Here because in a 1997 BBC interview David Bowie said this song is his choice for "the song he wished he had written" seriously, he likes the melon collie tone of it....the melody, piano & lyrics.
@jkelly2926
5 күн бұрын
Me too
@lodgerxlodger6525
5 күн бұрын
That's why I came here - but this song does nothing for me... the vocals are a bit annoying... I'll take The Tragically Hip's Nautical Disaster over this any time.
@christaveldhuis
2 күн бұрын
Me too!
@stephenscott1153
6 ай бұрын
The voice of Wyatt that double bass drums and piano wow What a classic Elvis Costello song Always adored it
@PeterDuffield-xv9xe
5 ай бұрын
As a Falklands veteran - I resonate with every chord and syllable of this song. Terribly ,terribly beautiful- completely conveys the crazy benefits and at the same time the horrors of war and particularly one that was completely avoidable!
@karimwaidatt
29 күн бұрын
Saludo uno.
@4milfs
5 жыл бұрын
Is it alright to shed a few tears whenever you hear this song ? - You're damn right it is.
@stubvidmedia8903
3 жыл бұрын
Always alright
@barnyification
3 жыл бұрын
Why...
@4milfs
3 жыл бұрын
@@barnyification It's ok not to know why.....
@barnyification
3 жыл бұрын
@@4milfs that's true.. but personally I'd ask myself why..
@comencyfi
3 жыл бұрын
Please don't forget Clive Langer wrote the tune and asked Elvis to write the words.
@Michael-mm3fm
3 жыл бұрын
No Likes nobody cares, poor Clive...at least he gets half the royalties
@robtyman4281
Жыл бұрын
Imo the best version of this song is Suede's. I know this is very controversial and will anger both Wyatt, and Costello fans but that's too bad. I just happen to like Suede's version the most. Brett Anderson's voice sounds great on it.
@TheHateSpeechChannel
Жыл бұрын
@@robtyman4281 100% agree, I only knew suede's version. Just heard this version and it's total shite in comparison.
@SorendeSelbyBowen
Жыл бұрын
@@TheHateSpeechChannel You are entitled to your shite opinion.
@TreMolloy
6 ай бұрын
@@TheHateSpeechChannelharsh I like costello's but many people lose it and argue wyatt, if u joined the debate with suede pub will kick off haha
@shaneholland7841
7 жыл бұрын
One of the best anti war and workers rights songs and ever penned, by Elvis Costello and as a reaction to the Falkland war preparations by Thatcher. Beautifully sung and performed by Robert Wyatt.
@TheCompleteGuitarist
4 жыл бұрын
by worker you mean slave? I come from that stock ... people standing around waiting for others to give their lives meaning as the son says, you're waiting for someone to give you a job when you could be diving for pearls.
@joedexys
4 жыл бұрын
BRILLIANT
@stephenwalker850
2 жыл бұрын
So , let me get this straight , neither Robert Wyatt or Elvis Costello worked oan the docks
@rogink
2 жыл бұрын
@@stephenwalker850 Do you mean docks. Or shipyards? It's like comparing someone building cars to another driving them. But who cares?
@1966wilky
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheCompleteGuitarist I agree. I had a friend back in the early eighties who’s first job on leaving school was to go straight to the shipyards. He absolutely hated it and I’m pleased he got out by being able to get a free university education which is no longer the case now. I feel sorry for all the working classes who are capable of so much but can’t afford to get a decent education and are stuck in the worst of dead end jobs.
@dncutube
Жыл бұрын
Is it worth it? A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy's birthday. It's just a rumor that was spread around town By the women and children, soon we'll be shipbuilding Well I ask you The boy said 'Dad, they're going to take me to task But I'll be home by Christmas. It's just a rumor that was spread around town Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed in The results of their shipbuilding. With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls. It's just a rumor that was spread around town A telegram for a picture postcard Within weeks they'll be reopening the shipyard And notifying the next of kin Once again. It's all we're skilled in We will be shipbuilding. With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls.
@TonyEnglandUK
Жыл бұрын
(Just for anyone who may not be familiar with the expression "filled in" it means "beaten up")
@jumhed994
3 жыл бұрын
Costello was in *the zone* when he wrote this one. A gut punch to the emotions. Incredible song
@TonyEnglandUK
Жыл бұрын
And man, Robert's vocals do it all the justice it deserves.
@mrdeafa25
9 ай бұрын
He didnt write it, Robert Wyatt did and you are right, it is an incredible song.
@jumhed994
9 ай бұрын
@@mrdeafa25 Lyrics by Elvis Costello and music by Clive Langer
@mrdeafa25
9 ай бұрын
My apologies. Beautiful song.@@jumhed994
@julesobee
7 ай бұрын
@@mrdeafa25Clive Langer wrote the music, Elvis Costello rewrote CL's lyric. EC also produced and provided backing vox.
@dennismcgillivray9419
6 жыл бұрын
This is a great version of the song. I worked in the shipyard in Aberdeen, and the last ship to leave the yard (rms st helena). When there was a strike on the P&O ferries in the 80s. The Aberdeen to shetland ferry didnt sail. Because of the strike. Elvis costello did a benifit gig for the strikers,(in Aberdeen) and the boat sailed.(with him on it for a gig up north). For me this song sums up the best, and the worst of the 80s.Our last hope at heavy engineering. The days of a unionised workforce. Britains last hourahh as an empire. But the hope of "diving for pearls", With a chance to reset the bar with the beautiful things,people and surroundings, that have been here all along.
@Spectrescup
5 жыл бұрын
What a great comment. Thank you.
@rogink
2 жыл бұрын
Sadly, the unions were as antiquated as the Empire. Both killed off our industry.
@kelechi_77
Жыл бұрын
This is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs I've ever heard, I remember hearing it on a 2 hour bus ride home at the age of 16 when I had travelled on my own, it was late at night and raining heavily, saw an article listing David Bowie's favorite songs, and that's how I came about this amazing song. Loved the Soft Machine beforehand but this is something else!
@dannycostello1978
11 ай бұрын
Indeed, it was Bowie's favourite.
@DarkForcesStudio
2 жыл бұрын
The best political songs are the ones that draw you in without feeling overtly political or preachy. This is the ultimate example of how to pull it off. Superb.
@janechantler6936
Жыл бұрын
A beautifully written and performed protest song.
@danielaschwarz1971
8 жыл бұрын
David Bowie´s favorite song Nr.2, I read that today.
@lucasbretels
7 жыл бұрын
Bowie had has also very good taste,, grtz,,
@danielaschwarz1971
7 жыл бұрын
Yes ,that is true!
@drmrgtx
5 жыл бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/sKSayoxurYpyoIo
@inhocvince2786
5 жыл бұрын
Bowie once said he wished he had written this song!
@myratravin9588
5 жыл бұрын
True. It's a brilliant song by Elvis Costello and this is an amazing version of it.
@tommyscocciai4846
3 жыл бұрын
Wyatt has the most magical voice in pop-rock history...😈
@NobodyOwens_72
3 жыл бұрын
When were diving for dear life We could be giving for pearls 😪 I play this and it reminds me of my dearest Dad .who should of dived for more pearls x
@brianmcgill8030
4 жыл бұрын
This song should be taught in schools.
@canaletto333
Жыл бұрын
Robert Wyatt is one of the most charismatic vocalists ever. Greets from Poland.
@davidmulkerrin2757
9 ай бұрын
I've just visited Gdansk last week and this song came into my head,hence why I am here now...
@madeleineisabelle9383
3 жыл бұрын
Underrated masterpiece
@edwardmulholland7912
3 жыл бұрын
Robert’s voice is beautiful
@marysmyth8687
3 жыл бұрын
This is David Bowies favourite song. He said Roberts version is the best - " tragically beautiful". Said he wished he had written it.
@paulo.4352
5 ай бұрын
Asked Alan Wilder's
@user-vz7xf5vf6j
4 ай бұрын
Still brings me to tears.
@grahamboffey457
3 жыл бұрын
Totally stunning song performed by a great band, with Wyatt’s haunting vocals. Perfection.
@TonyEnglandUK
2 жыл бұрын
His voice matches this song beautifully.
@karelverschooten2381
2 жыл бұрын
Dank aan Elvis Costello. Een gebed tegen de oorlog. Universeel. Actueel in 2022. Prachtige versie van Robert. Dank je !!!
@jon780249
2 жыл бұрын
A brilliant song. Both Elvis’ and Wyatt’s versions are excellent.
@Paddy955
Жыл бұрын
Nice comment! I've got tired of the arguments over who wrote what so it's great to see your comment acknowledging they're both as good as each other.
@mauriciorodrigues5867
Ай бұрын
Just brilliant 👌
@wboyes27
2 жыл бұрын
The best version, by a million miles
@kingkook3027
6 жыл бұрын
Robert is a real music legend, and this is glorious
@RockingJamboree
Жыл бұрын
This is the definitive version of “Shipbuilding”! Great…subtle background vocals. And “I can’t be-lie-eve” that tender jazz pianist!
@genocrisp6689
3 жыл бұрын
Rare case where both versions are just stunning
@genocrisp6689
3 жыл бұрын
Trumpet solo perfection on the Elvis take
@1966wilky
2 жыл бұрын
Top comment! 👍
@andrewcyes2049
Жыл бұрын
Perfect version would have the trumpet off Costellos version and the double bass off Wyatts
@Paddy955
Жыл бұрын
@@andrewcyes2049 I totally agree and had thought the same. I love the beauty of the trumpets overlapping descending notes but I also love songs using a double base too.
@scarter3569
4 жыл бұрын
Utterly beautiful. I remember that war and hating it. This song articulates my feelings precisely.
@Marktewk
2 жыл бұрын
I remember hearing about the sinking of the Belgrano and thinking that I had some responsibility for killing so many people. War is never the answer.
@DJay0111
2 жыл бұрын
@@Marktewk except it is sometimes
@stevem-h3562
Жыл бұрын
@@Marktewk How? How did you have any responsibility for it unless you were onboard the submarine at the time?? What a very strange thing to say.
@Marktewk
Жыл бұрын
@@DJay0111 No it isn't.
@Marktewk
Жыл бұрын
@@stevem-h3562 I paid for the submarine, the missile.
@miketurpin9786
4 жыл бұрын
My dad's favourite ever song, for my mum Pearl 💘
@mylesanderson7828
3 жыл бұрын
Probably one of the best songs ever written then sung by a legend & to have Elvis playing on it. Legendary, I salute you😃
@stubmandrel
3 жыл бұрын
Bloody incredible songwriting.
@jonathaninsole8862
Жыл бұрын
A brilliant song .sung by a man of Kent.makes this Dovorian proud of his county.
@angelbreath6539
6 жыл бұрын
Completely forgot how emotional this song is. Beautiful.
@marcelocarcamo
5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful and melancholic song ever .
@ginajolliffe2585
Жыл бұрын
Breaks your heart, every time.
@jamespaterson2084
3 жыл бұрын
If beauty was a song , this would be it .... and if hope and pain were sat side by side ......Clive Langer often forgotten and Wyatt is perfect
@tylerthompson1842
11 ай бұрын
Elvis and Robert harmony👌
@12meandshe
7 жыл бұрын
Oh Robert, your soul is vaster than the depths of ocean.
@stephenjackson6762
8 жыл бұрын
Falklands war... 80s child... quality... soft machines finest.. respect xx
@richardcoreno
2 жыл бұрын
The brutal economics of war -- aka "Money-Go-Round".
@aceautonewportky
2 жыл бұрын
Speechless, Elvis Costello mentioned Wyatt. Wow just beautiful.
@mindrolling24
6 жыл бұрын
I heard this first on The Old Grey Whistle Test MANY many years ago. I do love Costello's version: his voice has just got better and better over the years- both these guys are unique.
@geoffn54
5 жыл бұрын
I believe I heard it on TOGWT as well, Mindrolling. One of those songs, and this is the best version, that leaves an impression.
@Paddy955
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, at the time Thatcher had banned costello's version from being played by radio stations so he gifted the lyrics to Wyatt who was able to play his version on the Old Grey Whistle Test and it was then brought out as a single in 82 reaching 35 in the uk single charts.
@oolongoolong789
2 ай бұрын
Poignant song with Robert in fine form.
@Anolbea
5 жыл бұрын
Listen to this song at least once a month..Keeps me grounded.
@cheeseandonions9558
5 жыл бұрын
absolutely heartbreaking song...
@j.c7719
6 ай бұрын
What a voice. What an incredible voice. Elvis Costello said this was the best lyric he ever wrote and I agree.
@31428571428
4 ай бұрын
אחד משירי המחאה הגדולים, כשהעיניים שלי יבשות, הטיפול המומלץ, ארבע דקות עם רוברט וויט ואלביס קוסטלו.
@markalcock6031
11 ай бұрын
This is amazing,. How did I not hear it before this week. I have some kind of memory but we didn't have shazam in 1982.... Thank you for posting!
@rimmel65
3 жыл бұрын
Alan Wilder fav song
@ladyspace849
Жыл бұрын
I don't really know this artist but its awesome. Someone in a DB playlist reconded me this on a dashboard and i feel so connected
@OggyGTA
6 жыл бұрын
Apparently this is my favourite song.
@elizabethbell4697
3 жыл бұрын
Totally emotional song from 1983.
@fredbloggs2206
3 жыл бұрын
I got summat in me eye! What a song, what a message.
@geoffn54
8 жыл бұрын
Perfect combination of music, lyrics and vocals. I didn't know - but am not surprised - that Bowie was a big fan of this number.
@lewiespearman
8 жыл бұрын
Just heard bowie admit this in a interview in my car while driving home yesterday. finally checking this out.
@danw1374
Жыл бұрын
It was bowies favourite song ever.
@user-ed7gg3zz5r
4 жыл бұрын
33年前、どうしても見たかったんですよ。ありがとうございます🙇♀️❗
@pri2816
3 жыл бұрын
Voice and song fit perfectly
@michelmontanary2266
Жыл бұрын
Somptuos, Robert... Merci... Be blessed Michel M.
@loridimai
7 жыл бұрын
David Bowie brought me here too., Once again thank you , thin White Duke
@pottedrodenttube
6 жыл бұрын
Best thing Elvis will ever do.
@gushale3306
4 ай бұрын
I just watched a documentary about the arms trade with footage of Thatcher and Blair and all the other good guys. My blood ran cold had to watch this to warm it up again 😢
@avanoosterhout8397
2 жыл бұрын
Just saw this short clip of Elvis Costello (talking about Bowie) where he stated that he himself considers this to be the original and his own recording a cover. I do like Robert's version, but in no way I feel it measures up to the original by Costello.
@PogLewis
7 ай бұрын
Stunning on every level. Vocals are perfect, lyrics are sublime, music that is a counterpoint to the lyrical content. Genius.
@garygraham8373
2 жыл бұрын
my first favorite song ever
@carlalindquist2766
8 жыл бұрын
Me too. And I'm glad that he did. It's a lovely song.
@sergioraimo
8 жыл бұрын
So did to me. Thank u David. U can surprise me and make me love you so much even after being death. I miss u so much Mr Peterson
@themosquitomaster2181
5 жыл бұрын
Mr Peterson?
@rocksteadyet
8 жыл бұрын
Found this through a David Bowie interview.
@AB_Deck
4 жыл бұрын
Bowie has turned on so many to .. so many. i first got into Bowie in 78, first of any music i was into, and anyone mentioned by Bowie i would buy an album of theirs . 40 years later, still a big factor, i just bought Philip Glass and Iggy Pop Record Store Day rekleases
@andybaul-lewis1872
9 жыл бұрын
Solidarity with the people of Redcar, Scunthorpe, Lanarkshire!
@georgesolari1350
6 жыл бұрын
lancashire*
@Bruce-1956
6 жыл бұрын
Fife
@angelariley.9963
4 жыл бұрын
Camel Laird,Birkenhead.
@gasparucciox9706
8 жыл бұрын
masterpiece
@mrc5653
2 ай бұрын
Unique voice of Robert Wyatt
@cheesewad66
8 жыл бұрын
What a beautiful song
@joanneedwards2077
2 жыл бұрын
Never stops does it.
@yutakahaniya
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent silky voice only Wyatt has.
@marshsherrif2824
7 жыл бұрын
we all know Wyatts version is the best
@markcollins1497
4 жыл бұрын
yeah, just perfect, no fat. more beautiful that way. Still elvis and crew backing him. brilliant lyrics. wyatt teetering on the edge of the pitch just makes it more poignant
@markcollins1497
4 жыл бұрын
@@ericf5976 yeah, that was nice, nobody like baker
@declanp1
3 жыл бұрын
No way
@eamonndillon9532
3 жыл бұрын
I dont understand why is opinion is so wide spread. Elvis's version is far, far better.
@robtudor3785
2 жыл бұрын
It’s in the top two. However, Chet’s trumpet on Elvis’s version just elevates it.
@1966wilky
2 жыл бұрын
I love the way he sings this without any American accent and an unaffected voice. I immediately imagined him singing this as a worker at the shipyards. I love Elvis Costello’s version because it has a stunning jazz trumpet solo played by Chet Baker but I don’t know whether to give credit to Costello or Wyatt for originally writing this beautiful song. Google tells me Costello wrote the lyrics with Clive Langer in 82 and another scourge tells me Langer originally wrote the song for Robert Wyatt? Can anyone throw any light on this for me please?
@YAUUN
Жыл бұрын
Langer wrote the music for wyatt but couldnt think of good lyrics so asked Costello for help, so Costello wrote probably his best lyrics. Music Langer, lyrics Costello
@jonathaninsole8862
Жыл бұрын
Why would he have an american accent?
@1966wilky
Жыл бұрын
@@jonathaninsole8862Because loads of UK singers and bands actually put on American accents. Have you not heard that? It drives me mad that we put on a fake US accents to sing. Listen to the Stones and The Who. Even the Beatles did it, but it wasn’t so obvious as other None US bands.
@ruthdixon7807
7 ай бұрын
"diving for dear life, when we could be diving for pearls"
@matthewdavison7729
3 күн бұрын
Bowies favorite song
@Sussieq23
8 жыл бұрын
I also love Elvis Costello and Robert Wyatt!!!
@mehcol
2 жыл бұрын
The saddest voice of all time
@francesco6016
4 жыл бұрын
Vote for Labour
@georgesebastian604
5 жыл бұрын
I did hear this song yesterday, And I can't get off my mind!!!!
@Mr223P
2 жыл бұрын
Heartbreaking....
@OtaconNachos
6 жыл бұрын
No point in comparing versions. Robert Wyatt's is the original stripped back version, full of quiet and restrained emotion (and the surprisingly beautiful combo of his voice with EC in the choruses). EC's is almost more studied, and hard-hitting (as hard as you can go in a song like this...), even a tad ironic; more of a tired resignation about the situation of the Falklands. Either way, both are amazing but I usually play Wyatt's version due to the rawness and immediacy.
@glortw
3 жыл бұрын
I discovered this from Morrissey's autobiography. I can't decide how I feel about it. Strange, haunting. I think I like it.
@raymercer878
6 жыл бұрын
Robert was actually born a girl and later chose to be a grumpy man. He wrote this song because his mother built the Titanic and his father famously drove it into an iceberg killing leonardo Di Caprio. Robert was actually offered the role of leo's love interest in the film but refused it and it went to Kate Winslett. #Facts
@OggyGTA
6 жыл бұрын
Don't be so ridiculous ... you *sail* a ship into an iceberg .... drove! pffft
@darrenremington6422
6 жыл бұрын
Ray Mercer Really 😂😂😂😂😂
@darrenremington6422
6 жыл бұрын
Really 😂😂😂😂😂
@lalinternahumana4257
6 жыл бұрын
A masterpiece
@ezio892
6 жыл бұрын
Great song ! Great Robert Wyatt !
@TheAtticradio
Жыл бұрын
So good has to be played at least twice to read the fabulous comments ! Just so good!
@richdelgado3405
5 жыл бұрын
Elvis Costello on guitar. And...Mark Bedford ("Bedders") from Madness on bass.
@Mushy72
5 жыл бұрын
A epic sang from the soul
@stubvidmedia8903
3 жыл бұрын
Masterpiece
@mauriciobejota
Жыл бұрын
Where can I find more gems like this?? Or I just can't because there are simply no other songs as good?
@trw5653
2 жыл бұрын
Glad I know this, love this... And June tabor reminded me
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