-eyed every time i sing/listen to this without fail... you guys made an amazing job with this piece of music
Enough to make an old sailor weep.
This is so awesome!!! Thankyou so much!! (Brit ex pat now living in the penal colony of Australia ) 🇬🇧🍻⛵⚓
One of the best songs of all time. I have listened to it countless times and it never ceases to amaze me. Absolutely brilliant.
The song that made me love you guys, finally revisited.
The voices are so well balanced, I love this session. Would buy this as a record. And: Daves songs are just awesome through and through. Sure that he isn't hundreds of years old and lived through all the pirate times?
... and the boys made a record off of it! Orderer it! Adequate!
I swear you guys are like magicians. I already loved your music, and I would listen to it all the time while my kid was in the hospital. But now that he's around seven months old, he's absolutely OBSESSED with you guys. He can be in the worst mood, and hear you guys, and almost instantly change his attitude.
This is one of my favourite songs ever. Thank you for your beautiful voices and creating this masterpiece.
Beautiful song, reminds me of those I have lost
I love this video and the song of course. it's like to be there singing with you guys: magic. and this song and its meaning resonate with me on deep level. I'm thankful for your music.
This song genuinely makes me cry ;A;
The longest johns and dreadnaughts helped me admit I wasn't okay with this song, along with others. I likely have ptsd from my situation growing up, and DEFINITELY do from an accident I was witness and first response to in 2018, among others. I don't trust professionals, but whenever I need a reminder that I'm not at fault for the deaths I've borne witness, and none of those lost would want me to lose what time I have left, I listen to this song among others.
I cry for a bit, let the memories wash over me until the playlist is done, then get back to it. I'm broken enough to hurt, smart enough to know it, and strong enough to hold myself together with the help of those that love me. All this learned because of shanties and folk music, some in languages I don't speak or need to speak in order to understand the meaning of the songs.
This can sit anyone’s heart like stones. We all love and all have felt like none.
Just a gorgeous rendition of an all time great song. Absolutely love it mates . . . I guess it is adequate.
A+
"All I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by."