02 Fisherman
Music and lyrics written by Sherry Smith
Story
Many years ago I was invited to sing for a friend's wedding which took place at the beautiful Yellowpoint Lodge on Vancouver Island
. My friend was marrying a Prince Rupert fisherman so lots of his First Nations Buddies came for the celebration. However, at the time there were disputes going on centered around the Fraser River so the climate was not too warm. One set of First Nations on one side and a bunch of Honky Fishermen on the other. The dance floor was on springs but no movement at the moment. My friend Lennie Skye who I was playing with and I started making up a song which later morphed into Fisherman song. "West Coast people got a lot of rhythm, born on the water where it rock and rolls'' - West Coast people got the spirit within them - born from the forests and the totem poles''
Whether it was the drugs or the alcohol, but something broke the ice and by the end of the song both sides were thumpin and jumpin and that dance floor was packed. I'd like to think it's the power of music that unites us all. Years later, my son and I were invited to play our music on Number one reserve here in Nanaimo. It was the biggest honour for the both of us and we thank Joe White for suggesting us.
Lyrics
He was standing in the doorway like so many times before with his long hair and his strong unshaven face.
His hands were cut and swollen from the poison of the sea but his eyes were bright and clear, he hadn't changed.
I stood in silence trying to hide the desperation deep inside to feel the joy of knowing he'd come back to me.
But I checked myself cause I knew by now it was just another broken vow, he'd be working on his God damned boat instead of lovin me.
Chorus
He gambles with the West Coast wind, he gambles with the sea.
The waves are like a rodeo he's riding to be free.
He gambles with his life out there - he gambles here with me.
So many times I've walked along the sandstone beaches with the song of screamin seagulls eerie in the foggy night.
Not a ripple do I see, she's clear as glass, tranquility, reflecting silver shadows in the moonlight.
And it sounds like a widows song I've heard too often, heard too long and only others like me understand.
What it's like to live with a ghost of the sea -- a part time lover on a gambling spree. Lady, you're a gambler too,,,,cause you.
Repeat Chorus
Well the wind may blow and I really don't know if he's ever coming home, Lady you're a gambler too.
I prayed every night to the Lord above, bring him home safe he's my own true love. Lady you're a gambler too.
Yeah ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Lady you're a gambler too.