Stan Rogers - The Flowers Of Bermuda

[@PetertheChanter]

As the son of a Bermudian, I can confirm that the North Rock is one of the major navigational points off the coast of the island, about 10 miles out. I fished off the North Rock once as a kid as a hurricane approached the island. It's a shallow sea that can change in an instant: from calm to roiling before you know it. While Stan Rogers took some liberties with this song, there are dozens of wrecks off that part of Bermuda.

[@whitedragon9731]

Google can confirm it too, but thanks anyway.

[@ThZuao]

The Nightingale is also supposed to be a real shipwreck, according to interviews with Stan. A collier that sunk around the 1880s. Stan found a map of all the known wrecks around North Rock when he was visiting in 1978 and that name struck him fancy. The rest of the story, according to Rogers, is made up. But a few people looked it up. Turns out there was another bird-named ship that sank in the 1800s about a mile east of the North Rock reef. The Curlew, whose story is confirmed. It was a three masted barquetine that had a steam engine, Sank on March 17th 1856. It struck the reef and started sinking. Of her four lifeboats, two were smashed on the accident and one drifted away. The officers sent the crew to shore on the remaining lifeboat to seek help. Two Navy sips set out to rescue and saved all the men left on board, also 7 of it's 9 bags of mail.

[@louismethe8464]

Stan, I was not even born when you left us. But as a sailor I relate so deeply to so many of your songs. Thank you for giving a voice to so many persons.

[@EastRiverJarvis]

He was Captain of the Nightingale Twenty-one days from Clyde in coal He could smell the flowers of Bermuda in the gale When he died on the North Rock Shoal Just five short hours from Bermuda, in a fine October gale There came a cry "Oh, there be breakers dead ahead!" From the collier Nightingale No sooner had the Captain brought Her round, came a rending crash below Hard on her beam ends, groaning, went the Nightingale And overside her mainmast goes. "Oh, Captain, Are we all for drowning?" came the cry from all the crew. "The boats be smashed! How then are we all to be saved? They are stove in through and through!" "Oh, are ye brave and hardy Collier-men or are ye blind and cannot see? The Captain's gig still lies before ye whole and sound, It shall carry all o' we." He was Captain of the Nightingale Twenty-one days from Clyde in coal He could smell the flowers of Bermuda in the gale When he died on the North Rock Shoal But when the crew was all assembled and the gig prepared for sea, Twas seen there were but eighteen places to be manned And nineteen mortal souls were we. But cried the Captain "Now do not Delay, nor do ye spare a thought for me. My duty is to save ye all now, if I can. See ye return as quick as can be." He was Captain of the Nightingale Twenty-one days from Clyde in coal He could smell the flowers of Bermuda in the gale When he died on the North Rock Shoal Oh, there be flowers in Bermuda -- beauty lies on every hand And there be laughter, ease and drink for every man, But there is no joy for me For when we reached the wretched Nightingale what an awful sight was plain The Captain, drowned, was tangled in the mizzen-chains Smiling bravely beneath the sea. He was Captain of the Nightingale Twenty-one days from Clyde in coal He could smell the flowers of Bermuda in the gale When he died on the North Rock Shoal

[@profgandalf]

I did not realize how much I love Stan Rogers so much until one by one I found that he was the common denominator of some of the most moving sea and folk songs I had gathered!

[@altareggo]

Now THIS is what folk songs are all about!!!! One of the most epic folk composers in history... and yes, he was CANADIAN!! (and so were Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchian, Buffie St. Marie (Universal Soldier).....).

[@lauracwhitney]

This stirs the blood. What a gift to us from the great Stan Rogers! He is so missed.

[@roofpirates]

YARGH LAURA! YARGH!!!

[@rp6523]

I've only discovered his music recently. He had such talent and it's tragic wheat happened to him. RIP.

[@EEYore-py1bf]

@Turin Turambar No he wasn't.

[@EEYore-py1bf]

@Turin Turambar That's not evidence for murder. And last I heard, he died in a flash fire on a crashed plane.

[@91amp]

This is a Great song, it reminds me of a dear friend who was a Captain in the Merchant Navy he died on his ship when it sank 3 years ago he made sure that HIS crew made it to the rafts but he went back to look for more people, he was a True Master Mariner and this song always brings a tear to my eye when i hear it.

[@whitedragon9731]

Name of the ship? What happened?

[@91amp]

@@whitedragon9731 it was called the Danny F2 a Livestock carrier converted from a car carrier which got into trouble of Lebanon

[@whitedragon9731]

@@91amp Thank you for responding. I just read about it. Very tragic. I guess the captain you’re talking about is John Milloy. He sounds like a truly brave Brit. He’ll be in my prayers ever after. A true seaman.

[@badnewsBH]

Such a great tune, but a helluva song to try and sing! Even Stan had trouble, and he had the lungs of a distance swimmer.

[@superFordwitha]

I can sing it, bit hard but I can.

[@thomasharper4166]

I thought I was the only one who noticed that!I can get through it but man it takes concentration!!Excellent tune from an excellent performer!❤

[@markmandel6738]

Yes, getting that 3rd line of every stanza into its extra-long scansion is a challenge.

[@Hozak]

@@markmandel6738 In the Song's from Forgarty's Cove songbook he says to take a deep breath when you and good luck.

[@querps1043]

The melody of it is a literal rollercoaster

[@Kaotiqua]

Like many, I didn't discover my love for Stan's music until he was already gone, though his music truly does live on in it's own right, as well as with his Brother, Garnet, and his son Nathan, both also brilliant musicians, who have the power that runs in the Rogers' blood, with flavors and styles all their own. Garnet is more a man of the mountains, and the road than the sea, and Nathan sings traditional Inuit music. Both are available here on KZbin- look 'em up!

[@ErokLobotomist]

R.I.P. to a true Canadian Legend. Definitely raising my son to know Stan's music.

[@ComeTheArchers]

The anthem to a life who strove to teach us about what sufferings of man we knew not on our own; whose untimely death was met with tears... A life without which some lives would be forever shipwrecked.

[@damienbeveroth8606]

The first time I heard Stan Rogers was at Rendezvous ( historical reenactment, really fun if you have never been), about 25 years ago... It was the immortal "Barrett's Privateers" and it just blew my mind... My very favorite has to be the highly uplifting "Mary Ellen Carter"... That song has helped me through some squalls and no mistake... So blessings upon you all, and RIP Stan Rogers, you really made a lot of lives like mine a bit brighter... D

[@hutchb25]

Kind of eerie that this song sort of foreshadows his death, assuming it's true that he was helping other passengers to safety on 797. I hope Stan can smell the flowers of Bermuda, wherever he is...

[@michaelhurwicz3969]

Love the song, love Stan. He was by all reports a kind and generous person. The story you're referring to about his death is, however, not factual. singout.org/2017/01/30/stan-rogers-flowers-bermuda/5/

[@gunther_hermann]

What is known for sure, is that several passengers reported a loud, booming voice directing them to the exits. Who it was that was doing it, they couldn't see. We all know Stan had an amazing baritone, and no doubt could command an impressive call over the din of fire and panic. Was it Stan Rogers? No one can know for sure... but I like to believe it was. Embellishment and fancy quickly turn such a story into Stan bravely laying down his life so that one might survive... but it's heroism enough to think that just his commands to get to the exits and stay calm helped some survive. In a terrible situation, he did what he could. That's good enough for me.

[@rcmwandering8653]

@@gunther_hermann Exactly. We have a habit in this world of assuming everyone is in it for themselves and to hell with everyone else, and we desperately need heroes. I'm willing to hang that title on Stan, regardless. It would not have been at all out of character, from what I can tell.

[@uncledanni9352]

@@gunther_hermann damn it im gonna cry

[@mattpardy2826]

@@gunther_hermann reading your comment brings a tear to my eye every time.

[@alastairppcli]

I grew up with Stans music, though I was born in '84 my family ensured I knew his name and I have carried his music with me wherever I go. Even in the furthest reaches of Afghanistan his songs of triumph thru unbeatable odds and the overcoming of adversity have always helped me through. At Brocks tower this year during the Bi-Centennial of the battle of Queenston Heights I made a stop at the spot where McDonnell was killed, quite the powerful place to stand hearing Stans Lyrics in my head.

[@gabrielhlushko312]

2020 still here miss ya Stan even if I was to young to see you

[@kreed6005]

Glory to Stan Rogers, God bless'em. Let us honor his memory, as well as those who've been taken by the sea.

[@Larixlaricina]

Stan Rogers has been my favorite musician for years... I have never heard this song, thanks so much!

[@JohnHorganFolk]

The Song, The singer, The Man.What a ledgend!

[@trentonbarton809]

This song is so up beat but so sad at the same time, then I can't help singing along with the chorus!

[@nicholaspatton1742]

Stan Rogers speaks to the heart of true Canadians.

[@billydorsheimer4371]

God.. would love to see this legend live. Another great tune.. was needed in another venue..

[@JamesWillmus]

What a hell of a captain. Sees that there's 18 seats but 19 men including himself, so he steps back onto the sinking ship and goes down with a smile on his face, one last duel with the gales of the Atlantic.

[@SponzyParadox]

Captians of today should be taking notes.

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

That's what a real captain does.

[@whitedragon9731]

A little far fetched considering not every passenger requires a seat.

[@6Six6Six6Bruh]

God its hard to process how much air you inhale singing this

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I love Stan Rogers and it is a fine song that brought tears to my eyes, but when I read the lyrics and saw there was a gig with seats for 18 crew I know a 19th person would not have mattered much. I would have laid on the bottom and told the men I was ballast and haul away. A third man in a two-man boat is a problem. A 19th man in an 18 man boat is an inconvenience. but by God, if you listen to Stan sing his song and you do not hear the gale or smell the flowers or think Stan died way too young and wonder what other amazing songs he could have conjured up for us to listen to something is wrong with you.

[@catchy_tune]

Yes this fact broke immersion for me, but anyway it's a nice tune

[@michellecoulter8146]

I just discovered this song introducing her to the magic that was Stan Rogers. So glad I did, we are both hearing this song for the first time together! Another memory tied to this fantastic songsman.

[@bytor21122112]

make sure to check out the rest of my channel. i have a lot of Stan on there to enjoy!

[@stephenkamps8925]

Status: BANGER

[@adventure_skaut]

"The captain's gig shall carry all of we" Top 10 epic anime foreshadowings:

[@candytwo2653]

One of my fav from Stan. I have all of his recordings.

[@johnberry9949]

Whoever this captain was, he is well remembered.

[@jennyandersonartist]

I love Stan so much. My life would be incomplete with out him!! HE was 33.

[@horseenthusiast9903]

I wish I had been alive soon enough to hear Stan sing in person. Alas, but recordings will have to do.

[@FookinPrawns]

Thank you so much for posting this. The Captain in this song is a hero as is the writer of this song. Thank you again.

[@carolcripps9056]

I really wish there were concert footage of this. He was such a great performer.

[@kevinreilly3927]

Here's a concert version of this tune by his son Nathan I think this is as close to a visual/gesticulate interpretation as one can get! and that distinctive "Rogers' Register " is safe in continuing in Nathan's own voice and in Garnet's also.......... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3fQZ4Wvqt2Jp9E

[@maxmantell5009]

such a catchy and sad song at the same time

[@anna9072]

Yes, and “Rolling Down to Old Maui” has a minor tune and sounds like it ought to be sad, but isn’t. I think one of the reasons I really like his music is that it challenges you like that.

[@Togepig]

Stan is awesome

[@hollysmith4972]

Ugh! I know it's silly, but sometimes I really wish I was alive in the same time as him. I always get this weird sense of nostalgia for, not only songs about sailing, but Stan Rodgers in general. He died just about two decades before I was born, and I live in a land locked area, but I feel it in my blood. I dont know why, or even if what I'm saying makes sense, I just know that when I hear this man's voice, it reverberates through my soul somehow and I get vague nostalgia for something I've never experienced. This song and "White Squall" especially. If someone else sees this comment and feels the same way, tell me so I know I'm not crazy

[@deeallen2610]

Holly, you are not crazy. Do you know the poem called Evolution by Langdon Smith? I have a feeling you would appreciate it.

[@markmandel6738]

(Raises hand.) I feel much the same. Stan was alive when I first heard him -- I'm past 70 & have loved folk music all my life. My folks played The Weavers, Richard Dyer-Bennett, Burl Ives, & others on the house hi-fi. But I never had the good fortune to see him perform live.

[@altareggo]

Breathtaking in the VERY best sense of the concept!!

[@ShortCircuit11]

@WarbabyFox Cheers to Bermuda, a beautiful country! from your brothers the Canuks

[@enchilydog]

Yep, quite a hero, this Captain. Also, fictional. Ah, but there were giants in those days!

[@TheSilverdaleShrek]

Steve Mullinax, here there be monsters.

[@HTMR-de8gz]

Not exactly fictional, though the true story it was more or less based on had a happier ending. All the officers remained so the crew could get to safety, and 2 navy ships saw the men waving to them from the rigging, the only part left above water, and rescued them all, captain included.

[@Frances386]

Sporkatronic - there becomes a point where 'budging up' merely results in a seriously unseaworthy craft. Too many bodies aboard, and the lifeboat is so low in the water that it is easily swamped (this was a gale situation) and all are lost.

[@nitouken]

That, and it doesn't make for nearly as good a song.

[@pudops]

I'm from guysborough county! Same as stans mother and family and so I feel like I have a stronger connection to Stan then most people eh

[@EEYore-py1bf]

Just know when you walk around Guysborough, Stan walked where you walked. Feel that feeling.

[@MrPhilglo]

Great song!!!

[@arthas640]

2:30 I know he died in the 80s but this looks exactly like a profile pic your average middle aged guy would take with his webcam. Stan Rogers was a real trend setter :D

[@irishfield1]

Beautiful ever thank you

[@joerobozo]

brilliant

[@ThZuao]

Stan tragically died on a plane fire in 1983. The wreck of the Titanic was located just two years later. Stan would be 35 years old then. And 47 by the time James Cameron's movie came out. I can't even imagine what wonderful music he would have blessed us had not been for that tragedy.

[@sporkatronic6737]

Couldn't they just budge up and make a bit of room for the captain?

[@egrith2127]

I think it was a weight thing

[@HTMR-de8gz]

No, a life boat is built to hold a heavy weight, pushing it can lead to a host of problems back in the day, and this is the Ocean, not a lake or wading pool their are waves and breakers all around. Even a little weight can overturn you.

[@91amp]

The captain goes down with the ship" is a maritime tradition that a Captain holds ultimate responsibility for both his ship and everyone embarked on it, and that in an emergency, he will either save them or die trying. In this song the Captain paid the ultimate sacrifice

[@stephenkamps8925]

No. Why? you ask? Because then we wouldn’t have this banger

[@talzane2812]

@@91amp If you were in the navy, you also faced court martial for losing your ship.

[@duncan1243ify]

Did anyone notice the "paws" poster on the fridge?

[@billydorsheimer4371]

Legendary

[@vandaylen]

@djg51bx If there's a great beyond, I'm really hoping the beer is free. I gotcha 100% tho, no-one else has written songs so much about where I'm from, or made me prouder of who I am. He's a real hero to me too

[@rubenbywater3610]

Wish he could have sung more

[@EEYore-py1bf]

Unfortunately, he lived out a contemporary edition of this ballad, and died saving people from a crashed plane in Ontario.

[@JohnMichaelReed]

I am the captain!!!

[@Jayoung1000]

Such a vivid story... They just don't make this kinda quality music anymore

[@Garfield91076]

Its almost time for that October gale again

[@Garfield91076]

Winds howlin' in October

[@elicarlson7682]

Fr

[@Garfield91076]

@@elicarlson7682 Usually try to give it at least a listen every october! Still a great song years and years on.

[@NickJHenderson]

Can anyone tell me what instrument is used on the intro of this track?

[@oskarfilen]

+Nick J Henderson I think it's a mandolin :)

[@NickJHenderson]

+oskarfilen Thanks! I thought it might be but it just seems too low to be a mandolin. I thought it could be a mandola or bouzouki?

[@carolcripps9056]

+Nick J Henderson It's Grit Laskin's 5-course tenor mandolin. If you have the album, he's credited as "The Mad Luthier of Dupont Street".

[@TheZwieblekopf]

Would Stan like what Oh Canada has become?

[@nozecone]

@Howard Pearcey Well said, my friend.

[@catchy_tune]

@Howard Pearcy Silly, globalist gaslighting terms. "Don't fight back, no matter what !!" How ridiculous

[@euromobile900]

I know it's just a song, but it has bothered me: why couldn't they have made space on the gig for a 19th man? Take the smallest or weakest guy and have him lie low in the middle of the boat. You'd not think it would be too much weight, I mean the 19 could easily weigh as much as 18 *slightly* bigger guys. I know it's a tale of heroism and selflessness, but I feel for the poor captain!

[@JokersLover90]

💋

[@SynyAspect]

a 1 2 3 1 2

[@NotAnybodyElse]

The captain disliked this song.

[@egrith2127]

What better way to go than giving your set for everyone you care about, and the line "Smiling bravley "