Bones in the Ocean (2023 Special Edition)

Re-Recorded in 2023 with all current and previous members of The Longest Johns all together for the first time! Physical copies on vinyl and cd available to order from our Kickstarter for our brand new album, Voyage.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Andy Yates
Anna Cornish
Dave Robinson
Jonathan “JD” Darley
Josh Bowker
Robbie Sattin
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The Longest Johns
bio.site/TheLongestJohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ longestjohnsgaming
/ discord
www.thelongestjohns.com
open.spotify.com/artist/5k979...

[@stvnovd1446]

One of the most beautiful sea shanties written in history. The depth, the emotion, absolutely amazing.

[@TheRealSkeletor]

Wouldn't even call this one a shanty, but it's certainly a heartfelt ballad of sorts.

[@PierreJeanPierre]

The lyrics are above anything else they've written IMO, even though they have mostly written incredible stuff. Dave's talent really is something else, when it comes to writing.

[@SUNNYDINTHEREAL]

this is not a shanty

[@memeboi6017]

Ballad, not a shanty, and it was written by TLJ themselves, not really historical in any way

[@braydenputt2237]

I've said it in other 2023 remasters: these songs went from crewmates on their boat, to having a party at the tavern while at port. All the former members moving on, and current members ready to go back out. It's such a great symbolism whether intentional or not

[@stephengalindo6340]

It couldn't have been said better

[@Cry_Havoc]

What is so extraordinary is that this song, from your very first recording, is already from such a mature songwriter and singers. And still, a decade later, it still speaks to the heart and soul. It's changed as I have, and I know that every song of yours - funny or solemn or sober or delighted - will mean just as much to me ten years from now, message eternal as my life changes. You are truly extraordinary, and this re-recording, with all six voices, is beautiful beyond compare. ADEQUATE! STOMP!

[@kobayashi.official]

So beautifully stated!

[@Cry_Havoc]

@@kobayashi.official

[@dictatorjames7033]

I accidentally gave my Grandpa the Covid that killed him when he came to visit me at college before I knew I was sick. This song always helps me come back when I have the darker thoughts. So thanks for helping me stay strong.

[@OneInTheMosh]

Damn, so sorry for your loss. I hope you don't blame yourself brother

[@lewiswhatley687]

You didn't kill your grandfather, friend.

[@Albumancer]

Stay strong and hold on, friend! Keep the darkness away, there comes a dawn that follows each night, and you will feel better with time.

[@odonnell1218]

It wasn’t your fault, brother. Please don’t blame yourself. I’m so sorry for your loss

[@ChadKakashi]

Nothing you could’ve done mate. Sorry for your loss.

[@Ravenomics]

Goodness. The little bit of wavering at 2:23 kicked me in the feels.

[@stephengalindo6340]

I'm so glad they left it in. It fits so perfectly

[@Crazyp4t]

A toast to all my Fellow sailors on the Eternal Patrol. Gone, but never Forgotten.

[@jaewol359]

One of my favorite songs by you guys. Legitimately gave me chills the first couple times I listened to it.

[@davide8741]

I've been singing this at the Lviv Volunteer Kitchen serving the Ukrainian Army in their fight..... it is a tremendous song to remind us of the loss of our friends and the pain those of us who go on have to handle...... beautiful song...

[@davide8741]

See you in Prague on Feb 22..... my fiirst day back from Ukraine

[@elicarlson7682]

👍

[@TheRealSkeletor]

So good to hear all the members back together again, though this version is missing some of the full range of the original's harmonies.

[@XiTheta]

The bass part for sure is either missing or way down in the mix (I can't tell on my phone speaker) and as a result it feels much less 'weighty'? Not bad, just different.

[@tinglydingle]

@@XiTheta It's definitely not missing, it's probably the small speakers in your phone squashing it

[@XiTheta]

@@tinglydingle thanks for the heads up! Listening through headphones (my best cans) I'm still getting less bass end than the original, but it certainly sounds richer than the phone

[@tylermanzello3802]

Lyrics: Oh, I bid farewell to the port and the land And I paddle away from Brave England's white sands To search for my long ago forgotten friends To search for the place I hear all sailors end As the souls of the dead fill the space of my mind I’ll search without sleeping till peace I can find I fear not the weather, I fear not the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be Plot a course to the night, to a place I once knew To a place where my hope died along with my crew So I swallow my grief and face life's final test To find promise of peace and the solace of rest As the souls of the dead fill the space of my ears Their laughter like children, their beckoning cheers My heart longs to join them, sing songs of the sea I remember the fallen, do they think of me? When their bones in the ocean forever will be When at last before my ghostly shipmates I stand I shed a small tear for my home upon land Though their eyes speak of deaths filled with struggle and strife Their smiles below say I don't owe them my life As the souls of the dead fill the space of my eyes And my boat listed over and tried to capsize I’m this far from drowning, this far from the sea I remember the living, do they think of me? When my bones in the ocean forever will be Now that I'm staring down at the darkest abyss I'm not sure what I want, but I don't think it's this As my comrades call to stand fast and forge on I make sail for the dawn till the darkness has gone As the souls of the dead live fore'er in my mind As I live all the years that they left me behind I'll stay on the shore but still gaze at the sea I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be I remember the fallen and they think of me For our souls in the ocean together will be

[@steveallen3434]

just reading the words it has a flow and rhythm. A great piece of poetry in my opinion

[@spinomyth]

Thanks

[@ryanlally8116]

Ah yes, the song I remember listening to most at school during quarantine. There’s something about the isolating atmosphere of the lone survivor of a shipwreck just at home with 2020 for me. You guys killed it as usual and I can’t thank y’all enough for providing some of my favorite tunes for the past 4 years!

[@chuggabuggs]

I literally listened to this in the same boat....hehe....get it

[@nikknight]

This is my number one favorite sea shanty, period. I wanted to let you guys know that I loved this song so much that I began to write a book about a pirate who suffers visions of her lost crew after a battle at sea. I've been working on this book on and off for the past three years, and I'm about 1/2 way done with it at about 54,000 words. To hear this version again is so perfect; it makes me want to get right back into writing. If I ever get this thing published, I'll make sure to add you guys in the dedication. Thanks for all the beautiful music, guys, and may all *our souls filled with song here forever be free.*

[@rylanward7039]

Do send a link once you finish

[@halfbakedblake]

It inspired me to make a swashbuckler cat for a tabletop game. He only talks in shanty.

[@SUNNYDINTHEREAL]

damn your favourite shanty isnt even a shanty

[@stephengalindo6340]

A several people near and dear to me suffer from PTSD and have stared at the darkest abyss. Thank you so much for beautifully putting words the emotions that can accompany survivor's guilt. This has helped renew my desire to get into veterans counseling. I start my master's in clinical counseling in a few months!

[@EvilPaladin11]

It puts a tear on my cheek, and a lump in my throat. Just like the first time I heard the original. Your performance is haunting, and this song hurts so good.🥹 I love it.🥹

[@Pseudowolf]

Absolutely as beautiful as the first time I heard it. One of the best songs about survivor's guilt and a person going through that grief and loss but coming out the other side of it. I really love how the lyrics at 1:20 shift from the singer's guilt to realizing that his crewmates wouldn't want him to throw his life away and he starts thinking about the living who care about him and how he'd be laying the same grief upon them. And I always ALWAYS get choked up at 2:00 where the pace slows and the singer realizes he does want to live and pushes on "for the dawn, til the darkness has gone"

[@robertthegreek]

I can't believe this song is only 10 years old. Well done, mates.

[@LtGhost-tb3kq]

This song began me journey into folk music, sea shanties and Irish trad. I sincerely thank you, lads (and lass). Beautiful song and I will always remember it for the joy it's brought me.

[@Marquis_Foxglove]

Can you recommend any?

[@LtGhost-tb3kq]

@@Marquis_Foxglove "Don't Trad On Me" by Colm R. McGuinness. Let us know if ya like it.

[@Marquis_Foxglove]

@@LtGhost-tb3kq Very nice. Thanks for introducing me to his channel, he has a lot of gems on there.

[@jsloanhpi]

Well, a re-do with all members past and present? What a lovely idea. For a great song. Real interesting how 6 people or a new mixing change the balance. Have to struggle to hear the higher harmonies here. But ya’ll blend just lovely together.

[@kurtco.397]

Wow, just wow. While I get a chill hearing the original, this is the first time in awhile the song has brought me to tears. The slowed down, softer voice as our singer / protagonist comes to the realization that the journey doesn't need to end yet and, still unsure of himself, makes the decision to head back to land and live out his years... damn, gents. The beauty of music is that everyone can experience it differently, but I believe that subtle switch from the original will hit anyone else who has struggled with, or still struggles with, survivor's guilt just that much more.

[@JasonReimink]

I first heard this at a Renaissance Festival rehearsal for the pirate ensemble this summer the first one I didn't dissociate at least partially through after my mother passed. As the pirates we decided this one was too much of a downer to add to our repertoire, but I have to say I found it incredibly comforting in my grief. Thank you for such a touching rendition.

[@Pseudowolf]

I hear that. There are a few songs that I just cannot sing along with because the emotions get to me when I try. This is one of those songs.

[@slavicsandvich5967]

forever a classic!

[@uncheckedfoundry6701]

This version tugs on the heartstrings a lot more than the original. Y’all are amazing!

[@silentcalling]

This song will always hold a special place. The pure human experience of survivors' guilt is so palpable through these lyrics that near anyone can relate, and the promise of redemption crashes like the tide on the shore every time. This is a masterclass of music, and I'd be hard-pressed to believe this song won't see a century's memory.

[@calebgriffin4214]

Love this song, great to hear this recording

[@alexisdodoe]

This shanty makes me cry

[@Ikaram.128]

Josh and Anna! I am in tears ❤️🙌

[@novemberdawn8145]

Oh dude I was listening to the original last night, can't imagine my joy at seeing this in my feed. I love this song so much and it genuinely helped me grieve healthily.

[@thetruesoml2118]

I cry every time I hear this song. It's a masterpiece and full of emotion. I love it, every somber note.

[@boilensingson8350]

For me, this is the perfect epilogue to The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

[@dopamain777]

Ive been singing this in my head and my socs I keep tearing up everytime and now I encounter an updated version. Im crying more and more now as I sing it wholeheartedly.

[@abhineetmaurya4334]

This song will definitely go down as the biggest folk masterpiece of this quarter of the century

[@johncayley7838]

So wonderful to hear you all together! Adequate beyond measure.

[@harrisonsciberras2563]

My favourite shanty has risen to the occasion once again, sung by the bravest and best shanty man this side of the West Indies. I salute you good men, and thank you for 6 years of this magnificent song

[@nbenefiel]

Now that Christmas is over, the next big thing I am looking forward to is the Longest John’s appearance in Chicago.

[@sparkymmilarky]

Love this song. Hugely underrated, beautiful lyrics

[@FoxfirePoet]

A shanty about survivors guilt. Now that will blindside you if anything will.

[@SleepDepJoel1]

I miss my friends very much. I'm glad that I took the time to appreciate them while I could.

[@littlecheese8633]

sea water is nice to drink

[@FestiveFrostbite]

I don't believe that you should drink the briny waters of the sea.

[@littlecheese8633]

@@FestiveFrostbite but its good for my bones

[@FestiveFrostbite]

@@littlecheese8633 There is only around 300ppm of calcium in the typical glass of sea water, a simple glass of milk has over 1000x more calcium than sea water.

[@littlecheese8633]

@@FestiveFrostbite i am scared of cows

[@FestiveFrostbite]

@@littlecheese8633 Then eat crab about 590x more calcium than in sea water, and when getting the crab you can get a glass of sea water just as a little treat.

[@Hplovecrafts_cat]

This song helped me, when i found out. one of the teacher's that had got me through school passed away.

[@KingJellyfishII]

I remember singing this while sailing out of my home port one day, and how a big gust came and caught me off guard right as I got to the part that goes "as my boat listed over and tried to capsize". Thought that was quite fitting.

[@hildir6507]

My favorite Longest Johns song, one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@madiko]

Perfect! So simple and therefore beautiful. Especially love the clear articulation of lyrics and voices alike. You can feel and reach for the long standing friendship you ladies and lads share. ❤

[@Harmonica821]

Sex is temporary. Friendship is eternal.

[@moragmckay3779]

I love this song. So touching.

[@Oistopthat]

Aye a toast to the fallen 🍻

[@TheDelfinlady]

Lovely 💙

[@almightteacheratua8640]

This song has been stuck in my head for the last week, I love it so much ^_^

[@spencerbirt3083]

This song means so much to me. love you guys

[@Bobobobobob741]

Easily has been one of my favorite tracks for as long as I've known of you all, this was an awesome revamp.

[@beahwatson]

this one's always been one of my favs :) love the new version

[@pratfo]

Always been my favorite, thanks boys.

[@SkyeTheSapphicWizard]

Still brings me to tears. Really is beautiful

[@Rinnys_Dollhouse]

This is one of my favorite songs!! I love it!

[@water737]

this bring tears to my eyes so well done

[@phantomdestroyer192]

I found you guys from this song, I love to see it given some love again

[@EvilPaladin11]

When time starts to collect my college friends, I'm going to convince the rest of my friends to sing this at each of our funerals.

[@grogg3285]

I've suffered a survivors guilt for a few years now and this song always brings me to tears it's so powerful. Absolutely splendid, lads.

[@Potato8884]

This song genuinely makes me cry ;A;

[@loirojose9298]

my favorite song!

[@vincentlachaussee5453]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@erikbattles]

Beautifully adequate!

[@martinusaokishiro]

The quickest 4 minutes ago click of my life.

[@MikhaelAhava]

Great!

[@michaela3910]

Ok, this brought a tear to my eye

[@bobblehead7002]

oh wow!

[@ludvigwibom5189]

My most listened song in 2022

[@La_Shina]

This is my favorite sea shantie 💙💙

[@stephengalindo6340]

I said it on the original and I'll say it here: Stand fast and forge on. If it's dark, keep sailing til dawn. It will be light again

[@foresight3437]

This is your best song

[@Mightymajin]

This one alone is WAY better then Wellerman

[@screwandwrenchrob4778]

The first time I heard this song was on barotrauma sending a comerade to their watery rest

[@Sussy_Bottom_Boys]

Yo ho ho ho...

[@rifk_]

(check my post on the original for context) yk where else to post my update then on the special edition of one of the most touching songs ive ever heard. yk, a year (and a monthish) after what happend, i dont rlly have too much to say atp, just moving forward like how he wouldve wanted me to. yea honestly not much else to say so regardless of what happens now on, we'll all be bones in the ocean anyway, aye?

[@e7yu]

🎶🎶☠️🌊🤠

[@Gallaelwyd]

Love this song, love the Johns BUT... am I the only one that think the original sounds better? Feels more raw

[@Deivid-bn6yw]

Simon Clarke little sailor boi version when?

[@elmyratube]

Well that emotionally destroyed me.

[@TheExcalabur]

It's a bit weird that the list of former members isn't anywhere--crediting them would be nice.

[@DePieks]

All members (past and present) are listed in the description. I'd say that counts as crediting them?

[@TheExcalabur]

That was not true at the time of posting. Glad to see it. @@DePieks

[@DePieks]

@@TheExcalabur Ahh gotcha! Nice to see that they added that then :)

[@Pointclearius]

Who are the past members of the band? I'm new here heh

[@jeremyjw]

are you sure it's not supposed to be "plot a course THROUGH the night to a place i once knew" ?

[@PierreJeanPierre]

Love it, but my favourite version remains the one from Made of Ale Sessions. It carried an incredible power which I don't feel as much in this one.

[@beveragebrit]

Without Dave the song sounds incomplete but it works well

[@Hailrigand]

Pretty sure Dave *was* in this recording of the piece!

[@thelongestjohns]

Dave is leading the song

[@beveragebrit]

@@thelongestjohns oh I've never been good with the voices

[@theinventiveidiot]

beautiful