Shoals of Herring | The Longest Johns

[@clairer3675]

This is the most beautiful arrangement of this song I've heard since The Corries.

[@Josh_Fredman]

You beat me to it! Specifically went looking for other versions of this song besides The Corries (who often set the gold standard for any song they performed) and was pleasantly surprised to see The Longest Johns had covered it. This is an obscure one (based on a real person, fisher and folk singer Sam Larner!) and a lot of this old folk music is slowly disappearing. The Longest Johns are doing important work introducing it to new generations.

[@Vi0letRay]

This...this is just beautiful. For the first time in the day, I just stopped, completely. I wasn't thinking or doing, nothing. I was completely captivated by your harmonies and felt so very alive. I would truly love for you to perform this live on your Voyage tour at some point. Edit: after listening to this on loop for the past few days, imma just say it, Nantucket officially has a competitor

[@anthonyfoster5079]

No not Nantucket 😅

[@Topcaller]

A herring fisher born and raised, I'll sure be humming this come the spring season!

[@fencingperson]

Well that was as warm as a midsummer's evening. As a cat sleeping in the sun. As a hug from a loved one.

[@philmcnamara4266]

…beautifully put🌻

[@ProfesoraNut]

I truly feel, of the non-originals, this is the most beautiful song you guys have sung. I love it so much. 💕

[@ProfesoraNut]

With the nets and gear we're faring On the wild and wasteful ocean It's there in the deep we harvest and reap our bread As we hunt the bonny shoals of herring Oh, it was a fine and a pleasant day Out of Yarmouth harbour I was faring As a cabin boy on a sailing lugger For to go and hunt the shoals of herring Oh, the work was hard and the hours long And the treatment, sure it took some bearing There was little kindness and the kicks were many As we hunted for the shoals of herring Oh, we fished the Swarte and the Broken Bank I was cook and I'd a quarter-sharing And I used to sleep standing on my feet And I'd dream about the shoals of herring Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman You can swear and show a manly bearing Take your turn on watch with the other fellas While you're searching for the shoals of herring In the stormy seas and the living gales Just to earn your daily bread you're daring From the Dover Straits to the Faroe Islands As you're following the shoals of herring Oh, I earned my keep and I paid my way And I earned the gear that I was wearing Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes We were sailing after shoals of herring

[@jessinthegarden]

Oh that was lovely and soft and adequate and just what I needed today

[@ProfesoraNut]

Robbie's voice is just perfect for this. The blends are gorgeous.

[@nickisanuke]

I’ve only just discovered this song but already I love it. As a teenager growing up in the age of the internet and seeing many conflicting viewpoints, ideologies, and generally watching people fight over the smallest and most trivial of things, this harkens back to a simpler time. One where these folks just had to worry about doing their jobs, and getting back home to their loved ones. It almost, in a way, makes me nostalgic for a time that I never lived in. I really like this and Little Pot Stove for that reason.

[@ProfesoraNut]

Well put. Couldn't agree more. I'm in my mid 20s now and I feel much the same way about how our world is today and how technology impacts everyone's lives. I'm thankful we are still free to enjoy simple things... family, music, working with our hands. Be well, Nick 😊

[@theirrationalgamer8174]

So I grew up in a town outside of Glasgow, Scotland called Airdrie, where I still reside today at 27 years of age. Never fitted in, very negative and hateful place where people will have a go at you like for glancing near them. Cell phone zombies. My high-school friend has recently moved to a very small coastal town/village called Carnoustie, in between Dundee and Aberdee. Place is so quiet, locals are so friendly, I've sat and shared a coffee with a couple of pentioners that live here and listened to their stories. There are still small bands of rebellious teens that are just as violent as the ones back home however this town is bliss. So simple, quiet, peaceful, first place I've truly felt at home and I don't even live here. This is my 3rd visit in 4 months to get away (I also sell some of my crafts in a board game themes cafe in dundee so they keep the shelf stocked for me when I send them my products) thinking of moving here, get away from all the negativity, continue leatherworking, wood working and take back up writing. Feel like I've finally found a my piece of heaven where I actually belong

[@ProfesoraNut]

@@theirrationalgamer8174 Wow! That is interesting. Thank you so much for sharing some of your life-story. I truly hope you are able to move, if that's at all possible. I can't imagine living in a place that made me unhappy. I live in a small town in the eastern US and I can't imagine moving, except maybe to another small (smallish) town. Different strokes for different folks of course but I can confidently say I have no interest in living in a densely populated city or an unfriendly place like you described. I truly wish you well. Thanks again for sharing. :)

[@tomrafferty3979]

You really need to listen to Luke Kelly singing it. His is the best version bar none in my opinion. A truly amazing voice.

[@michaelcallan5336]

​@@ProfesoraNutI'm much the same way, I live in Georgia, my house sits in a little bowl at the base of a mountain in the northern part of the state. I love that I can walk out on my front porch and have mountain and forest behind me and open fields in front of me, perfect for sitting and drinking a cup of coffee while the sun comes up. Just down from the house is a creek that you can hear from the porch, no close neighbors either, can't even see another house from ours. That's my heaven.

[@Auriaux]

One of my favorites. Thank you so much for this beautiful performance.

[@netwitchtatjana4661]

Enchanting. So different from the rendition of the legendary Luke Kelly but as least as beautiful, your version lives up to this wonderful song that Ewan MacColl once gave to the world and all of us.

[@alvpyrola]

This was a new one for me (yes, I'm an uncultured creature), but it was very very nice. Love the warm, cozy harmonies

[@ProfesoraNut]

LOL. Don't feel bad! I have heard many, many songs in my brief life and I'd never heard this one before either! Tbh the Longest Johns have introduced loads of new songs to me. 😊

[@Delta-ei7im]

next you'll be telling me you don't have a beard

[@alvpyrola]

@@ProfesoraNut They have for me too :) I just sometimes get a "should I know this one?" impulse now and then when people say they like a song. But it's fine really.

[@alvpyrola]

@@Delta-ei7im No beard? *ties hair in front of face* Sure I have a beard! A totally real one. Definitely.

[@ProfesoraNut]

@@alvpyrola LOL! I totally get that. I get the feeling we're very similar! 😊

[@Tharky]

This song is one I would not be able to get enough of

[@nbenefiel]

Ewan MacColl was a genius.

[@johncayley7838]

Beautiful! Thanks, boys. Star of the County Down is once again my perpetual request.

[@ProfesoraNut]

Ah yes that's a good one. I like the High Kings version. When the banjo comes in and the beat drops it's so good. I second that! Would be so good to see TLJ cover that.

[@Acid0999]

Yes that is one of my favourite Songs of all time, I know like 15 versions! And one from the longest johns would be awesome!

[@CapriUni]

It's been years since I heard this song (From a Gordon Bok album, now lost). So hearing this again was like a hug. Thank you, fellows!

[@adamofyorkshire]

Brilliant harmonies. Love it guys thanks. My two wee bearns lovin it

[@fawnleegreene7688]

Lovely to listen to this afternoon. Harkens back to a time long ago.

[@neveroutofhope]

As someone whose first exposure to folk songs was through Inside Llewyn Davis, this was incredibly pleasant to see pop-up. One more from the soundtrack covered!

[@ladybuglore]

agreed!! and with this in mind, I'd love to see a version of Queen Anne...

[@chrislethbridge1759]

Beautiful version of one of my favourite songs

[@jamesgenn3694]

i was REALLY wondering if you guys were going to learn this song. it was indeed as adequate as i hoped it would be.

[@TeamTommyDragon]

Absolutely beautiful, a lovely song sung by the 3 lovely guys 👍

[@moragmckay3779]

It feels like always loved this song - I can't remember when I first heard it as a child. It's lovely to hear you doing it so beautifully.

[@corichg]

Wow, what a beautiful inlay design on JD's fretboard!

[@timelliot9110]

You guys do not stop getting better, do you!

[@Waywren]

Beautiful.

[@dbadilotti]

Every song they release becomes my favourite. Two months in and I still replay this a couple of times in a row when it comes up in my playlist.

[@mrblitzkrieg5512]

It's my first time hearing this song and I love how relaxing it is. Absolutely fantastic. Could you please do Fire on the Water or Wreck of the Carl D. Bradley next? They're by Lee Murdock and are two of my favourites.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

Absolutely brilliant and beautiful. I've loved it since a friend introduced me to it 30+ years ago.

[@barbarakennedy2667]

Beautiful rendition, great harmonies.

[@primecon9547]

This was a very beautiful song gents! very adequate.

[@KSilverlode]

I've never heard this before, but I like it! It has a very nice feel to it. ❤

[@CrowSkeleton]

This is beautiful, and the shiny stringy singy thingy and Robbie's longer hair are looking cool. Does make me think about the fact that we probably don't *have* ten million herring in the North Sea any more and get sad about it, though. Marine conservation areas are important.

[@Denley1526]

This is rather lovely & the harmonies are beautiful.❤

[@timkaase87]

Beautiful song ❤

[@veselinnedkov643]

You guys never fail to warm up my day.

[@Caramelle58]

Never heard this song before.. . love it though ❤❤

[@alex_blue5802]

Such a peaceful song that describes such brutal treatment.

[@robertthegreek]

Double the stringy planky! Yay!

[@kathidubach]

This is so beautiful, thanks guys!

[@slorb0613]

This is awesome! Thanks for making my day better :) I would love to hear Flowers of Bermuda next!

[@katz86]

Vary Pretty, you guys always sound phenomenal. thank you for introducing me to a new favorite.

[@i.b.818]

So beautiful. Thanks so much!

[@ProfesoraNut]

This is absolutely beautiful! ☺️ Really enjoying it. You guys all do such a spiffing job.

[@Jim.Mohammad.Everyman]

Perfect harmonies. Thank you for warming up the day.

[@JustARandomGuy808]

You guys are always consistent with making great covers of Folk songs, if you still take recommendations,House of the Rising Son

[@adamtier3263]

Beautiful job guys 💚

[@KelseyThornton]

Beautiful arrangement, beautifully sung!

[@beahwatson]

never heard this one before, it's gorgeous!! 🩷🐟

[@ProfesoraNut]

Och! So lovely. I've come back and listened many times already. Robbie sings lead, obviously, and it sounds like Andy is singing the high harmony? If so, that's neat.

[@coldunquietgrave]

I loved this song from the legendary Luke Kelly, but also been waiting for yall version too :))

[@achilleus9918]

Oh this is gorgeous

[@jessinthegarden]

Assuming you do still want suggestions, and slightly obscure ones, I’ll repeat my very first suggestion for one of these videos. It’s a Simon and Garfunkel song called “Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall,” and this new song puts me so much in the mood for it, maybe it’ll inspire you in that direction as well.

[@Denley1526]

Love your suggestion for Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall. I'd 2nd that too.😊❤

[@ProfesoraNut]

I'll add to that a request for another Simon & Garfunkel tune: El Condor Pasa (If I Could). Always been a favorite of mine.

[@colinearnshaw7725]

Written by an Englishman Ewan MaColl (real name James Miller) who was born in Manchester, for a BBC series in the 1960. Its a beautiful song along with his other classic song 'Dirty old Town"

[@snowmanhunter7]

Excellent!

[@Senthiuz]

I first heard this from The Clancy Brothers on a recording of their Tipperary show in 1995. From that same concert I'd love to hear your version of Kilkelly, and I'm surprise I haven't heard The Mermaid.

[@alienhoward2270]

love the corries version. saw this when searching for the song. good to see you have a rendition!!

[@BrianWMay]

Fabulous guys, no surprises though, it's what you DO and you do it well. Always a joy to listen.

[@CaptainThunder-Crash]

That's beautiful guys and I love it. Thank you another truly great one, listening to you guys sing always brightens my day and best way to start off my morning. Cheers 🙏

[@Kamarovsky_KCM]

Oh wow is that an A1 JD just did at 3:20? Low and impressive as hell!

[@ellalella1]

Damn... I almost cannot breathe...

[@danielve5351]

Amazing as always boys! Fingers crossed this is on the new album!!!

[@ProfesoraNut]

Hello! On The Longest Johns wiki there is a page for the Voyage album, including a tracklist. :)

[@ProfesoraNut]

Track List Revealed on Kickstarter 6 Dec The Llandoger Whiskey is the Life of Man Proud Mary The Leaving of Liverpool Mutiny Skadi's Hammer John the Red Nose Greenland Whale Fisheries White Frontier One Hundred Feet Willie Taylor Maggie's Ship Shawneetown Paddy West

[@danielve5351]

@@ProfesoraNutOh wow! I didn’t realize the track list had been dropped, I can’t wait to hear these songs. Thank you for posting it here.

[@ProfesoraNut]

@@danielve5351 Absolutely! Happy to help. I'm excited too for the new album. 🤩🤩 Love to see how far these guys have come, they just keep getting better and better.

[@timotuokkola5608]

Beautiful song. I'd love to hear you guys sing Bread and Roses.

[@akordia100]

Simply beautiful!

[@oceansmagicpotions]

That was beautiful

[@SkyeTheSapphicWizard]

beautiful music! i love it

[@nathanoleary5418]

This is absolutely beautiful, I can't stop listening to it even after 3 weeks. I first heard this from the Kilkennys and I love how both of your takes on it have different feelings but are still both such nice and peaceful arrangements. I would love to see you guys do "Royal Oak" at some point in the future.

[@wisard734]

Loved listening to Luke Kelly sing this.

[@annewoodward4336]

Just beautiful.

[@joncaulkett5198]

Very nice!

[@ronheil6558]

Wonderful performance!

[@annegregory4431]

I first heard this on a Ewan McColl album, bought in my youth. Such a great song, and your harmonies are particularly adequate! Could you look into singing Archie Fisher's "The Final Trawl"?

[@cuppotea]

Never heard this one before... AND I LOVE IT!!! Could you please consider doing a cover of Gloria by the Trials of Cato, Dyin day by Anais Mitchel, or Folsom Prison Blues?

[@Galiuros]

This song was featured on KXCI 91.3 in Tucson

[@RavnVidarson]

Beautiful!

[@Saimeren]

I really like this song.

[@jakelaurence30]

That is a real nice song, good one dudes You should do proper recordings of the jazzy version of chicken on a raft you did on a stream a few months ago, and the retirement song with the newer arrangement with the instruments

[@Leojoo4]

Greatings and falicitations.

[@loisky8561]

Epic.

[@ErmaHulbert]

Adequate, lads!👏👏👏💙💙💙

[@scoot155]

I don't know how, but somehow I managed to miss this fantastic cover drop! Love it! Could you guys please consider covering Jutland (Battle Of) by Les Sullivan?

[@arock9174]

Beautiful

[@isaacsalt1598]

I'd love to hear what you could do with English curse by Frank Turner

[@96obs55]

Would love to see one of these recordings of Antiguan graveyard or paddy west!

[@t_empest_]

this is gorgeous! if you're still taking requests, i'd love to hear bright morning stars

[@squttnbear]

Still wish there was a Knoxville show at Mill & Mine, or a small secret show at Boyd's Jig & Reel

Very nice

[@borbo2020]

Hoping this comes to spotify.

[@davejong5155]

Love it. My suggestion: Life on Mars

[@gheldan943]

Hey Gents great job. Any chance of getting a cover of The Nancy?

[@MrRicehard]

'It's there in the deep we harvest and reap our bread.' Is that the same deep they got Seabiscuit from.

[@Dapperplatypus]

I'd love to see you guys do "Star of the county down" if you haven't already

[@richardsweet5068]

A favorite in the folk clubs in the 1960s. Even saw Ewen MacColl perform it in the Bristol Troubadour club. A good song, not so much the man.

[@themiataboy909]

You guys should cover more songs in Inside Llewyn Davis, this is beautiful :) Like The Death of Queen Jane and etc

[@Devildog-ti9mj]

I want this to play when I die.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

Oscar Isaac: 🙁.... wow...... Wow!

[@eleanorburns8686]

Beautiful song, on a par with the Clancy Brothers' version.

[@tobypodbur5829]

Have you guys seen the Bob Fox cover of this song? I've seen him live in the local folk club and he was fantastic, defo check him out if not...

[@CatOnACell]

before people understood algae blooms herring shoals disappearing was blamed on adultery. so people would search for the adulterers when they couldn't find the shoals.

[@nbenefiel]

I love you guys but Ewan MacColl is the god of the Shoals of Herring. I can’t wait to see you in May in Chicago.