CROSSING THE BAR | THE LONGEST JOHNS

Available on our latest album, Between Wind and Water, which can be ordered from our website,
www.thelongestjohns.com
Words by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Melody by Rani Arbo
Filmed at the gorgeous lake in Chew Magna
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The Longest Johns are a Bristol, UK based a-capella folk and shanty group.
/ thelongestjohns
www.thelongestjohns.com
/ thelongestjohns
/ thelongestjohns

[@sokka1005]

If this isn’t played during my funeral, I’m not fucking dying

[@xyrex5243]

Thank you all for making this. I want you all to know how much this song has touched my family. Recently I lost my grandfather, and Crossing the Bar was his favorite poem. It was read at his funeral and holds such significance to us. This father’s day I played it for my father; it wasn’t long before he, my brother, and myself were overcome with emotion. We toasted my father and our grandfather and had a good cry and a good laugh remembering our grandfather. Great music elicits emotion, and through your artistry you have truly brought myself and family happiness. Thank you for your work and do not stop doing what you all love.

[@MindBodySoulOk]

I lost my father this Thanksgiving day and he asked that this poem be read.

[@scrimbles2973]

holy wow, im sorry

[@samsonhyde4213]

Me too

[@bradmattis683]

I don’t know if you will see this but I read this at my grandmothers service in her request and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I hope the same is done for me.

[@simonbatch1989]

My cousin recently passed away and this was played at his funeral he was in the Royal Navy served in the Falklands The Longest John's was one of his favourite bands and this is such a beautiful song he was only 59 and died of a heart attack absolutely lovely man was more of an uncle figure to me really a true gentleman that would do anything for family and friends RIP Bill you will be missed. Thank you for releasing this song

[@fredguldbrandsen2723]

I remember this poem being read to my 1963 4th grade class, the memory endures. Many decades later when I heard this song on-stage I instantly knew the words. And I know while there is breath in my body I shall always remember. And when I no longer breathe decades from now may there be no words of regret when I cross the bar and meet my Pilot face to face.

[@ianmonsterswitch1]

how does it manage to be beautiful happy and sad all at the same time

[@maxhilton325]

I swear you guys are getting better too fast to be human

[@deathday5513]

Its cause they're not

[@deathday5513]

They r legends

[@UndyingPandie]

@@inmyfeels420 Indeed. The Wellerman is amazing thank you very much.

[@zeldagoblin]

Try their version of Leave Her, Johnny

[@35trito]

Me: Turns on subtitles just to see what they say. The Subtitles: [Music]

[@vodyapraelium8772]

Or, even better, "That which drew out of the boundless t"

[@Ikaram.128]

Or even better “But such a tight ass moving”

[@bencorley8687]

"I hope to see my pilot face to face, when I have crossed the bar." Sweet mercy... that floors ya.

[@helenswan705]

yes, that gets me, too

[@jessedereu106]

For those who didn't know: crossing the bar is a poem by Lord Tennyson, so look it up and you can enjoy the lyrics and/or sing along (like I did)!

[@wrenlittle8826]

You had an old Danish Sailor(ess) sobbing. Absolutely beautiful. I felt the exuberance and the total surrender all over again.

[@Radam89]

Absolutely beautiful, Johns. I'm sure I'm not the only one choking up listening to this.

[@uhhdudethatwouldbesalt672]

Nope, the tears were welling in my eyes when I heard this.

[@ShadowmarkReturns]

I'm gonna leave this song in my will saying "Gather the family and send me off to sea with this."

[@dylanfredette818]

My son passed at 10 days old this year and this was the first song that I played on the agonizing drive home. Daddy misses you dearly Dallas❤️

[@kobayashi.official]

My condolences on such a terrible loss!

[@darmokgillette7046]

RIP Dallas

[@NiallMor]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@captainseapickle7828]

I wish he will come back for you in the future, my condolences, rip Dallas

[@nathanm5653]

I'm so sorry Dylan. My prayers are with you and your family.

[@jesse-jaymzduran8190]

I lost my girl almost 3 years ago. This song has helped me coupe in more ways then I can tell you guys. Thank you for the beauty presented on this ballad of the crossing to the other side. " I hope to see my pilot face to face!"

[@AviationJeremy]

My deepest condolences

[@nerdpiggy]

0:40 I am in LOVE with this harmony. That one dissonant note in the chord makes it an absolutely stunning sound. Not to mention, the panning of all the voices is fantastic!

[@grivinex5990]

I was gonna say this too, the composition of this is just absolutely beautiful and I love it.

[@antivanti]

They said on one of the streams that they never really plan the harmonies they just feel them out as they learn the songs and that might be the secret because the harmonies really feel great =)

[@henrithehero]

What's called "crunchy harmony" in the trade.

[@brandonwhittingham4464]

0:54 the subtitles read "such as a tight ass moving seems asleep"

[@thelongestjohns]

Amazing! I love the auto-subtitles

[@huntermcintosh8173]

I can only ever hear it as that.

[@therachaelgreennn]

thats what i always hear!

[@jkharu2760]

To phone for sound and foe

[@ericdanielpilanga9401]

I watched the bad subtitles viedo first before this one, now I can only hear it as that.

[@pertnado3109]

[Verse 1] Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, [Verse 2] When I put out to sea, When I put out to sea, And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea [Verse 3] But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, That which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. [Verse 4] Turns again home, Turns again home, That which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home [Verse 5] Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; [Verse 6] When I embark, When I embark, And may there be no sadness of farewell When I embark [Verse 7] For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar. [Verse 8] When I have crossed the bar When I have crossed the bar I hope to see my pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar [Verse 9] When I have crossed the bar When I have crossed the bar I hope to see my pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar

[@timward276]

for some reason this song makes my screen go all blurry by the end every time I hear it

[@brighthammer6146]

Today I found a Longest Johns video I didn't recognise. I didn't expect it to hit me so hard in the feels- those harmonies! The last chorus, wow

[@danharold5055]

I woudnt complain if i were ever on board with them playing shanties in ships....

[@brogle437]

I would Probably join in 😂

[@scrimbles2973]

Tbh i cant think of anyone who would

[@alvpyrola]

I was singing this at home recently, and my mum said she wants me to sing it on her funeral.. So that's a cheery thought.. But we agreed that we should put that off as long as possible.

[@bartcouprie4986]

I have been to many a naval funeral, and may yet attend another tomorrow. I've often wondered what should be played at my own passing. It may have to be this, when the time comes, years hence.

[@nbenefiel]

I Want this played at my funeral

[@redguy7718]

Played this after passing my BAR exam, finally going big time fellas

[@tricot6468]

When I have Passed the bar When I have passed the bar I hope to see my mother face to face When I have passed the bar New verse for when u do

[@JackVaulk]

Angelic. Please put all your new stuff on Spotify! I listen to it daily.

[@noobsandwich4598]

Just wanted to let you know you are my son's favourite thing to fall asleep to. So thank you for the beautiful music... and the peaceful nights :)

[@jeremyo3596]

Funny story, I clicked on this, but accidentally opened the same song up in another window that was off by about 6 seconds.... And the two of them mixed rather spectacularly! You gotta try it!

[@thesaxophoneboy]

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. Lyrics are from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

[@jazzbefos9303]

It's a beautiful poem

[@rylsahawneh3662]

One of my favorite poems.

[@TulsaKingClint]

This sets the bar (no pun intended) for what pure, beautiful music should sound like. Thank you Longest Johns, can't wait to hear the album!

[@franksachtler4846]

Thanks, done might well vg Frank from North Germany

[@dillionbarton8383]

This is hands down one of my absolute favorite poems by Tennyson.

[@stereodreamer23]

This is the song song I've ever seen you do with a female singer in the group. I REALLY like the difference a female voice adds to their sound. Hopefully, they will do this more often...

[@MJ-dq8ik]

Like others on here - yes my father loved the Tennyson poem & he just passed away this week at 98. We read it to him per his request. Finding this musical version is amazing. So beautiful, so sad, so emotional. Thank you.

[@chaotics5395]

This makes me want to sail a boat and just left all the problems and stressfulness behind. Great video guys

[@uhhdudethatwouldbesalt672]

I love you, Grandpa.

[@skeets6060]

This poem is part of the Masons memorial service,, you guys have given it a new meaning than just words recited in a candle lite room

[@damianknight7414]

This song has wisdom. I sing this to both my kids every night before bed.

[@NiallMor]

This was sung at my father's memorial Mass in 2005. It brings back bittersweet memories, but this is a beautiful rendition. Thank you, TLJ.

[@OldManJacan]

I have to agree with Max, you guys just keep getting better and it doesn’t feel real. On another note, have you guys seen the E3 stuff on Ubisoft’s next game, Skull and Bones it’s basically a full game from the ship bits of AC4 and looks really good!

[@hiking_hunter0382]

Agreed

[@alekssavic1154]

I have mixed feelings. It looks pretty, but is utterly devoid of even a pretence at realism.

[@Hollcall]

Bloody Brilliant............................TRUELY !

[@bollocksoplenty1161]

Alfred would be proud

[@WeepingWillow1]

I had to sing a choral version of this for All-state choir last year. I'm so glad I found this to trace it back to its roots.

[@seanpendulum5121]

We all know who THE PILOT is...and He goes before us in ALL things.....thank you for this beautful song which I heard for the first time today August 31st 2023...

[@thevoidlookspretty7079]

I heard this in a dream once. I was singing it as myself and my family made our way to Heaven.

[@padjo59]

The original musical instrument and the best. Hard to top your five amazing voices!

[@grandhealer]

How do people dislike something like this....! Amazing sound, *resets the soul* /love

[@nbenefiel]

Tennyson was a great poet. I don’t think they even teach him in schools anymore. It’s a sad loss.

[@jenniferkeane2215]

I just found my new favorite genre of music

[@kitsiewr]

Gorgeous harmony, gorgeous visuals - a lovely gift to us all at a time when so many dear ones have "crossed the bar."

[@olib5500]

I have listened to this at least 10 times today. It is absolutely marvellous.

[@Juicyjay5k]

i think its good how i can smell the sea everytime

[@valdrlogan5118]

I'm truly glad I subscribed to you guys. The music you do, and this song is a prime example, it really speaks to me. I can feel it in my soul, which is something modern music has never done for me. Thank you guys, keep up the good work.

[@gapdragon01]

Egad, I have goosebumps!!

[@jesse-jaymzduran8190]

This song has helped me though so much loss. Thank you gentlemen. I can't appreciate this more.

[@Shamboo79]

My god this is amazing. Thank you.

[@rozczarowanie3186]

These songs release a feeling of can't explain.

[@SuperNova-so2cj]

I listen for the harmonies in the final chorus omg

[@SnepBlepVR]

I want this played/sang at my funeral

[@maxhacks2942]

this actually touched me spiritually. it's so beautiful. i wish i was born in the early 1700s

[@rachelforeman3802]

This was my grandfather's favorite hymn. Best version I have ever heard.

[@zeldagoblin]

Those incredible harmonies, guys. 😭

[@yonderstone]

Holy shit that's amazing!

[@AnubisFactsGames]

That was quite beautiful.

[@silentwatcher5134]

I've grown up near the coast, and whenever we could afford it, my family and I would go camping on the beach. The lighthouse on the bluffs where we would watch the sun set had a plaque with this poem on it. I've grown up with these words. The melody you put to the poem is beautiful and does it justice.

[@andrewkinsey8099]

melody written by Rani Arbo

[@allgaming5647]

Damn tho these Johns do be the longest Johns tho.

[@kindofkind]

And now not only the vocal is beatuiful but also the video! Really cool, this is the apogee of true creativity!

[@shirleydines3145]

Such a deep and meaningful song sung beautifully by you guys. Xx 🙂

[@hendrix1759]

Absolutely first class...you’re an incredible group. Keep it up, and thank you!

[@alanmagic389]

This song is absolutely beautiful.

[@friendlybanjoatheist5464]

Thank you for this. Bringing lots of tears to my eyes here now.

[@M.C.13-q4i]

Well Top Gun vibes for sure and thanks for that

[@thisisme8666]

Pure human voices singing in harmony is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. Even if you can't speak the same language, you can still feel the emotions of the story. Check out some tribal songs on KZbin too, there's plenty of them. Music calms the beast!

[@dropslemon]

I thought this sounded poetic in a strangely familiar way. it took me a bit to recognize that you'd used a poem from one of my all-time favorite poets! these songs always sound beautiful, it's a nice comfort to have while pulling an all-nighter to finish my final paper for this semester.

[@JadenKortana]

This has to be one of the most beautiful songs i've heard in recent years thank you.

[@neilwilson5785]

This made me remember my aunt, who was so good to me. Thank you for reviving the memories.

[@conradevangeliary9542]

I used this song to sing my gf to sleep, thank you so much, what a wonderful song. God bless you all!

[@KADASUVA]

I was having a terrible week. But then I came across this song in my recommended tab and it made my day a little better.

[@D1SC0RDANT]

Dame goosbumps!!!

[@1984potionlover]

Damn my traitorous eyes. Again my tears make meandering trails down my cheeks. Your harmonies are beautiful . Coupled with the lyrics of this poem song, I am undone. 🥲

[@mrfruigle1081]

0 dislikes. This is the only video that makes sense that there isn’t any

[@scavysaimon2637]

I always feel so honored when I click the share button on your videos...Big love from Slovakia

[@helixacegames9069]

just beautiful. im almost tearing up

[@emhepri]

Just came across this video....amazing. Such a beautiful and touching song. left me in tears 🏴‍☠ 🎧

[@wave._.hunter]

You guys are awesome

[@Denley1526]

Beautiful song, wonderful video, amazing voices. Lost for words now!

[@belisauros370]

Amazing... great job dudes

[@holyyoghurtman1952]

Those were some nice landscapes and awesome performances (as always). Imagine this video, song and all, being the first or last shots of a movie.

[@CCPJAYLPHAN1994]

Praise the Pagan gods, I have found a great people who sing this genre of music

[@cupman7326]

Absolutely stunning....

[@zenromel.p.p1084]

Damn it I'm actually crying it's sad and yet beautiful 😭

[@trentonbarton809]

You guys are great singers!

[@DuckPondSailors]

Bravo, you lot are an inspiration. Glad to see the next step up in quality. You are one of the main reasons we've had the balls to start our own crew and we're having an awesome time. Thanks and please keep it up.

[@wfcoaker1398]

This! This is what I want sung, by you guys, as they lower me down.

[@reallyTrashAtGame]

This is one of the few videos I know where at the time of writing this comment... there are no dislikes

[@anitashumway3838]

CARRINGLY BEAUTIFUL

[@LoriKessel]

Credit should be given to Rani Arbo who created this arrangement of Crossing the Bar and sings it beautifully

[@ori6990]

yes i need more

[@wtcapthemi8267]

Do the shanty "leave her Jonny!" or "Fish in the sea"

[@user-bp9zj9xs2y]

Now, that's a good music

[@onemaninaboat]

This thing is fucking divine. Well done boys and The Lady. May your Johns be long forever.