Well after all the discussion of terms and the story - as I narrowed down the message of my song - I dropped the idea of placing my Exec on the back of the boat watching the wake disappear. It was a nice image - but got in the way of the message.

I worked a few rhythms, and few melodic style - before I settled on a driving DADGAG, almost bluesy melody. That set the tone for a Confederate tale:

THE SHENANDOAH'S RUN (c) Jed Marum July 2006

A hundred miles beyond Cape Horn
Head up and through the gale
Now both sheets aft we spread our wings
Runnin' on full sail

The South Atlantic welcomes us
Gentle as a bride
We set our course. This long last run
Ends on the Merseyside

CHO:The Shenandoah's glory should bring honor down on Richmond
Her shining deeds at sea should light the way
But now a Yankee flag is blotting out the sun in Richmond
And shadows over all the CSA

Eleven months we hunted them
We drove them Yankees hard
Then Richmond fell and if we're caught
They'll hang us from the yard

Now pray for me my children dear
That we might find our way
To make our port in Liverpool
And back to you one day - CHO

And if the English set us free
I'm bound for Charleston Bay
Though it breaks my heart their flag to see
And hear those Yankees bray

But cheer, my son no tears I cried
For when this day is done
They can't deny that Southern pride
And the Shenandoah's run - CHO