Shiver Me Timbers - cover of Tom Waits/Bette Midler song

This is a Tom Waits song. I have also seen a fabulous version performed by Bette Midler, though in a lighter style. You can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh3BoW_a8Nc but hey, listen to mine too:)

I've gone for a more Waitsian approach, or tried to. It's a song with, at least to my mind, quite a dark edge to it. lyrics I've used are as below:-

I'm leavin' my fam'ly
Leavin' all my friends
My body's at home
But my heart's in the wind
Where the clouds are like headlines
On a new front page sky
My tears are salt water
And the moon's full and high

And I know Martin Eden's
Gonna be proud of me
And many before me
have been called by the sea
To be up in the crow's nest
Singin' my say
Shiver me Timbers
I'm a-sailin' away

And the fog's liftin'
sand's shiftin'
I'm driftin' on out
Ol' Captain Ahab
He ain't got nothin' on me,
So swallow me, don't follow me
I'm trav'lin' alone
Blue water's my daughter
I'm gonna skip like a stone

So please call my missus
tell her not to cry
my goodbye is written
By the moon in the sky
Hey and nobody knows me
I can't fathom my stayin'
Shiver me timbers
I'm a-sailin' away

And I'm leavin' my family
Leavin' all my friends
My body's at home
But my heart's in the wind
Where the clouds are like headlines
on a new front page sky
And shiver me timbers
I'm a-sailin' away

btw, the reference to 'Martin Eden' in the second verse relates to a novel by Jack london in which the eponymous Martin Eden goes away to sea.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Tom
• Waits
• Bette
• Midler
• Dave
• David
• Mullen
• song
• accoustic
• guitar

[jandt3]

I have'nt heard Tom in 25 years. I didn't realize just how much I miss him. My nephew is retireing from the Navy soon and would love to play this song for him when his time on earth is compleated. Thankyou for bringing Tom back in my heart. How can I get this from you

[DavidFebruary]

@jandt3 details on the way

[LoanCougar]

Wow and ditto what shandar7 said!! Well done and love your voice! (from South Texas)

[DavidFebruary]

Much appreciated Loancougar

[shandar7]

Wow, Dave...this is amazing. I love Tom Waits....I really love this song, and you have definitely done it justice. The arrangement is great, and I really enjoy your voice. Cheers!

[DavidFebruary]

Thanks Shandar

[mc528]

Beautiful version. It's one of my favorite songs of all time.

[thatslifeemily]

please tune your guitar and it will be perfect

[OKANRUB]

r.i.p. MARTIN EDEN you were a real man

[mieprowan]

*very* nicely done! And I'm a big Waits fan, and this is one of my top faves, so yes! You did good! And the video is gorgeous. Miep