I wrote this song years ago for the Allied Merchant Navy veterans. I took some artistic license and used the term "Merchant Marine", which is more used in the US, than in Canada or Britain. In any case, I used the song as part of a campaign to get these veterans their pensions and survivor benefits, which they have since been awarded.

At the time, my band Celtae was a fusion of Cape Breton Scottish and Newfoundland Irish music. This song was more in the generic Atlantic Canadian "Sea Shanty" style with the addition of the Bodhran.


Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO_drlO5vSU

Excellent!!! And a fine tribute to a largely otherwise ignored segment of those who "go down to the sea in ships."

Great song and video! Thanks for sharing that with us!

Awesome! I actually own a copy of this album. I bought it from you off the stage at The Heart and Crown here in Ottawa back in 2002 I think. I still listen to it regularly.

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Originally Posted by Shane

Awesome! I actually own a copy of this album. I bought it from you off the stage at The Heart and Crown here in Ottawa back in 2002 I think. I still listen to it regularly.

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Wow! Small world:)

Nathan, thank you for that fantastic video and song. I am a volunteer onboard of a WWII Liberty ship, one of only 2 left from the 2710 that were built for the war. If you have no objections I would like to post the url to the website for the crew of my ship the SS Jeremiah O'Brien. The crew will love it.

A fine tribute to those merchant seamen who paid such an horrific price in the Atlantic until the Allies were finally able to counter the tactics of the u-boat fleet. It took true courage to face an unseen enemy while virtually unarmed. Well done.

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Originally Posted by sailortats

Nathan, thank you for that fantastic video and song. I am a volunteer onboard of a WWII Liberty ship, one of only 2 left from the 2710 that were built for the war. If you have no objections I would like to post the url to the website for the crew of my ship the SS Jeremiah O'Brien. The crew will love it.

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Thanks very much and by all means. Its on Youtube so no permission required!! I hope they enjoy it.

Appropriate timing and a nice song. Battle of the Atlantic Sunday is coming up on Sunday May 5. If people are interested you can check to see if a ceremony is held in your city. I know that most Canadian Naval Reserve units hold some sort of remembrance ceremony.

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Originally Posted by O'Searcaigh

Excellent!!! And a fine tribute to a largely otherwise ignored segment of those who "go down to the sea in ships."

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As a merchant mariner of more recent date, I also thank you.