This wonderful song from the exquisitely voiced Kate Rusby is especially chosen with the RNLI in mind. It still blows my mind that they are getting so much hate for rescuing people from the Channel. Families, children, cold, scared, in serious danger, rescued by the brave RNLI volunteers.
Of course there are issues with illegal migration across the Channel, of course it isn’t safe or to be encouraged, but leaving people to drown is never a solution. Just like doctors save lives without question, so do the RNLI, that’s what they do. And whilst there is war and hunger and desperation people will make the journey, even if it likely means death. So don’t tell me that leaving them to drown with deter others, because it won’t. Human beings don’t work like that.
I particularly love the heartfelt intro to this where Kate talks about her motivation for the song.
LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT (K Rusby PRS/ MCPS)
A boat made of paper it set sail with me,
And oh how I’ve grown weary,
That boat of shame it took me now I’m far from free,
And oh won’t you stay near me.
Chorus Hope it bloomed eternal there,
Upon the promised land,
Will it wither now, Or will I feel my feet upon the sand?
This bundle that I carry is worth more to me than life,
And oh how I’ve grown weary
There’s only me to hold her now that I’m no more a wife,
And oh won’t you stay me.
An ancient land I’ve left behind in ruins now lies she,
And oh how I’ve grown weary,
I must build a new land now with walls to keep her free,
And oh won’t you stay near me.
My heart is in my hand now we are on the open sea,
And oh how I’ve grown weary,
Thank God she won’t remember this whatever it may be,
And oh won’t you stay near me.
The orange sun was burning,
On the boat where we all stand,
Hope it bloomed eternal there,
Upon the promised land,
Will it wither now, Or will I feel my feet upon the sand?
Electric Tenor Guitar- Damien O’Kane Double Bass- Duncan Lyall Electric Guitar- Steven Iveson Diatonic Accordion- Nick Cooke Percussion and Drum Programming- Josh Clark Keyboard, Pads and Synth- Anthony Davis Film- James Lockey
Abigail's Library 