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Maryann

from Kinship by Bold Riley

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about

Julia, wishing Bold Riley sang more sea shanties, set out to find one that could be included in the band’s repertoire. She quickly realized how difficult it was to find sea shanties written for and about women, so she turned her efforts towards writing one herself. This song is inspired by and dedicated to the strong women who cleared a path for new generations of strong women!

lyrics

maryann walks in the cool morning fog
while sailors are lashing their ships to the dock
she watches and learns as they wrestle the cords
so brave and so brawny, they’ve done this before

talk ‘round the town says one ship’s short on men
so maryann’s making the circuit again,
petitions the captain to sail with his crew,
but he says, “with that body, what work could ye do?”

though spurned by the captain, she summons a force
sets out on her own to determine a course
she cares for the town that she’s always called home
but this bold young woman, she’s ready to roam

so make yourself heavy, you fine little lass
and pull up the anchor, with all that you have
you’re fit for the journey, you’re made for the sea
it’s time to set sail, time to set yourself free

deep in the harbor the vessel’s alone
she’s weary and ragged, her tired frame moans
she’s long been abandoned by men who would say,
“she creaks with the tide and we’ve numbered her days”

on closer inspection, this weathered façade
is housing a hull that is rugged and broad
her seaworthy name has been tainted by time
but with a scrub and a dusting, this cutter will shine

“i’ll be your captain!” our maryann cries
she hops on the deck with a fire in her eyes

so make yourself heavy, you fine little lass
and hoist up the mainsail, with all that you have
you’re fit for the journey, you’re made for the sea
it’s time to set sail, time to set yourself free

out in the darkness, forgiveness is rare
the ocean knows nothing of mercy or care
the saltwater’s sting and the wind’s whipping lash
is clouding her vision, obscuring her path

but bones carry memories etched when they’re young,
the paths they have traveled, the songs they have sung
a novice gets nervous, she’s strong but she’s new
a wise friend, though tired, can keep her course true

so make yourself heavy, you fine little lass
and lean on the tiller, with all that you have
you’re fit for the journey, you’re made for the sea
it’s time to set sail, time to set yourself free

oh, make yourself heavy, you fine little lass
and greet the horizon with all that you have
you’re fit for the journey, you’re made for the sea,
it’s time to set sail, time to set yourself free

credits

from Kinship, released October 11, 2019
music and lyrics by Julia Edwards
arranged by Bold Riley

Dennis Boyd - bass, vocals
Jud Caswell - cittern
Julia Edwards - lead vocals, accordion
John Gunn - bodhran
Michael Hayashida - fiddle, vocals
Erin Sampson - vocals

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Bold Riley Bridgton, Maine

Bold Riley started as a simple music project among friends in a barn in Norway, Maine and quickly gained momentum thanks to the group’s unbridled enthusiasm and commitment to bringing joyful acoustic folk music to the greater community. All members take turns singing lead, and songs range from classic protest folk favorites to unlikely covers to rousing originals. ... more

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