As a native Minnesotan, having sailed Superior many times, I have a profound respect for that "lake"! The gales can blow up right quick and without warning. I heard of the wreck when it happened. I had a friend in Duluth who had lost his uncle on the wreck, and spent the remaining time that I knew him, getting drunk at a local bar and sailing out in storms recklessly, he was eventually lost in one.

As for the melody I dimly recall a simiar song associated with an Irish or English shipwreck from the turn of the century or earlier and labelled traditional.

As for the song itself, I've heard similar complaints about Stan Rogers. Pity about all that commercial success - spoils the enjoyment of good music. ;-)

CLB