Salt Fare, North Sea
Sailing the Seas of Rebellion: Chumbawamba's Poetic Voyage
Lyrics
Salt fare, North Sea (repeats)
Reference to the harsh conditions and environment of the North Sea
Roll on, roll off
Continual movement, suggesting a transportation process
With these words I drown
Feeling overwhelmed or suffocated by these words or circumstances
Topmast secured
Ship's mast properly secured or fixed
Hatches battened down
Ship's openings tightly closed in preparation for rough seas
Sometimes I think
Reflection on the differences between sea and land
It must be different on land
Perception that things might be better or different on land
But from the mast I can only see tyrants
Observation of powerful and oppressive figures still in control
Still in command
Despite changes, authority figures maintain their positions
Fish and Chip supper
Meal consisting of fish and chips
Battered, no bones
The fish is battered, implying hardship, but there are no bones—perhaps suggesting a lack of resilience or inner strength
Hung, drawn and quoted
Experiencing punishment or criticism publicly
And drifting alone
Feeling isolated and adrift, lacking direction or companionship
One thousand lashes
Metaphorical punishment for embracing reason and enlightenment
For the Age of Reason
Mockery or punishment for embracing logical thinking or enlightenment
Salt for your wounds
Adding salt to wounds, symbolizing further pain or exacerbation of problems during specific times (cod fishing season)
When the cod's in season
Repetition of the harshness of the North Sea
Salt fare, North Sea (repeats)
Reiterating the setting and conditions of the North Sea
We reach the horizon
Symbolic reaching the limit or boundary, sailing beyond the known or safe
And sail over the edge
Metaphorical sailing into the unknown, possibly taking risks or facing uncertainty
Drunk on our memories
Feeling intoxicated or overwhelmed by past experiences
More sober than a judge
Being clear-minded despite emotional or mental chaos
I'm wasting time
Feeling like wasting precious time
That I can't afford
Having no time to waste due to imminent danger or consequences
I know I'd die on the gallows
Preferential death by execution over a life devoid of excitement
Before I'd die of being bored
Choosing excitement, danger, or risk over a mundane existence
Drifting along, drifting along (repeats)
Continual drifting without direction or purpose
Salt fare, North Sea (repeats)
Repetition of the harsh conditions and environment of the North Sea
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