Song of the mermaid
Waterboys · Other Songs - Waterboys
I stood and gazed
Over the western sea
I was completely dazed,
Wide-mouthed and amazed
when a mermaid called to me
Ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
Like a man in a dream,
for an age it seemed
I stood as still as a stone
while the mermaid sang
And her melody rang
like a memory calling me home
Ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
Then the sea and the wind
and the shores did spin
And though my resistance was strong
all the stars in space
Filled the mermaid's face
as she captured my will with her song
Ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
Somehow I spoke --
the enchantment broke
I rubbed my eyes open wide
like a dream she was gone
All that remained was a song
borne on the ebbing tide
Ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
ooh-Ooooh Ooooooooooh, my sunny sailor boy
Song of the mermaid
Waterboys' "Song of the mermaid" stands as a haunting centerpiece in their discography, blending folk sensibilities with the band's signature atmospheric production. Recorded during the late 1980s, the track exemplifies the group's ability to weave melancholic storytelling with lush instrumentation, drawing on traditional maritime themes while establishing their unique sound. The song reflects the era's indie-folk revival, characterized by introspective lyrics and emotive delivery that resonated deeply with listeners. As part of their broader catalog, it remains a defining example of Waterboys' early work, showcasing their commitment to narrative depth and sonic texture without relying on commercial pop structures.