What Did The Deep Sea Say
Woody Guthrie · Bob Dylan's Woody Guthrie Selection [2010]
Does my sailor sail with you
No he does not sail with me
He sleeps on the bottom of the sea
What did the deep sea say,
Tell me what did the deep sea say
Well it moaned and it groaned
And it splashed and it foamed
And it rolled on it's weary way
Well he promised to write to me
But his promise he never kept true
Never a word from my sailor have I heard
Since he sailed on that ocean blue
What did the deep sea say,
What did the deep sea say
it moaned and it groaned
And it splashed and it foamed
And it rolled on it's weary way
A beautiful rose every day
A place on the crest of the waves
Said take it please and let the pedals fall
Upon his watery grave
What did the deep sea say,
Tell me what did the deep sea say
It moaned and it groaned
And it splashed and it foamed
And it rolled on it's weary way
Oh what did the deep sea say,
What did the deep sea say
It moaned and it groaned
And it splashed and it foamed
And it rolled on it's weary way
what did that deep sea say,
tell me what did that deep sea say
It moaned and it groaned
And it splashed and it foamed
And it rolled on it's weary way
What Did The Deep Sea Say
Woody Guthrie's 'What Did The Deep Sea Say' stands as a quintessential example of his folk protest style, blending acoustic storytelling with social commentary. Recorded during the height of the Great Depression, the song reflects Guthrie's signature ability to weave personal narrative with broader political themes, often critiquing the disconnect between the working class and the powerful. The track features Guthrie's characteristic vocal delivery, characterized by a raspy, earnest tone that underscores the urgency of his message. While the specific lyrics explore the futility of asking the ocean for answers regarding human suffering, the song's enduring power lies in its unvarnished depiction of hardship and the resilience of the common people. It remains a staple in the American folk canon, illustrating how Guthrie used his music to document the era's struggles and advocate for social justice.