Al Stewart - The Dark And The Rolling Sea Lyrics

When I listen this song I always go back in time to a day in july, 1991, in Torquay, England, staying near to the south end of the harbour, looking at the sea in a drizzle day. I knew the most famous Al Stewart songs by then, but I heard this song for the first time, maybe 15 years later..! Thanks, Al, for all these images, from the bottom of my heart!

This song gives strength to the grief of a broken heart, tears wash our spirits and we see that the Holy One was right there with us all along...

I'm in love with his voice!

2019 listener 😩

Al Steward songs made me hell bent to join the merchant marines, could not but the quayside is mine when the foghorn bellows and the crisp wind from the sea makes my hairy seem like it has been sprayed stiff!

I am from Bangladesh, in 80's when I heard this from Al Stewart we only had SW radio. His songs made me desperate to become a sailor, failing in the marine academy, I finally joined the army, and I still get a shiver from ship's fog horns.... He is part of my childhood, which none can understand other than those who listen and love his songs....My loving wife doesn't have the slightest clue (she's into Hindi songs)!

The lead guitar is Knopfler-esque.

When I bought my first CD player/stereo system (including floor Boston Acoustic speakers) in 1986, the first song I wanted to hear was "The Dark and the Rolling Sea." It exceeded expectations and combined with "Modern Times" I don't know of too many albums that have consecutive songs as good as this. Why he is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is beyond me. Can we mount a concerted effort to include him considering some of of the shallow, unprofessional bands that gave been inducted? In addition to those songs, does it get any better than "Road to Moscow," (two broken Tigers on fire in the night, flicker their souls to the wind), "On the Border," "Broadway Hotel," "Year of the Cat," "Time Passages," "Song on the Radio," "End of the Day," "Arcadian Skies?"

Blue Hen .. Exactly .. You must know the Old Admirals who feel the wind but never put to sea, Past Present & Future? 😉

@wish21100 Yes! Another great song from that album. 👍⚓ Terminal Eyes and Soho (Needless to Say) are other gems from PPF.
I saw Al in concert in the 90s on Ambler, Pa., and then two summers ago at a church Hall in Wilmington, Del., with Dave Nachmanoff. A religious experience both times. On the Border, Broadway Hotel and the finale, End of the Day, were some that stuck with me from the last concert. I even met Dave at his display before the concert and bought his excellent CD, Wordless Rhymes, which are instrumental covers of 11 of Al's songs.
Thanks for your reply.

Blue Hen I'm impressed. Past Present and Future along with Modern Times, two of my fav Albums ever, "and their cries ring out to me" 😎

One of the biggest Songs in Music history… one of the ultimate 10 songs for a lonely Island …

今日、初めて聴きました
もうタイトルから始まってる
聴くしかなかった
わかる、解ってくれるやつだと素直に揺さぶられました

The Ghostly Horses of the Sea......

what a frickin genius,,,,, i dare someone to make a song this good...or a poem

a song about most peoples lives

Tim Renwick's guitar solos are magical

I've been listening to the great song (and great LP Modern Times) for over 30 years. Hope to listen for 30 more.

What pisses me off.........A defender of the the Realm.Has not yet been Knighted.....we/re not right with that..........

Just cause we're Scottish?....I wonder about such

I thought this was the UK

His service to the Realm.....warrents

please take into consideration

We trust you mom.it would be a fair play

שיר יפיפה והגיטרה המובילה נהדרת

Oh you slipped away from the harbour side
In the morning bright and clear
And your sails were filled with the rising wind
And you laughed for all to hear
But you never glanced at the ragged dance
Of your lovers on the quay
Don't call on them when the winds rise high
On the dark and the rolling sea

Oh you set your course for the furthest shores
And you never once looked back
And the flag you flew was a pirate cross
On a field of velvet black
And those landsmen who you but lately knew
Were left stranded on the lea
Don't call on them when the storm clouds rise
On the dark and the rolling sea

Oh I have no need of a chart or creed
You told your waiting crew
For the winds of chance, they will bear us straight
And you spoke as though you knew
So you paid no mind to the warning signs
As you gave your words so free
Don't change your tack when the timbers crack
On the dark and the rolling sea

Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails
And the stars desert the skies
And the rigging strains as the hands of rain
Reach down to wash your eyes
And your oarsmen stands with his knife in hand
And his eyes spell mutiny
Don't call my name when your ship goes down
On the dark and the rolling sea
.

Very tasteful guitar solo by the great Tim Renwick

As I have listened to this song many times I have come to feel the song is a commentary on a band or singer of the same era. Who the band is I do not know as that is the mystery of the song! Anyway "the dark and rolling sea makes an awesome metaphor for the music business does it not :)))

What a song! And what a guitar solo! When it comes to melody , Renwick is tops!

Nice song

Good music for a Gravol ad.

Imagining this sung now to the UK's leader, it seems very apt

Al's song is very personal. There should be no one around me when I am listening to his songs.

Awesome. No other comment.

A song I heard somewhere sometime before .In eternity maybe.

un des meilleurs morceaux existants

Al Stew-Art ,thats exactly what he invisions and creates in his performance Art. a true Scotsman,and if it aint Scotish ,its Crap.LEARNED Guitar playing from a Master. Master Rob Fripp-King Crimson.frontman.

Al can actual sing mtman2 ;)

A classical English version of Bob Dylan, with a historical sense- in a century of leadup to where we now reside~!

Fine lead guitar.

Tim Renwick

he's a monster! <3 knows when to hold back, not just speed for speed's sake--substitutes actual feel for mere speed

Yes kinda like Dave Gilmour and Andy Latimer.Cheers

Reminds me very strongly of Mark Knopfler. Actually the song itself does too!

Al Stewart's "Like a Rolling Stone." At least as good as it.. Lyrics are wonderful... more poetic..

Wonderful song from a wonderful artist - I just adore this guy!!! And I find his scottish accent so charming...

He has an English accent. He was born in Scotland but grew up in Bournmouth on the English south coast.

One of my all-time favorites!

This is a very good song indeed; but after many listenings I can't help feeling the tempo should be slightly slower - as is, seems to pass too fast through the imagery.

+Barukh1132 Set it on 0.5 speed haha.

+Barukh1132 Interesting observation. Stewart is that rare artist whose craft is more in the words; hence the music has an extra burden.

+Barukh1132 I disagree. I think the tempo is just fine.

+knowlengr Although you're broadly right, have you listened to "The Black Danube"? Absolute instrumental masterpiece :)

Love this, as well as Al`s other songs.  Going to see him in Leeds in may. I hope he sings this

Oh man,what a great guitarsolo...this is very fine.

Tim Renwick - a true underrated guitar god!

Agreed. The song would be naked without the solo guitar to dress it. Tim Renwick is one of my favorite guitarists.

Al Stewart occupies a very special place in the history of music, and it's largely his own. His ability to transport history into melody has no equal. And when he steps out as with "Carol", well the song is just too good to not bring a smile. He's a great contributor to the lives of many of us boomers.

I loaned my friend about four of Al's CD's a few months back. He was stunned that such a great artist "fell through the cracks" of great artists. He said that "Cat" is simply a good song among dozens of great ones.

Someone once said that Al is one of the most 'unknown' great artist of our time.. Personally I think Al is not at all about glamour and such .. he always remained normal and humble . But to say he's fallen through the cracks .. It's certainly a joy to experience here how much he is loved and admired.

@rac717 Here in France we only hear "The Year of the Cat", nothing else. When I was about twelve, a cousin lent me the tape, and I became so passionate about his music, buying an Al Stewart tape was an event for me. His world was my secret garden. With time and movings, I lost them, but searched them again a few years ago. I discovered more of his songs. I feel he's part of my history, like a special friend or art relative, and I believe he contributed to developing my musical ears and also my english. He holds a special place in my heart.

I'm Gen Z and I love Al Stewart.

From the start, the song has a great "out to sea" feeling.

I always have the same feeling!

It brings out the British sailor in all of us.

One of, if not my very favorite Al Stewart song!! Says it all!! Got to see Al some years ago with my two sons. What a great performance! This song is dedicated from me to my son Justin, with love!! He'll know!!!

I love Al Stewart, what great music he created!

Al Stewarts creative arc seems more and more worthy of examination, he seems oft overlooked.

Amazing this was not a hit....can;t explain it....its got some of the most amazing lyrics and a beautiful melody..I guess this wasn;t catchy enough. You show me a song as lyrically flowing and melodic today?

there isn't any he's the best

I love all the speculation here... Al Stewart himself calls this the opposite of a love song. He calls it a hate song. The woman/ship in the song get about a hundred miles out to sea, get caught unprepared in a bad storm, crash, boom, bang, and the ship sinks with all hands. All that's left is a little trail of bubbles from the now underwater, dead ship.

KTA806, that is probably the best story I have read on You Tube. Seriously. Awesome!

Id like to see this as a snl skit dueling with a salty dog by procal harem!

TO ALL AL STEWART AND PETER WHITE FANS
PHIL KENZIE The legendary sax soloist on all of Al Stewart's hits
will be appearing at the upcoming "once in a lifetime" concert at The Royal Albert Hall on October 15th. This concert coincides with the release of Phil's CD, " A Night With The Cat" which will be available for purchase.
A tribute to Al Stewart's artistry, it is an instrumental version of the magical lyrics of "The Year of The Cat". which will be enjoyed by all on this very special night.

What a beautiful song....I admire this headstrong woman....she is following her heart

I agree with you - she's left him for pastures new, and he's saying she's on her own if it goes wrong. Dougie Maclean uses similar imagery in Ready For the Storm, only his 'sailor' washes up safe in the end. Check out Dougie and Kathy Mattea's version from Transatlantic Sessions One

Am I being too deep... I don't think its about Pirates at all.... its about a woman who takes and moves on because she thinks she learned it all, but is being warned not to expect open arms when it all goes wrong. The marine imagery is just that - imagery.

Yeah, sorry. Actually I'm only a Lieutenant obvious.

Thanks, Captain Obvious... we all knew that, as did the person you replied to.

No, an ex girlfriend actually

Your meant to say: "Beautiful pirate song" Yaaarghh!

Beautiful pirate song! I dig it!

One of my favorite Al Stewart tunes. Great guitar and a great arrangement.

True story: Was sitting in a coffee shop several years ago and this tune comes on the music system. A group of 4 20ish hipsters is sitting next to me and were debating among themselves what the song was about. To me it was always obvious but to them apparently not. So they asked me for my opinion and all I said was "Pirates..."

This song is an all-time favorite. It brings me right back to the 1970's.

Amen. I trust you!

Alestorm needs to cover this song.

Yah, Tim Renwick is a damn genius. Saw him a couple of times live with Al, and Sutherland Brothers and Quiver anyone? :)

Tim Renwick is incredible. Saw him with both Al Stewart & SB&Q. His touch is perfect

Tim Renwick is awesome. Among all the fantastic guitar players Al's had, Renwick is my choice.

I was at Al's Apartment and Lukes place down stairs in the summer of 1977

tim renwicks guitar picking is sublime...... al stewart FAN????

Without a single doubt ... My favorite "Pirate" song ever!

I found the Modern Times LP in a second hand store after I discovered Al through Year of the Cat. For a long time I never listened properly to this song - and then one day it just grabbed me.
Thanks for posting.

Totally agree!

largely unrecognised by the public at large but-so what?we love his music and we all know its greatness :-)

i'd agree that this man has not been adequately given recognition for his contribution to soul moving composition and performance..hail Scotland

Al Stewart is unique in his own style. A humble Scott who is so frank with his commercially less successful singing career. But time will prove many critics wrong in a non-commercial sense. I heard this song in London in 1975 and thanks for uploading.

@Geotde1962 This is one of my favorites too! Superb guitar solo.

Outstanding

Tim Renwick's solo guitar on this song is one of the cleanest solo's ever recorded in my opinion. He spent time with Pink Floyd's touring band. Give his solo release, "Privateer" a listen. Al always seems to find the best musicians for his recordings. Modern Times is an under rated album over shadowed by it's follow-up, "Year Of The Cat".

A total Tim Renwick fan here! Clean, clear, smooth & knows exactly what to put when & when to not play! Awesome!

Lovely song, thanks for posting

simply wonderful