Like most of the songs in this collection this is mostly from first-hand observation. Some people think this song is just about the natural world. It is partly that, but I also wanted to work through some thoughts on being in the right or wrong place and time. I am often in the wrong country at any given time, but thankfully I do have some choice in that. Seeing families being rounded up by the authorities after being forced out of the back of a lorry at Toddington Services on the M.1. was a less happy experience. More details of this event are in my blog. This is one of several watery songs on the album.
The musical challenge for "Lean On The Tiller" was to come up with a song where the lyrics told a story, conformed to a shape and the music had the feel of an American folk song - don't ask me why, because I don't really know, except I have had a lot of pleasure over the years singing traditional songs from many times and places including a lot from American tradition. Could it have been a response to meeting Peggy Seeger, who greeted me by describing me as a "colourful pirate"?!
lyrics
Kingfisher sitting on the prow of the boat
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Kingfisher sitting on the prow of the boat
He’ll keep a-fishing, I’ll keep afloat.
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Ten fine swans with plumage fine
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Ten fine swans with plumage fine
Swim on the river in a dead straight line.
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
I’ll lean on the tiller like you lean on a gate
From the crack of dawn till the evening late
Watch my wash as I wend my way
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day
Fish close in for scraps from my platter
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Fish close in for scraps from my platter
Here comes Mr Pike watch them scatter.
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Cormorants sitting on a telephone line
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
Cormorants sitting on a telephone line
Eyeing those fish all looking so fine
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
I’ll lean on the tiller like you lean on a gate
From the crack of dawn till the evening late
Watch my wash as I wend my way
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day
The sadness in this cabaret
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day
The sadness in this cabaret
See the mink that swims this way.
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
I’ll lean on the tiller like you lean on a gate
From the crack of dawn till the evening late
Watch my wash as I wend my way
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day
There’s more to tell about life on the river
Lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
There’s more to tell about life on the river
But if I told you all you’d shiver and quiver.
Lean, lean, lean on the tiller all the livelong day.
(Music and lyrics by Marshlander - all rights reserved)
credits
from Head Above Water,
released May 1, 2019
Marshlander: vocal, guitar, harmonica, drums
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