“Barrelman”
Tune: “Barrelman” written by Brian Chartrand, performed by The Sweet Remains (Rich Price and Greg Naughton) and Peter Day on bass, by Brian Chartrand, copyright 2010 FLYING LESSONS MUSIC ASCAP
Type: Recorded in Clint Bierman’s studio outside of Burlington, Vermont.
Band: Me, Rich Price, Greg Naughton, Peter Day.
This version of Barrel Man was recorded with Rich Price and Greg Naughton of The Sweet Remains in Clint Bierman’s (www.thegrift.com) home studio outside of Burlington, Vermont. I really dig this version of this tune; its super chilled out and vibey. On bass is Mr. Peter Day and I played the drum groove and played guitar and sang (not all at the same time). It’s just a demo version of the tune; not too polished, but still the cleanest version I have.
This tune presented a turning point in my writing. As we sometimes talk about in our shows, this tune (like “Printemps A Paris”) presented me with a unique challenge as a songwriter; the music dictated the lyrics. I wrote the chord progression and immediately realized that this song was going to have a nautical theme. And while I fully accepted the challenge that writing this song presented, it still didn’t prepare me for ACTUALLY writing a song with a nautical theme. I had never done such a thing, nor did I/do I feel qualified to write such a song. For one, I am not big into sailing, boats, etc. While I enjoy activities associated with such things, I literally didn’t have the vocabulary to articulate such an experience. My nautical vocabulary hit its peak in 3rd grade when, in gym class, we would play games where the gym teacher would use “starboard” “port” “bow” to direct us kids where to run…I know, its no foundation for a song.
I did what anyone would do when put in a situation of ignorance…I typed “nautical terms” into google and was directed to Wikipedia. God bless the internet. I was able to pick a couple terms and refresh my memory on the terms I already knew. I stumbled on the term “Barrel Man” which is described as such…”Barrelman is in reference to a person who would be stationed in the barrel of the foremast or crow’s nest of an ocean going vessel as a navigational aid. In early ships the crow’s nest was simply a barrel or a basket lashed to the tallest mast. Later it became a specially designed platform with protective railing.” That term stuck with me, and coupled with my short attention span, became the center point of the song.
Around the time of writing the song, The Sweet Remains was discussing the possibility of working with a manager. We debated whether we were ready to hand over control of the ship, so to speak. Sometimes you have to have to put your faith in something or someone and just believe that you will make it through “the rough seas” in life. And sometimes its scary to give up control, but you need to just “put your back into it” and work through it, you know? Maybe you can relate.
It all happened quickly…the verses, choruses, bridge. It just poured out. In that regard, once I had the visual and concept of the Barrelman in place, the song was really easy to write. And the imagery is nice, I think.
So there it is. Barrelman, performed by The Sweet Remains. I hope you dig it.
