Lyr Req: Captain Torres (James Keelaghan)

Subject: Lyr Req: Captain Torres by James Keelaghan
From: Chris Green
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:53 AM

Caught JK when he was over the UK last year and he did this song, with which I instantly fell in love. Does any one know the lyrics for it? A bit of background on the circumstances of the song would be handy too!

Ta

Chris

Subject: Lyr Add: CAPTAIN TORRES (James Keelaghan)
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 12:16 PM

From the ROAD CD liner notes...

"One evening in December 1989 the freighter Captain Torres was foundering in the Cabot Strait in heavy seas and high winds. Knowing there was no hope of rescue because of the severity of the story, and that chances for survival were slim to none, the crew lined up in the radio room and each crew member phoned home to say goodbye. There were no survivors. For a more complete telling of the story, see Silver Donald Cameron's book Wind, Whales, and Whiskey, pgs 132-135. "La mer ne pardonne pas," The sea is unforgiving."

CAPTAIN TORRES

How small the Captain Torres
How high the sea
Gale 10 and engines failing
No quarter No lee
They know when the wrong wave hits them
Perdu, They're gone
They've played their share of poker
They know odds are long
La mer ne pardonne pas

Time yet for consolation
Each makes one call
Signals flash ship to shore
Words plucked From the squall
His heart a deep deep ocean
His voice so small
So faint through all the static
Five words That's all
La mer ne pardonne pas

Do I count myself lucky
I was home the phone was ringing
What of other wives who missed it
Came home to red lights blinking

How strange this world of wonder
Ships sailing planes flying
Sound sent at speed of light
Phone calls from young men dying
These walls bought and paid for
By service On board
Gone months to clothe and feed us
Gone now forever more
La mer ne pardonne pas

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Captain Torres by James Keelaghan
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 10:57 PM

For those not familiar with James' singing and writing, I suggest you get any one of his recordings and give it a listen. Kiri's Piano, Cold Missouri Waters, Captain Torres, and a whole multitude of songs are scattered throughout his recordings. Caution: One record purchased and listened to is likely to become the first of many you will buy. Be sure your billfold is flush before you listen to even one song! James is the best of the best................

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Captain Torres by James Keelaghan
From: Chris Green
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 08:26 AM

Thanks, Clinton!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Captain Torres by James Keelaghan
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 10:46 AM

Yer welcome DB!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Captain Torres (James Keelaghan)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Sep 22 - 05:18 PM

Where can I find the lyrics for the outro. It's mentioned that he used Cyrano's last love letter to Roxane for the outro, but I can't find anything that seems to match the few words I can make out.