The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #6687   Message #3105996
Posted By: GUEST,Chris Lussier
03-Mar-11 - 01:13 AM
Thread Name: ADD: The Last Leviathan (Andy Barnes)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Last Leviathan (Andy Barnes)
This is a great song! I learned this beautiful melody about twenty years ago from a recording of The Ancient Mariners Chantymen on their album, "Turning the Tide." Over the years following, I have performed it at different events, always giving credit to Mr Barnes for his inspiring music and lyrics. People in my neck of the woods would always ask me to sing, "That whale song" whenever I was onstage.

Some of the lyrics I use are a bit different than the original words, and I think this is because of the melodic structure that the Mariners used on their recording. The verse that begins, "And e'er since time began..." was not included on the Mariners album, so I never learned that one. But I have enjoyed singing, and playing the flute as if to suggest "whale-song" between the other verses.

I have never financially profited from Andy's tune in all the years that I have known it! But Leviathan and songs like it have helped to define me as a singer and musician here in my little corner of the USA. I most recently performed it at a family concert this past October, and my cousin posted a video to YouTube. Please take a listen if you have a chance! My interpretation also gives people "the chills", but I would love to think that I am staying as true to the original theme as possible. Any and all feedback is graciously welcomed.

If any of you know Andy personally, it would mean the world to me if you would pass along my thanks for his amazing talent and haunting tribute to the Great Whales.