I want to try something new and possibly fun. Music is one of the things in life I enjoy a lot. Music speaks to me resonating with my thoughts and emotions. I love sharing it with others and having new songs and bands shared with me. One of the things I enjoy doing is listening to reaction videos on YouTube. It provides a place for people to listen “together” and discuss songs and they make us think and feel. I would like to participate in this somewhat but in a written format and with a focus on philosophy and Stoicism! I would like to rollout a new post format dedicated to discussing and sharing music. Without further ado, welcome to Music Discussion – Fiddler’s Green (original by John Conolly)!

Lyrics

As I roved by the dockside one evening so fair To view the salt waters and take in the salt air I heard an old fisherman singing a song Oh, take me away boys me time is not long.

(Chorus) Wrap me up in me oilskin and blankets No more on the docks I’ll be seen Just tell me old shipmates, I’m taking a trip mates And I’ll see you someday on Fiddlers Green.

Now Fiddler’s Green is a place I’ve heard tell Where the fishermen go if they don’t go to hell Where the weather is fair and the dolphins do play And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away.

Now when you’re in dock and the long trip is through There’s pubs and there’s clubs and there’s lassies there too And the girls are all pretty and the beer is all free And there’s bottles of rum growing on every tree.

Where the skies are all clear and there’s never a gail And the fish jump on board with one swish on their tail Where you lie at your leisure, there’s no work to do And the skipper’s below making tea for the crew.

Now I don’t want a harp nor a halo, not me Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea I’ll play me old squeeze-box as we sail along With the wind in the riggin to sing me a song.

Discussion

I genuinely love this song. During the start of the Covid 19 pandemic this song randomly popped on while I was listening to Pandora. Immediately I started singing verses of it to my daughter as a lullaby. This has continued nearly every night for going on four years now. My girls love it and often request “the docks” as it’s known in our household. This song brilliantly communicates the idea of death in a gentle manner while providing a sense of optimism and hope. Life is full of uncertainties and I hope my children know I care for and love them. Heaven forbid, should anything happen, there is nothing to fear for someday we would meet again on Fiddler’s Green. An excellent reminder for those who have lost a loved one. This is closely tied with Stoic principles and thoughts around death. See my posts on Meditations for more information!

Please leave a comment to share your thoughts and opinions on the song. Let me know if you enjoyed it and if you have a song you would like to share. I would love to hear from you!