Bilge Pump Blues

22 hours ago by @joefahey

Liner Notes

At the beginning of this FAWM I'd planned to try and write a very stripped-down acoustic blues type song, I'd been listening to some Memphis Minnie and others for inspiration.

I recorded the guitar track first, a loose blues progression using and open tuning on the guitar. Listened to it for a couple days thinking of lyrics that started with Memphis Minnie's "When the Levee Breaks" as the inspiration for the opening line. I ended up rewriting the lyrics several times and rerecording it.

I felt like it needed more work on the lyrics and put it away for a but when I listened to the most recent version today I thought I'd call it done for now.

#acousticguitar #blues

Lyrics

If it keeps on leaking, this ship is gonna sink
The keel keeps creaking, getting us closer to that drink
The bilge pump’s failing the crew is wailing
And we’re all gonna sink or swim
Hope you’re happy with your Cappy
And your confidence in him

I’ll see you in heaven if you don’t end up in hell
Deviled eggs at 7 when they ring that dinner bell
The bilge pump’s pumping the timbers keep thumping
But the water’s coming right back in
Captain send his prayers from his chopper
He’ll send your molars to your next of kin

If it keeps on leaking, this great ship will go down
If that keel keeps creaking we’ll just have another round
The bilge pump’s still tryin’ the Captain’s still lyin’
The water’s gonna rush right in
The news is all over town
So sad when this great ship goes down

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