Robert Wyatt - Shipbuilding

[@PeterDuffield-xv9xe]

As a Falklands veteran - I resonate with every chord and syllable of this song. Terribly ,terribly beautiful- completely conveys the crazy benefits and at the same time the horrors of war and particularly one that was completely avoidable!

[@karimwaidatt]

Saludo uno.

[@sabiantheomnivore5592]

@@karimwaidatt Bueno, compares.. Pace .

[@stephenscott1153]

The voice of Wyatt that double bass drums and piano wow What a classic Elvis Costello song Always adored it

[@4milfs]

Is it alright to shed a few tears whenever you hear this song ? - You're damn right it is.

[@stubvidmedia8903]

Always alright

[@barnyification]

Why...

[@4milfs]

@@barnyification It's ok not to know why.....

[@barnyification]

@@4milfs that's true.. but personally I'd ask myself why..

[@SaintMartins]

Here because in a 1997 BBC interview David Bowie said this song is his choice for "the song he wished he had written" seriously, he likes the melon collie tone of it....the melody, piano & lyrics.

[@jkelly2926]

Me too

[@lodgerxlodger6525]

That's why I came here - but this song does nothing for me... the vocals are a bit annoying... I'll take The Tragically Hip's Nautical Disaster over this any time.

[@christaveldhuis]

Me too!

[@jordanvalentine-dunn5971]

Same

[@jordanvalentine-dunn5971]

Blackstar makes even more sense now.

[@canaletto333]

Robert Wyatt is one of the most charismatic vocalists ever. Greets from Poland.

[@davidmulkerrin2757]

I've just visited Gdansk last week and this song came into my head,hence why I am here now...

[@jumhed994]

Costello was in *the zone* when he wrote this one. A gut punch to the emotions. Incredible song

[@TonyEnglandUK]

And man, Robert's vocals do it all the justice it deserves.

[@mrdeafa25]

He didnt write it, Robert Wyatt did and you are right, it is an incredible song.

[@jumhed994]

@@mrdeafa25 Lyrics by Elvis Costello and music by Clive Langer

[@mrdeafa25]

My apologies. Beautiful song.@@jumhed994

[@julesobee]

​@@mrdeafa25Clive Langer wrote the music, Elvis Costello rewrote CL's lyric. EC also produced and provided backing vox.

[@shaneholland7841]

One of the best anti war and workers rights songs and ever penned, by Elvis Costello and as a reaction to the Falkland war preparations by Thatcher. Beautifully sung and performed by Robert Wyatt.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

by worker you mean slave? I come from that stock ... people standing around waiting for others to give their lives meaning as the son says, you're waiting for someone to give you a job when you could be diving for pearls.

[@joedexys]

BRILLIANT

[@stephenwalker850]

So , let me get this straight , neither Robert Wyatt or Elvis Costello worked oan the docks

[@rogink]

@@stephenwalker850 Do you mean docks. Or shipyards? It's like comparing someone building cars to another driving them. But who cares?

[@1966wilky]

@@TheCompleteGuitarist I agree. I had a friend back in the early eighties who’s first job on leaving school was to go straight to the shipyards. He absolutely hated it and I’m pleased he got out by being able to get a free university education which is no longer the case now. I feel sorry for all the working classes who are capable of so much but can’t afford to get a decent education and are stuck in the worst of dead end jobs.

[@kelechi_77]

This is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs I've ever heard, I remember hearing it on a 2 hour bus ride home at the age of 16 when I had travelled on my own, it was late at night and raining heavily, saw an article listing David Bowie's favorite songs, and that's how I came about this amazing song. Loved the Soft Machine beforehand but this is something else!

[@dannycostello1978]

Indeed, it was Bowie's favourite.

[@janechantler6936]

A beautifully written and performed protest song.

[@Dermacrosis]

I remember telling my my mum to listen to "Suedes Shipbuilding" she did and then she told me to listed to Wyatts original, and I conceded the original was better and darker.

[@tommyscocciai4846]

Wyatt has the most magical voice in pop-rock history...😈

[@MikeDickson]

Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece.

[@j.c985]

What a voice. What an incredible voice. Elvis Costello said this was the best lyric he ever wrote and I agree.

[@NobodyOwens_72]

When were diving for dear life We could be giving for pearls 😪 I play this and it reminds me of my dearest Dad .who should of dived for more pearls x

[@dennismcgillivray9419]

This is a great version of the song. I worked in the shipyard in Aberdeen, and the last ship to leave the yard (rms st helena). When there was a strike on the P&O ferries in the 80s. The Aberdeen to shetland ferry didnt sail. Because of the strike. Elvis costello did a benifit gig for the strikers,(in Aberdeen) and the boat sailed.(with him on it for a gig up north). For me this song sums up the best, and the worst of the 80s.Our last hope at heavy engineering. The days of a unionised workforce. Britains last hourahh as an empire. But the hope of "diving for pearls", With a chance to reset the bar with the beautiful things,people and surroundings, that have been here all along.

[@Spectrescup]

What a great comment. Thank you.

[@rogink]

Sadly, the unions were as antiquated as the Empire. Both killed off our industry.

[@madeleineisabelle9383]

Underrated masterpiece

[@grahamboffey457]

Totally stunning song performed by a great band, with Wyatt’s haunting vocals. Perfection.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

His voice matches this song beautifully.

[@DarkForcesStudio]

The best political songs are the ones that draw you in without feeling overtly political or preachy. This is the ultimate example of how to pull it off. Superb.

[@karelverschooten2381]

Dank aan Elvis Costello. Een gebed tegen de oorlog. Universeel. Actueel in 2022. Prachtige versie van Robert. Dank je !!!

[@edwardmulholland7912]

Robert’s voice is beautiful

[@jon780249]

A brilliant song. Both Elvis’ and Wyatt’s versions are excellent.

[@Paddy955]

Nice comment! I've got tired of the arguments over who wrote what so it's great to see your comment acknowledging they're both as good as each other.

[@wboyes27]

The best version, by a million miles

[@JohnGauld]

Still brings me to tears.

[@FiveWaysOfDisappearing]

Beautiful as always. I needed to hear this song in this particular version.

[@kingkook3027]

Robert is a real music legend, and this is glorious

[@scarter3569]

Utterly beautiful. I remember that war and hating it. This song articulates my feelings precisely.

[@Marktewk]

I remember hearing about the sinking of the Belgrano and thinking that I had some responsibility for killing so many people. War is never the answer.

[@DJay0111]

@@Marktewk except it is sometimes

[@stevem-h3562]

@@Marktewk How? How did you have any responsibility for it unless you were onboard the submarine at the time?? What a very strange thing to say.

[@Marktewk]

@@DJay0111 No it isn't.

[@Marktewk]

@@stevem-h3562 I paid for the submarine, the missile.

[@wmorris189]

A very great song. Profound, brilliantly written and Robert Wyatt at his most moving.

[@philipashbourn1538]

Wonderful version of a classic song. Great vocal by Robert of a equally great lyric by Elvis.

[@paulkenchington6976]

I remember Mark Chapman on Radio One saying this is the greatest single ever.

[@miketurpin9786]

My dad's favourite ever song, for my mum Pearl 💘

[@tylerthompson1842]

Elvis and Robert harmony👌

[@jonathaninsole8862]

A brilliant song .sung by a man of Kent.makes this Dovorian proud of his county.

[@stephenjackson6762]

Falklands war... 80s child... quality... soft machines finest.. respect xx

[@markalcock6031]

This is amazing,. How did I not hear it before this week. I have some kind of memory but we didn't have shazam in 1982.... Thank you for posting!

[@RockingJamboree]

This is the definitive version of “Shipbuilding”! Great…subtle background vocals. And “I can’t be-lie-eve” that tender jazz pianist!

[@danielaschwarz1971]

David Bowie´s favorite song Nr.2, I read that today.

[@lucasbretels]

Bowie had has also very good taste,, grtz,,

[@danielaschwarz1971]

Yes ,that is true!

[@drmrgtx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ_HlYtuqb10o7c

[@inhocvince2786]

Bowie once said he wished he had written this song!

[@myratravin9588]

True. It's a brilliant song by Elvis Costello and this is an amazing version of it.

[@ginajolliffe2585]

Breaks your heart, every time.

[@angelbreath6539]

Completely forgot how emotional this song is. Beautiful.

[@stubmandrel]

Bloody incredible songwriting.

[@marcelocarcamo]

Beautiful and melancholic song ever .

[@mylesanderson7828]

Probably one of the best songs ever written then sung by a legend & to have Elvis playing on it. Legendary, I salute you😃

[@aceautonewportky]

Speechless, Elvis Costello mentioned Wyatt. Wow just beautiful.

[@Anolbea]

Listen to this song at least once a month..Keeps me grounded.

[@SnarkTheMagicDragon]

This song is so deeply affecting

[@michelmontanary2266]

Somptuos, Robert... Merci... Be blessed Michel M.

[@OggyGTA]

Apparently this is my favourite song.

[@cheeseandonions9558]

absolutely heartbreaking song...

[@mindrolling24]

I heard this first on The Old Grey Whistle Test MANY many years ago. I do love Costello's version: his voice has just got better and better over the years- both these guys are unique.

[@geoffn54]

I believe I heard it on TOGWT as well, Mindrolling. One of those songs, and this is the best version, that leaves an impression.

[@Paddy955]

Yeah, at the time Thatcher had banned costello's version from being played by radio stations so he gifted the lyrics to Wyatt who was able to play his version on the Old Grey Whistle Test and it was then brought out as a single in 82 reaching 35 in the uk single charts.

[@comencyfi]

Please don't forget Clive Langer wrote the tune and asked Elvis to write the words.

[@Michael-mm3fm]

No Likes nobody cares, poor Clive...at least he gets half the royalties

[@robtyman4281]

Imo the best version of this song is Suede's. I know this is very controversial and will anger both Wyatt, and Costello fans but that's too bad. I just happen to like Suede's version the most. Brett Anderson's voice sounds great on it.

[@BoxxArt]

​@@robtyman4281 100% agree, I only knew suede's version. Just heard this version and it's total shite in comparison.

[@SorendeSelbyBowen]

@@BoxxArt You are entitled to your shite opinion.

[@TreMolloy]

​@@BoxxArtharsh I like costello's but many people lose it and argue wyatt, if u joined the debate with suede pub will kick off haha

[@12meandshe]

Oh Robert, your soul is vaster than the depths of ocean.

[@mauriciorodrigues5867]

Just brilliant 👌

[@oolongoolong789]

Poignant song with Robert in fine form.

[@fredbloggs2206]

I got summat in me eye! What a song, what a message.

[@brianmcgill8030]

This song should be taught in schools.

[@dncutube]

Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy's birthday. It's just a rumor that was spread around town By the women and children, soon we'll be shipbuilding Well I ask you The boy said 'Dad, they're going to take me to task But I'll be home by Christmas. It's just a rumor that was spread around town Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed in The results of their shipbuilding. With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls. It's just a rumor that was spread around town A telegram for a picture postcard Within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyard And notifying the next of kin Once again. It's all we're skilled in We will be shipbuilding. With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

(Just for anyone who may not be familiar with the expression "filled in" it means "beaten up")

[@geoffn54]

Perfect combination of music, lyrics and vocals. I didn't know - but am not surprised - that Bowie was a big fan of this number.

[@lewiespearman]

Just heard bowie admit this in a interview in my car while driving home yesterday. finally checking this out.

[@danw1374]

It was bowies favourite song ever.

[@jamespaterson2084]

If beauty was a song , this would be it .... and if hope and pain were sat side by side ......Clive Langer often forgotten and Wyatt is perfect

[@PogLewis]

Stunning on every level. Vocals are perfect, lyrics are sublime, music that is a counterpoint to the lyrical content. Genius.

[@31428571428]

אחד משירי המחאה הגדולים, כשהעיניים שלי יבשות, הטיפול המומלץ, ארבע דקות עם רוברט וויט ואלביס קוסטלו.

[@carlalindquist2766]

Me too. And I'm glad that he did. It's a lovely song.

[@garygraham8373]

my first favorite song ever

[@elizabethbell4697]

Totally emotional song from 1983.

[@marysmyth8687]

This is David Bowies favourite song. He said Roberts version is the best - " tragically beautiful". Said he wished he had written it.

[@paulo.4352]

Asked Alan Wilder's

[@中村ミミ-c6x]

33年前、どうしても見たかったんですよ。ありがとうございます🙇‍♀️❗

[@TheAtticradio]

So good has to be played at least twice to read the fabulous comments ! Just so good!

[@loridimai]

David Bowie brought me here too., Once again thank you , thin White Duke

[@ladyspace849]

I don't really know this artist but its awesome. Someone in a DB playlist reconded me this on a dashboard and i feel so connected

[@genocrisp6689]

Rare case where both versions are just stunning

[@genocrisp6689]

Trumpet solo perfection on the Elvis take

[@1966wilky]

Top comment! 👍

[@andrewcyes2049]

Perfect version would have the trumpet off Costellos version and the double bass off Wyatts

[@Paddy955]

​@@andrewcyes2049 I totally agree and had thought the same. I love the beauty of the trumpets overlapping descending notes but I also love songs using a double base too.

[@olgam7017]

Wow! Makes sense to me 100%. Thought 1: I imagine how David Bowie would’ve uncoiled this song’s humble and true charm in his exquisite artistic manner. Reminds of a few of his songs very close to it. Thought 2: just think of Outside and say, Voyeur of Utter Destruction or Strangers when we meet. Epic out-of-here songs for me. Thought 3: Wait a sec..Diving for pearls - I remember him singing that.. Nah..A game of imagination) Must’ve been something close to Funny how some songs sound more at home when covered. Like when Johnny Cash covered NIN's Hurt and DM's Personal Jesus. He even said - after I sang them it felt like I wrote them. Our minds are universally connected, such a pleasure to even think it. I wish and bless everyone and myself to realize it one day. 🙏

[@gushale3306]

I just watched a documentary about the arms trade with footage of Thatcher and Blair and all the other good guys. My blood ran cold had to watch this to warm it up again 😢

[@pri2816]

Voice and song fit perfectly

[@sergioraimo]

So did to me. Thank u David. U can surprise me and make me love you so much even after being death. I miss u so much Mr Peterson

[@themosquitomaster2181]

Mr Peterson?

[@sabiantheomnivore5592]

Even though Suede and Costello have tried to shove faux emotions into their versions, Wyatt is the definitive version of this song..

[@Sussieq23]

I also love Elvis Costello and Robert Wyatt!!!

[@georgesebastian604]

I did hear this song yesterday, And I can't get off my mind!!!!

[@gaae2000]

Sounds like Tear for Fears' "I Believe"....

[@globalinvestor9440]

The tears for fears doc on YT brought me here. This song directly inspired TFF to write their song. Everyone copies from everyone else basically.

[@gmorgan1118]

Nice video cameo by Elvis Costello -- he does the background vocals here too.

[@cheesewad66]

What a beautiful song

[@pottedrodenttube]

Best thing Elvis will ever do.

[@joanneedwards2077]

Never stops does it.

[@ezio892]

Great song ! Great Robert Wyatt !

[@richardcoreno]

The brutal economics of war -- aka "Money-Go-Round".

[@trw5653]

Glad I know this, love this... And June tabor reminded me

[@andybaul-lewis1872]

Solidarity with the people of Redcar, Scunthorpe, Lanarkshire!

[@georgesolari1350]

lancashire*

[@Bruce-1956]

Fife

[@angelariley.9963]

Camel Laird,Birkenhead.

[@Mushy72]

A epic sang from the soul

[@waloacme]

Damn this is golden.

[@COLDMKULTRA]

Just ... Beautiful.

[@mrc5653]

Unique voice of Robert Wyatt

[@theart8039]

How can this song not break your heart

[@1966wilky]

I love the way he sings this without any American accent and an unaffected voice. I immediately imagined him singing this as a worker at the shipyards. I love Elvis Costello’s version because it has a stunning jazz trumpet solo played by Chet Baker but I don’t know whether to give credit to Costello or Wyatt for originally writing this beautiful song. Google tells me Costello wrote the lyrics with Clive Langer in 82 and another scourge tells me Langer originally wrote the song for Robert Wyatt? Can anyone throw any light on this for me please?

[@YAUUN]

Langer wrote the music for wyatt but couldnt think of good lyrics so asked Costello for help, so Costello wrote probably his best lyrics. Music Langer, lyrics Costello

[@jonathaninsole8862]

Why would he have an american accent?

[@1966wilky]

@@jonathaninsole8862Because loads of UK singers and bands actually put on American accents. Have you not heard that? It drives me mad that we put on a fake US accents to sing. Listen to the Stones and The Who. Even the Beatles did it, but it wasn’t so obvious as other None US bands.

[@kardell5147]

Dev Hynes, thank you bringing me here.

[@mauriciobejota]

Where can I find more gems like this?? Or I just can't because there are simply no other songs as good?

[@Mr223P]

Heartbreaking....

[@lalinternahumana4257]

A masterpiece

[@macking8456]

With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls.

[@ruthdixon7807]

"diving for dear life, when we could be diving for pearls"

[@stubvidmedia8903]

Masterpiece

[@DannyVercetti]

Stupenda

[@rimmel65]

Alan Wilder fav song