White Squall

One of my favorite songs by the Late Great Stan Rogers and a little tribute to my Mom who passed away November 9th 2010
..Thank you all my youtube friends
The town of Wiarton is situated at the mouth of one of the deepest Great Lake
Ports. For years, over 30% of the Captains and First Mates employed in shipping
On the Lakes came from this quiet fishing town in the Bruce Peninsula. There
Are very few families in the town, even now, who have not lost a close
Relative to the fury of the lakes.]

Now it's just my luck to have the watch, with nothing left to do
But watch the deadly waters glide as we roll north to the 'Soo',
And wonder when they'll turn again and pitch us to the rail
And whirl off one more youngster in the gale.
The kid was so damned eager. It was all so big and new.
You never had to tell him twice, or find him work to do.
And evenings on the mess deck he was always first to sing,
And show us pictures of the girl he'd wed in spring.
CHORUS
But I told that kid a hundred times "Don't take the Lakes for granted.
They go from calm to a hundred knots so fast they seem enchanted."
But tonight some red-eyed Wiarton girl lies staring at the wall,
And her lover's gone into a white squall.
CHORUS
Now it's a thing that us oldtimers know. In a sultry summer calm
There comes a blow from nowhere, and it goes off like a bomb.
And a fifteen thousand tonner can be thrown upon her beam
While the gale takes all before it with a scream.
The kid was on the hatches, lying staring at the sky.
From where I stood I swear I could see tears fall from his eyes.
So I hadn't the heart to tell him that he should be on a line,
Even on a night so warm and fine.
CHORUS
When it struck, he sat up with a start; I roared to him, "Get down!"
But for all that he could hear, I could as well not made a sound.
So, I clung there to the stanchions, and I felt my face go pale,
As he crawled hand over hand along the rail.
I could feel her keeling over with the fury of the blow.
I watched the rail go under then, so terrible and slow.
Then, like some great dog she shook herself and roared upright again.
Far overside. I heard him call my name.
CHORUS
So it's just my luck to have the watch, with nothing left to do
But watch the deadly waters glide as we roll north to the 'Soo',
And wonder when they'll turn again and pitch us to the rail
And whirl off one more youngster in the gale.
But I tell these kids a hundred times "Don't take the Lakes for granted.
They go from calm to a hundred knots so fast they seem enchanted."
But tonight some red-eyed Wiarton girl lies staring at the wall,
And her lover's gone into a white squall

Category:

Music

Tags:

• White
• Squall
• ottawarocket
• Stan
• Rogers

[JoshSigurdsonMusic]

My condolences on your mother's passing, I'm sure she was a great woman, and she had good taste, Canadian Club is great! Also I very much enjoyed the performance, Stan Rogers was an amazing musician and you played the song very well. Have a good day! :)

[Ottawarocket]

@JoshSigurdsonMusic ..Thanks so much Josh I appreciate it my friend , I have always been a fan of Stan Rogers songs , I put him right up there with Leonard Cohen

Rocket

[MrDoctorDJ]

Very sorry to hear of your mum's passing. Its never easy during these times I know. Its good to see you still have your sence of humour through it and acoustic playing sounded very nice. Cheers!

[Ottawarocket]

@MrDoctorDJ ..Thank you so much my friend : )

Rocket

[TheMinstrelSpirit]

Dig your talks Rob...and in honor of your mom...whiskey n water is one of my favorite drinks...tho i go with a bit more water than a few sprays...2/3 whiskey...rest ice n water...never heard this song before...awesome tune Rob...your finger picking cuts right through it all...Love it...

[Ottawarocket]

@TheMinstrelSpirit ..Hey thanks Rob, I'm drinking a whiskey & Water right now in your honor , Be careful out on the road my friend

Rocket Rob

[Ottawarocket]

@onkelbuke .Thaks so much Chris , I appericate it Bro

Rob

[onkelbuke]

wonderfull tribute bro!!

[onkelbuke]

sorry about to hear of your mams passing, thats really sad. love ya bro, l4l, christopher

[MGonzoL]

Hi Rocket! I have missed you, and have just now been catching up on your music and your life. I want to express my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Your videos and music, always make me smile! I appreciate what you put on Youtube for us to enjoy!

~Gonzo!