The Wild Whaling Life is from Deep Sea Vents (album), 2024.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (dulcimer, vocals), Alex Sopp (flute), Hideaki Aomori (clarinet), C.J. Camerieri (trumpet), Rob Moose (violin), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello)
“Lending the humour of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, the dulcimer lifting a refrain that works as a proclamation of pride”. Bruce describes this on his Facebook page as “our Sea Chantey – I was finally reading Moby-Dick (Melville was a funny guy) at the same time yMusic sent me this evocative track, a notable serendipitous confluence of events!”
From BruceHornsby.com: “Finally reading Moby-Dick, he was shocked by Herman Melville’s humor, so he lends that delight to opener “The Wild Whaling Life,” his dulcimer lifting a refrain that works as a proclamation of pride.”
The Wild Whaling Life meaning
In common with much of Bruce Hornsby’s Deep Sea Vents (album), “The Wild Whaling Life” evokes themes of adventure, this time incorporating struggle and the pursuit of personal destiny. It’s set against the backdrop of whaling, a practice steeped in historical and cultural significance.
Whaling
Whaling was the hunting of whales dating back to 3000 BC in specialised “whaling ships”. A profitable industry began in 875 AD, and ceased internationally in the late 1980s as several species became almost extinct
The lyrics blend personal introspection with references to classic literature, mythology, and the perils of life at sea, particularly in relation to the novel Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.
Moby-Dick
Moby-Dick is the 1851 novel by Herman Melville, telling the story of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod. Ahab went on a quest for vengeance against Moby Dick, the giant whale that bit off his leg on the ship’s previous voyage. Ahab’s obsession with the whale serves as a parallel to the singer’s own pursuit. The line “three goddesses control human destiny” alludes to the Fates from Greek mythology, who are responsible for spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life. It’s contemplating the unpredictability of fate and the choices we make.
Themes of adventure and struggle
“The Wild Whaling Life” opens with a self-description as a “long mariner” and “fair sailor,” setting a tone of resilience amid physical weakness. In “taking off for the lee shore”, the narrator is setting off on a journey toward safety, but also hints at the inherent dangers of the sea. “In search of the big one” could be a metaphor for pursuing dreams or ambitions, echoing Captain Ahab’s relentless quest for Moby Dick (and Bruce’s 1990 song Across the River!).
Biblical references
“Euroclydon” refers to a powerful wind described in the Bible (Acts 27:14), symbolising the tumultuous forces of nature that challenge the sailor. “Signs and wonders” further emphasise the spiritual and mystical dimensions of the oceanic journey.
The ocean
The ocean represents both a literal and metaphorical expanse, embodying the unknown and the challenges that lie ahead. “The howling infinite” underlines the overwhelming nature of the sea, suggesting both fear and fascination. Bruce talk about a “a mystical, mystic ocean at my feet”, encapsulating the allure and danger of the oceanic life, underscoring both the possibility and the peril.
Personal empowerment and choice
The recurring lines “When I push myself, I feel prouder” and “This is what I chose for my life’s work” highlight themes of personal agency and empowerment, and serve as a metaphor for Bruce Hornsby’s own career path. He expresses a sense of pride in embracing a challenging lifestyle, his “wild whaling life.” The decision to pursue this path, despite its difficulties, is a conscious choice – again, resilience in the face of adversity.
The Wild Whaling Life is a reflection of life’s challenges, echoing the timeless pursuit of meaning amid the vast, unpredictable seas of existence.