Split Enz - Pioneer / Six Months in a Leaky Boat

[TheMaddogg1984]

i heard this song in a dream of mine . so i had to come see if it was really real . an omg it is . i wonder where ive heard it before now.

[louisfriendhastaste]

His marriage lasted 6 months!

[ripsawrodge67]

I thought this was about 6 months in a bad relationship.

[redbeagle100]

I remember hearing this song in 1981 or 82 and I went out and bought their album...never to be seen again when I lent it out to someone.

[bresnan21]

@redbeagle100  I still have the album thanks for letting me borrow it lol

[milkit1]

This might be my favorite song of all time. I cant get enough of it. Nothing pretentious about it. Just a PERFECT song

[jeffreynerohardy2010]

Loved this song When i was at Primary school, every time we sung it i loved it.

[rosewood707]

it takes 4 eva to load!

[Devoted2Clois]

OMG used to sing this song in primary school!!! Love Split Enz and Crowded House!

[ripsawrodge67]

Istill get goosebumps when i hear the intro to this song.

[StanPomeray]

Banned by the BBC because they thought it was making fun out of the Falklands war. Exactly why they should think that is something of a mystery. I mean, I know it has the word "Boat" in it, but.......

[radiantopaque]

@StanPomeray haha, that was the lead in clue (boat). it's so obvious.

the BBC is always on guard. thank goodness.

[zionic144nz]

The tyranny of distance didnt stop the cavalier,

so why should it stop me.

[fluffydolly]

saw the world premier on mtv back in the 80's ....very kool!!!!

[xTokyoxSundownx]

reminds me of Feel The Love by Cut Copy. Hmm, strange.

[Turrieta]

This song is about 6 months of near nervous breakdown...Tim Finn has had a history of kinda going 'on journeys' this is a song about a man who feels like he might be falling apart...

[hawaiidispenser]

Brilliant analysis. I hadn't even considered that it was a metaphor for mental health. I just thought it was about a tribute to the sailors of old and the adventuring human spirit.

[fmallis]

I've read about the breakdown allusion as well. But I also read an interview with Tim where he responded to the controversy of the Falklands War by stating the song was in fact about Pioneers settling Australia for the same reason America was settled.

[hebber1961]

can't imagine what it was like on a ship back 400/500 years ago. no idea what or when you'd see land again.

[gerretl]

Not just that. It was damned cramped, and you had to live cheek by jowl with arseholes you couldn't abide, with no release. Really puts it in perspective.

[anitashelby]

Great Song!!!  5*s Thanks Gary & Tim...

[garyco762]

Still a great song after all these years - 5 stars.

[SparkyCola3]

Neil is so hilariously cheesy in some of his vids, it always cracks me up lol. He's so cute. Love this song. Good one Tim!

[therealsoulproduct]

Time and Tide is definitely one of Split Enz's best albums.

[shonokin]

Time and Tide is my favorite Split Enz album and a favorite of the whole 80s.

Sometime recently I saw the Wiggles version (it's on youtube somewhere) and that's gotta be one of the strangest things ever.

Thanks for posting this, the quality is great!

[gerretl]

The Wiggles version is truly surreal, but look at the bright side.

At least it introduces the under fives to some cracking music.

[fjellelv]

I know, and I can't find it on youtube anymore (The Wiggles version) which my daughter loves. She has autism and it's one of a few things that brought her out of her shell. I hope I find it, or someone re-post it.

[maxshiraz]

The wiggles video "Big Big Show" from 2008 would be great for your little girl. It has a great version of leaky Boat - Sam can really sing

Get it on Amazon for about 10 bucks

[fjellelv]

Hi. Thanks for responding. We got lucky and found it at Best Buy. Got it for $3 (with coupon) about 2 weeks ago. Our daughter loves that video! - Sam does sing really well. He used to be Professor Sing-a-Lot-a-Songa. If you recognize him from the older shows/videos.

[madmaoriuk]

I was lucky enough to be at Glastonbury in 1994 and Tim Finn played the acoustic tent. He did this as his encore. We went farkin nuts.

[janpage817]

Tim is so cute with his deep pretty dimples.

[rhysfawr4]

80's pop at its finest!

[hamtrak]

I like th' Chix with th' twirly things!

[JeremyPCresswell]

I always listen to Split Enz more overeseas than back in NZ. It must be due to the tyranny of distance. Anyway one of the best.

[trojanrabbit11]

I particularly love the instrumental prelude...Pioneer...truly wonderful music.

[CaptRon1913]

Awesome Band. Still love to listen to them.

Funny, My 4 year old Daughter has a Wiggles Video, and who should be one of the special guests?? Tim Finn, singing 6 months !!

[aaronryanmusic]

I love Split Enz. I saw Tim Finn on the Wiggles too (my nephew's video not mine). I think Paul Hester showed up on one or two of the videos too!

[Bumblebee303]

I remember the Split Enz videos in 1981 on early MTV. One step ahead, I got you, Dirty creatue, I hope I never, History never repeats and of course this one. A truely unique, unforgetable band who wrote great songs. Iam a huge fan :D

PS. Hi Tim ! :)

[Discrespective]

Yeah Hey You're Right Demented Grave Digger !!! This Was One Of The Only Songs In England That Was Delibrately Denied A Number One Because This Was Going Up In The Charts As HMS Sheffield Was Going Down ! That And Crap Thing Is This Song Is Now New Zealand's Last Chance At Number One In England For Twenty Six Years ! Sucks To Be Us ... :-(

[dementedgravedigger]

I seem to remember that this song didn`t receive must air time when it was released in the U.K. as the Falklands conflict had just started and it was felt at the time that it could damage morale,as the fleet was just sailing towards the Falkland Islands.

I could well be wrong,26 years is along time.

[freequest]

no thats right... it was banned during that conflict

[vinylman4533]

The song was unfortunately banned by the BBC apparently at the time of the Falklands War. Pity as it is a great song that topped the charts downunder and should have been a much bigger world wide hit.

[drewoasis]

This record got me trough my first break-up...so awesome...

[USA4Evamore]

Yet another fantastic Split Enz video. Thanks!!

[gambino200]

I had mentioned this song to some of my coworkers the other day and nobody knew of Split Enz. I loved this group when I was growing up. I couldn't believe someone had it on here. Talk about a blast from the past! Thank you!

[freequest]

i love the build up to the actual song... and the vintage square rig footage... and i love it with the model of the halifax schooner :D

[CaseFamily]

If I'm not mistaken, it was MTV's First (or second) World Premier Video.

I haven't seen this in so long - thank you for posting this.

[DastardlyMatt]

I remember it back-to-back World Premiered with Dirty Creature, but couldn't tell ya if it was the first World Premiere Video.

[justjoan82]

I remember when this video 1st played on MTV! It is one of my favorites.Tim was so cute! :)

[freequest]

perfect tune to play when playing PotBS :D

[hamtrak]

Haven't seen this since the early 80's, WOW!

[cmxspirit]

love the comment giddy beat, I agree, I listened to the Wiggles version it is alot of fun for kids to listen to too.

[drummerkid71]

I think this song was way ahead of it's time. Musically it is the perfect storm. It covers all your senses with the chords used. IE: major chords make you happy ... minor chords make you sad.

[bellimbopinni]

Good one mate. I'm no muzo but I do make noise on acoustic guitar and I always said that minors are melancholy and well, this song has the majors as well. You have to be positive to adventure into the unknown.

[krazykritik]

...lol...what a fascinating toon...love it...giddy beat...fun lyrics...and it kind of reminds me of the 6 months I spent in Calgary...in 1981...3 months on the street...3 months everywhere could lay my head...it was like "six months in a leaky boat"...

[TheJoyofSOF]

wow. what a flashback. way cool.

[rugbyman1]

banned in the UK due to the 'falklands war'...

always around at the 'wrong time' to really hit big INTERNATIONALLY

[bellimbopinni]

WOW! That's interesting. This was a special song for me, very happy and positive. I wonder why the 'Poms' thought this song was a problem. Maybe it displayed a sense of 'independance'?

[krazykritik]

..we should ban the UK...they sold us 4 'leaky' subs..Canadian sailors are not dumb...but the Canadian goernment is...

[londonbangkok]

I know I am a Brit but SE/CH and the Brothers Finn are among my favourite groups/musicians. I don't think it was banned but did not make the 'playlist' along with 700 of the other 750 singles issued that week. The BBC can be accused of poor musical taste, but I dont think it was censorship on this occasion.

[stevesvenja]

Aotaeroa bro! (did I spell that right?) What a place, just a shame about a lot of the people there.

[letstalkaboutmusic]

This is my fav album of theirs, 6 mnths, dirty creature, sandy allen, bliss

[gabbyo1]

i was brought up with there music when i was young and i remeber my brother and i hating it and now as im young and iv moved over to nz i listen to the music as much as i can!!! love them

[vinylman4533]

A classic. They played this really well live in the early 80's too.

[GuessBehemoth]

3:55 Gorgeous...

[Worsthoofd]

Also, I think New Zealand is about The Finest Country To Exist On This Planet Today. Just wanted to spread that around... Sorry for bothering you people. ;-)

[bellimbopinni]

Worsthoofd,If I list NZ on Ebay will you put a bid in for it? The weather is not much good, the people don't speak english and you'll need a pest controller for the hobbits. I'll start the price at A$100.

[bellimbopinni]

You Kiwis know I'm only muck'in around.

[Worsthoofd]

I LOVE this song, especially the Pioneer part... It's incredibly dreamy. This, along with Voices and Make Sense Of It, are definitely my favorite Enz songs.

[sullysnet]

amazing song and wonderful melody :) this is music!!

[druidthelakes]

Thank you! looking for this for years.

You tube rocks

[kgan33]

SAME HERE

[d1groovie]

ONE OF MY FAVS!!!!!!!lol my bro has boat called leaky B. in honer of these guys.

[ggbggbggb]

what an adventure

who amongst us would have the courage to make that journey ?

[ChuChu353]

I get misty-eyed whenever I see this video. My father served with US Navy during WWII in the South Pacific and spent much of his time in Australia and New Zealand. When I was young and MTV would play this video, he would alway watch it and tell us about how he loved New Zealand. He passed away a few years ago and I always think of him whenever I hear this song.

[ricaard]

@ChuChu353 My condolences...

[tamroyt]

So underloved here in the states. Almost embarressed to say.

[gazoscreek]

Ah, but they are loved. Every Enz/House/Finn show I've been to since seeing Enz at the Old Waldorf in the early 80s has been sold out. This is such a joyful tune that makes me smile every time I hear it.

[tamroyt]

The verse "come on all you lads, let`s forget and forgive. There`s a world to explore, tales to tell back on shore" gives me chills every time I hear it.

I was properly gob smacked when first I heard Enz.

And have remained so till this very day.

Best to you and your`s.

[ggbggbggb]

just imagine the trip from england to aus/NZ

there is nothing like that today

what an adventure !

[hebber1961]

the music playing when they're dancing on the deck sounds like it's from an old video game.

[krzyk71]

GREAT TUNE.

[FVUK]

great song

[andrewlewis963]

who is her

[katokowgirl]

Classic Kiwiana!

[jgmacxx]

video quality; and i mean of substance.

[madmaoriuk]

AOTEOROA! Is it like really overly trendy to think that the Enz were better than Crowded House? (Even though it's mostly the same guys...)

[Papenlakers]

I'd really have to disagree with you on that one. There is no doubt that Split Enz had something special and had quite a few great tracks but Crowded House are on another level in my opinion. No gimmicks, no airy-fairy jocular nonsense - just fantastic songs.

[vinylman4533]

I have to disagree with you there. Split Enz had some first rate songs. Crowded House have really grown on me retrospectively, but at first they sounded a tad somber after many of the upbeat Split Enz songs. Split Enz went in with theatrics earlier on, but by 1982 when I saw them live they were just a great live band reeling off great songs.

[DastardlyMatt]

Nahh.. Crowded House is "Adult Contemporary" (translation: boring). I'll take the Enz goofiness any day of the week!

[Wazzap54]

No doubt that these guys were (and are) brilliant artists of our times - very clever, socially perceptive. Musical genius

[ashbyboy]

Such a great tune. One of the rare cool songs ever played on my local radio station back in the early eighties..

[nofag]

'Hard act to follow' was great - a real power wave track. Can't find it here though.

[vickstertori]

Ahhh, the old MTV days. . .brings back memories!!!

[LikeRain797]

For me also :) A far cry from what MTV is today. At the risk of sounding old (because I'm not) MTV these days is a far cry from it's roots. Sad, yet somehow fitting I suppose.

[RaceWeather]

Rummij, thanks for the insight.  I learn something new everyday.

[themitch1966]

Enz were great...saw my 1st video of theirs on a show called Friday Nite Videos...ye gods I'm old

[campbellonia]

Isn't the book "The Tyranny of Distance" name-checked in the lyrics about the founding of Australia, though? I'll have to check. Love the song, love the debate. Think it WAS taken off the air during the Falklands war, but so was Rod Stewart's Sailing and Frankie's "Two Tribes" if I remember right.

[DarkVioletMist]

So great to see this again after so long! This song has so much dimension to it--just love it & Split Enz!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[josbub]

way to go split enz and NZ...awesome stuff..

[rummij]

Thatcher did not "ban" this song! BBC did not play it because it might remind people of sinking ships in the Falklands war.

Song is about relationships, not about sailing to anywhere! "Six months in a leaky boat" is about a difficult relationship, and seeing the upside. makes you stronger and more adventurous. "Round the Horn, if you dare!!!" :) "Aoteoroa" is an adventurous spirit that is not deterred by setbacks or isolation.

Great song by a great band. Thanks so much for posting it!

[toddbo2]

Thanks for that inside info about the song.  Great song!!!

[penjo]

Ahh no, it is about the settlers who went to New Zealand. "Round the Horn" is Cape Horn. Others already answered.

[shotguna]

Besides the litteral explorer sense, I have heard that the song is about Tim's break up with actress Greta Scaachi, comments? When you listen to the song in that sense, it takes on a whole new dimension. Very good social commentators but also great poets. And if you haven't been to that part of the world, NZ is Australia's 3rd and 4th island.

[rockthecroc]

Haha. New Zealand is a completely seperate country from Australia, politically and in every other sense. As seperate as say Canada and the US. A commom misconception that we NZ'ers need to dispell.

[airacsum]

Only wish Canada was as separate...

[LunaTickley]

The song dates back to before he even met her, as far as I know.

[kapaibro]

remember when Thatcher banned this song in England cos she thought Split Enz was taking the piss about the Falklands! Get real!

I love my Split Enz, one of the first concerts I ever saw as a kid!

[carntspell]

Brilliant song. One of the most fun groups of the 70s/80s. How the UK could welcome Jason Donovan and ban Split Enz is most perplexing.

[vinylman4533]

What a shame that this song was banned in the UK. It could have helped the band really break it there if this had have been the major hit it should have been.

[ggbggbggb]

without getting involved in aboriginal history..

this song represents the incredible courage of the ppl the set sail from England To Australia

what an adventure..

[gt6mark]

They are New Zealanders--Not aussies..

Its about traveling to NZ-Aotearoa

[kapaibro]

Ahem. It's about sailing to New Zealand/Aotearoa. The New Zealand band singing the song is kind of a dead giveaway!

[alexbordessa]

I like this song - thanks for putting it on :-) I can't remember if this song was actually banned in UK (I live there) but I did see it several times on the tv during that time and it *was* very much associated with the Falkland Islands War. But anything to do with boats was, eg. Rod Stewart's Sailing.

[UncaSatan]

split enz is awesome- funny that crowded house had the bigger hits here in the U.S. but weren't near as much fun to listen to

[tivaevae]

love this song.... the way they say aotearoa is funny lol

[wavesofwaid]

the best split enz song in my opinion

[paulobrien9999]

amen

[shanny708]

I love that the wiggles did a cover of this, they may have no fashion sence but they must have good tast in music

[hermosabeachgrrl]

All I can say is I was a 14 year old American teenager when I first saw this video and learned what Aotearoa meant and saw a glimpse of all the amazing things around the world that I had yet to see. Great song, great video!

[tjhs84]

I loved this song in high school but everyone thought I was crazy.

[crowamonghens]

that's because they all loved it too and were afraid to admit it. damn conformity.

[smooth1nz]

This song was banned in the UK!

[strangelovesmith]

Yeah, I remember that when this song was released was right when the Fauklands 'War' started. And apparently the Brits didn't want anybody to make a comparison between their ships on the way to the Fauklands and this little 'leaky' ship. I swear.

[penjo]

WHAT?? That's the most daft thing I've heard, well no not really but it is up there.

[tdcsurfer]

what? why?

[FootLongSub]

Go New Zealand... Thanx for the post and GO THE ALL BLACKS!!!! (& The Blues)

[travkatz]

sill video. but this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

[jntdhome]

I remember getting MTV in the summer of 82 and this song ans Dirty Creature were in heavy rotation. Great band!!!

[kennyinblack]

This great song was not given any airtime in the UK,as the falklands war had started,morale and all that----goverments eh?

[strangelovesmith]

Believe this video was banned in england and the falklands during the war.....What a Great INTRO. you don't realize what your watching is a music video.

[musicman63]

I love this song...and its been forever since Ive seen it! thank you!!!

[erik1966lutig]

"Aotearoa!" This might be the greatest song about New Zealand... EVER!