From Deep Sea Vents (album), 2024.
The Wake of St Brendan features: Bruce Hornsby (dulcimer, vocals), Alex Sopp (flute), C.J. Camerieri (trumpet), Rob Moose (violin), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello), Mark Dover (clarinet)
From BruceHornsby.com:
“Stemming from The New York Times’ obituary of Tim Severin, a sailor who re-created the arduous journeys of early explorers. His voice warped by electronics and teased by strings, Hornsby sings a hymn not just for Severin but for anyone who’s found an unorthodox way of existing, of following an obsession to the very ends of the earth.”
Context
St Brendan
“Brendan the Navigator” is the patron saint of mariners, sailors, travellers and the U.S. Navy, who set sail with a band of friends in search of the Holy Island and the Garden of Eden. The prayer of St Brendan reads:
“Help me to journey beyond the familiar
And into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways
And break fresh ground with you.
Christ of the mysteries, I trust you
To be stronger than each storm within me.
I will trust in the darkness and know
That my times, even now, are in your hand.
Tune my spirit to the music of heaven,
And somehow, make my obedience count for you.”
See StBrendanNorthOlmsted.org for more.
Tim Severin
Tim Severin was a British explorer and historian who retraced the voyage of St Brendan. He documented his travels in The Brendan Voyage, charting his own dramatic journey across the Atlantic in a leather boat.
The Wake of St Brendan meaning
“The Wake of St Brendan” pays homage to explorers and adventurers, particularly Tim Severin. The lyrics reflect themes of obsession, exploration, and the passage of time, contrasting modern convenience with the struggles faced by those who sailed uncharted waters.
Contrast between past and present
The opening lines highlight the convenience of modern navigation with “GPS for maps” and “we’ll just use the app”, suggesting a sense of complacency in contemporary society. Bruce reflects on how technology has made exploration easier, leading to the notion that “we’re now an inferior breed.” Ion doing so, he implies that reliance on technology may diminish the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterised the wake of St Brendan and earlier explorers.
Exploration and obsession
There is a reverence for those who pursue their obsessions to extreme lengths. “I’m meticulous and thorough / And it gets dangerous” captures the risk inherent in following your passion, especially through exploration. References to the past, such as “1,500 years of survivor’s tears,” refer to the sacrifices made by those who ventured into the unknown.
Cultural references
Other explorers
Besides Tim Severin, The Wake of St Brendan directly references other explorers such as Sinbad, Ulysses, and Marco Polo.
Historical references
The lyrics reference St. Brendan, an Irish monk known for his legendary sea voyages. The mentions of “boats swaddled in leather” and “ox-hide leather” paint a vivid picture of the historical vessels used during St. Brendan’s time. “North Sea weather” further emphasises the harsh conditions these early explorers faced.
Imagery and symbolism
Footsteps and wake
“I walk in the footsteps” and “I ride in the wake” recognise those who came before. The “footsteps” represent the legacy of explorers, while the “wake” signifies the impact they leave behind as they navigate through the challenges of life. Each generation builds upon the experiences of its predecessors.
Survivor’s tears
“Survivors’ tears” touches on a sense of resilience and the emotional weight carried by those who have endured hardship in pursuit of their dreams. It acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices made in the name of exploration, serving as a reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for perseverance in the face of adversity.
“The Wake of St Brendan” is a reflective and evocative song that celebrates the spirit of exploration while critiquing the complacency of modern society. Bruce pays tribute to those who have followed their obsessions, inviting listeners to consider the value of adventure, discovery, and the legacies left by those who dared to chart new courses.