The Meaning Behind The Song: Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin) by Mountain
When it comes to defining the deeper meaning behind a song, it’s often up to interpretation. However, “Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin)” by Mountain is one track that holds a clear and haunting story within its lyrics. As someone who has always been captivated by the history and symbolism behind songs, I find the tale behind this particular song to be both intriguing and somber.
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The lyrics of “Nantucket Sleighride” paint a vivid picture of a man bidding farewell to his loved one, little Robin-Marie, before embarking on a three-year whaling voyage. The ship sets sail in search of the mighty sperm whale, with hopes of a fruitful and profitable venture. The chorus resonates with a sense of longing and the knowledge that the protagonist’s true love will remain waiting even as the years pass by.
Delving deeper into the meaning of this song, it portrays the tragic story of Owen Coffin, who was a crew member on the whaleship Essex. The Essex was sunk by a whale while the crew was on their voyage, resulting in their separation into three whaleboats. As the crew faced the perils of being adrift at sea, running out of supplies and becoming desperate, Owen Coffin met a devastating fate. In order to survive, his fellow crew members resorted to the unthinkable, consuming Coffin’s remains.
It is worth noting that Captain George Pollard, Coffin’s cousin, had offered protection to his relative, but Coffin refused the offer, ultimately meeting his tragic end. Only two out of three crew members who ate Coffin would be rescued, with this chilling incident remaining etched in maritime history.
The title of the song, “Nantucket Sleighride,” holds a twofold meaning. Firstly, it references the whaleship on which Coffin sailed, the Essex, which hailed from the island of Nantucket. Secondly, it alludes to the term “Nantucket sleighride” that was commonly used to describe the intense experience of being dragged by a harpooned whale while whaling. The crew of the Essex certainly experienced this adrenaline-fueled ride during their ill-fated voyage.
To me, “Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin)” stands as a testament to the dark realities that could befall seafarers in the pursuit of their dreams. It is a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made and the violent nature of the natural world that they inhabited.
As I listen to this melancholic song, I can’t help but be drawn into the story it tells. The lyrics, coupled with the somber melody, transport me to an era filled with adventure, tragedy, and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to explore the great unknown. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the bonds that endure, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Credits:
Produced By Felix Pappalardi
Written By Gail Collins & Felix Pappalardi
Release Date: January 1971
Tags:
Rock, Pop, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Seventies, Hard Rock
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