robert wyatt shipbuilding

robert wyatt singing shipbuilding on the old grey whistle test bbc

• Category

  Music

[Paul Adams]

As a Costello fan you must know that he wrote this for Wyatt and has said on more than one occassion that Wyatt's is supreme and superior to his own version. I like Costello too and think his version is wonderful and moving but to dismiss this version as "karaoke" is demeaning and frankly offensive. Wyatt's voice is beautiful and he patently believes in the song. He lends it such emotion that it still moves me to tears. You must tell me where you listen to karakoe - must be a brilliant place!!!!

[joeg46Highlands]

Context

Under Thatcher Britain stopped making things and switched to providing financial services.

Is this contemporary or what?

[Tom Milsom]

turn those fucking flashing lights off!!!

[Sammyboy72]

Costello's is lovely too, but very slick. It certainly benefits from the great Chet Baker, but Costello says he knew he couldn't get close to Wyatt's version, so he went smooth.

[eojbhoy67]

you knew she was aboot tae croak it!

[PetiteLicorne]

With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls It's just a rumour that was spread around town A telegram or a picture-postcard Within weeks they'll be re-opening the shipyard And notifying the next of kin - once again It's all we're skilled in We will be shipbuilding With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls

[PetiteLicorne]

Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy's birthday It's just a rumour that was spread around town By the women and children Soon we'll be shipbuilding Well I ask you The boy said, "Dad they're going to take me to task But I'll be back by Christmas" It's just a rumour that was spread around town Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed in the result of this shipbuilding

[PAULLONDEN]

As a Thatcher cronie would say..."Get On Yer Bike"

[Charles Lambert]

I can never thank you enough for introducing me to the term 'spunk bubble'. How did I live without it?

[Robert Mcafee]

One of the best songs ever written, one of the best performance too, I wouldn't go near that if I was covering songs, it's all been said, thanks Robert and thanks Declan for writing it .

[spoonface]

This would've been a far better song to hit the top of the charts in the week of Thatchers death. It wouldn't of been censored either.