FAWM: "Bilge Pump Blues"

Bilge Pump Blues

2025 by @joefahey

Liner Notes

Just an acoustic blues thing. I recorded the guitar track, a loose blues progression using and open tuning on the guitar. Listened to it for a couple days thinking of lyrics that started with Memphis Minnie's "When the Levee Breaks" as the inspiration for the opening line. I ended up rewriting the lyrics several times and rerecording it.

I felt like it needed more work on the lyrics and put it away for a but when I listened to the most recent version today I thought I'd call it done for now.

#acousticguitar #blues

Lyrics

If it keeps on leaking, this ship is gonna sink The keel keeps creaking, getting us closer to that drink The bilge pump’s failing the crew is wailing And we’re all gonna sink or swim Hope you’re happy with your Cappy And your confidence in him

I’ll see you in heaven if you don’t end up in hell Deviled eggs at 7 when they ring that dinner bell The bilge pump’s pumping the timbers keep thumping But the water’s coming right back in Captain send his prayers from his chopper He’ll send your molars to your next of kin

If it keeps on leaking, this great ship will go down If that keel keeps creaking we’ll just have another round The bilge pump’s still tryin’ the Captain’s still lyin’ The water’s gonna rush right in The news is all over town So sad when this great ship goes down

Comments

@toddnorem 2025

This really does sound like a tune from a different era. I wasn't familiar with what a bilge pump is, but that's part of the charm here. Suits the song. The whole thing just sounds so old/timeless I almost sneeze from the dust. It's going to be a real tragedy when that ship goes down, I tell ya. Very cool Joe. I like how this one could be totally up to interpretation too. I mean if you don't pay attention to lyrics. I mean, don't you just hate it when bands get political.

@tspoon 2025

Love the old timey blues guitar sound. I saw a Memphis Minnie film at the MIM here in AZ. U captured that style perfectly. I love the line Hope you’re happy with your Cappy And your confidence in him. It is so sad that the great ship is going down I think of that and wonder about what the 51 % of voters think about him now. Nice work on the guitar picking Joe.