Matelot
Brenda Lee · Johnny One Time [Decca] [1969]
Jean Louis Dominic Pierre Buchan true to the breed that that bore him
Answered the call that held in thrall his father's heart before him
Jean Louis Dominic sailed away further than love could find him
And yet through the night he heard a light and a gentle voice behind him say.
Matelot, Matelot, where you go my thoughts go with you
Matelot, Matelot, when you go down to the sea.
As you gaze from afar on the evening star wherever you may roam
You'll remember the lights through the winter night that guides you safely home
Though you find womankind to be frail
One love cannot fail my son till our days are done.
Matelot, Matelot, where you go my thoughts go with you
Matelot, Matelot, when you go down to the sea.
When there's grief in sky and the waves fly high my heart to yours will say
You may be sure that I'm true to my love for you though half the world away
Never mind if you find other charms
Here within my arms you'll sleep sailor love from the deep.
Matelot, oh Matelot, where you go my heart will follow
Matelot, oh Matelot, when you go down to the sea.
When you go down to the sea...
Matelot
Brenda Lee's 'Matelot' stands as a distinctive song in her extensive discography, recorded during her tenure with Decca Records in 1969. Appearing on the album Johnny One Time, the track showcases Lee's enduring versatility as she navigated the transition from her early teen-pop dominance to a more mature, eclectic sound. While often associated with upbeat rock and country-inflected pop, this recording highlights her ability to interpret varied musical styles with characteristic precision and emotional depth. The song contributes to the rich tapestry of her late-career output, demonstrating how she maintained her status as a premier vocalist well beyond her initial rise to fame. As part of a broader body of work that spans decades, 'Matelot' remains a testament to Lee's consistent ability to deliver compelling performances across different genres and eras.