LOWLAND FOLK
Q: What was the initial inspiration for writing WhaleSong Sounding?
The conservationist, Sir Peter Scott (son of Robert Falcon Scott the Antarctic explorer), asked to meet me because I had written songs about his father who, aboard ‘RRS Discovery’ had led a disastrous attempt to reach the South Pole. As we were parting that day, Sir Peter asked me to write a song in support of the whales of the world.
Q: Can you discuss the historical setting you were trying to represent in the first verse?
Mid 18th century, my home town of Dundee was the largest whaling port in Europe. At that time, men hunted whales in remote Arctic seas in open boats with only handheld harpoons. There was an innocence then that was like an extension of normal fishing. That’s the feeling I wanted to convey in the first verse.
Q: The song has the phrase “Sounding away” repeated many times. Why is this important to you?
Refrain lines are common in traditional music. For me they add a poetic pulse. I was also attracted by the different meanings of the word. Whales are said to be ‘sounding’ when they dive deep. Their haunting song ‘sounds’ throughout the oceans—and the centuries.
Q: How did you approach telling a story about how people and whales first interacted with each other?
It all came from my knowledge of Dundee’s whaling industry… that and our family band having been well known for singing whaling songs.
Q: The second verse describes when industrial whaling began. What emotions did these lines want to invoke?
The balance of Nature became seriously threatened when the industry introduced harpoon guns, explosive warheads and massive factory ships. Commercial greed blinded the industry to the havoc being wrought on the whale population.
Q: What do you want readers to understand from “Polar seas ran red with blood” imagery?
I wanted to plant carnage in the listener’s mind.
Q: What does it mean that the bridge of the song appears to be offering a glimmer of hope as well as an opportunity for some reflection?
I was deeply moved by the gentleness of whale song continuing despite all the harm wrought against them. I came to realise that this gentleness coming from so powerful a creature was more effective than any violent defence reaction. That gave me more than a glimmer of hope for a positive response from humanity.
Q: Then in the last stanza, your focus widens to all living things. Why did you develop this idea?
We all have deep concerns about the state of our world today. I’m drawn to the idea of the largest, most powerful creature in the world teaching us to learn to live together in harmony; not through might and power, but through gentleness—and forgiveness.
Q: Isn’t this song clearly an environmental anthem? Is this theme central to your work as an artist?
Central to my thoughts, yes, but my music involves many themes and subjects. Even so, it would bring joy to me if one day the song was regarded as an environmental anthem.
Q: How did you blend factual narration with emotional intensity when writing lyrics?
I’m glad if you feel I have achieved that, but all I really did was tell the whales’ story. The emotional intensity came from that and, of course, the accompanying music.
Q: What made you decide on having such a pattern for your song; especially including that bridge and refrain?
You begin with a feeling and a story. The song that grows from that is so organic that you’re not aware of making structural decisions. That’s why the result is often as much of a surprise to me as anyone else.
Q: Can you discuss with us the importance of the phrase ‘Your Hymn Of Life All Hearts Unite’?
Well, it’s the final line of the song and I wanted to encompass the whole world. I used the word ‘hymn’ (as opposed to ‘song’) to add significance and a feeling of spirituality.
Q: Please expound more about difficulties faced when writing poetic yet impactful lyrics
When I have difficulties with lyrics it’s usually means either I’m working with a weak premise, or I need to delve deeper into the subject. With ‘WhaleSong Sounding’ I was so committed the lyrics came readily.
Q: What influence do you expect WhaleSong Sounding’ will have upon listeners regarding their attitudes towards nature and conservation efforts?
Expect? No, I don’t expect anything. I set down the words and the music and hope that something of what I feel conveys to the listener.
Q: What is music’s role in relation to environmental awareness raising?
I believe music has a power almost beyond understanding. It has a role to play in every aspect of life.
Q: How much does this song relate to you on a personal level, and does it have any of your experiences or beliefs in it?
Thinking over your question makes me aware that this song is more personal to me than any other I have written.
Q: Is there any specific line or verse that you find particularly significant in this song?
Yes, the line. ‘To reap a harvest never sown.’ Thoughts like that are few and far between.
