Being from Portsmouth England, Giant were most likely inspired by elements of the seafaring lifestyle of their hometown which could explain the origins of this tune and moreso, "Wreck". Also, Kerry Minnear has penned a handful of songs throughout the Gentle Giant songbook that are very heartfelt and/or spiritual. This song is definitely both.
For me, it tells the story of a man who is beckoned by a high being. I imagine a man awakened by a radiant beam of light which shined upon him through his open window, facing the ocean. This light is the light of God. The light compells him to sail out, knowing his calling is out at sea, yet unknowing of what it is he seeks (hence "just a way of life"). The disasterous weather which ensues seems unfortunate, but in fact was divine intervention, as the man is not frightened nor does evidence of his shipwreck exist after the storm:
"As the tempest thundered, as the storm broke free,
Suddenly in darkness, fear there none to see,
Visions in his memory, what was meant to be,
When the storm was over, nothing could be seen,
Life and boat were taken, God knows what it means".
God knows what it means is a great way to end that segment, as it can be interpretated as bewilderment or understanding. Gary's bluesy solo which follows is excellent & the wailing feedback was completely unintentional & just happened to work out (I read that from an interview with him). The complex musical counterpoint which begins afterwards is very beautiful.
Being from Portsmouth England, Giant were most likely inspired by elements of the seafaring lifestyle of their hometown which could explain the origins of this tune and moreso, "Wreck". Also, Kerry Minnear has penned a handful of songs throughout the Gentle Giant songbook that are very heartfelt and/or spiritual. This song is definitely both.
For me, it tells the story of a man who is beckoned by a high being. I imagine a man awakened by a radiant beam of light which shined upon him through his open window, facing the ocean. This light is the light of God. The light compells him to sail out, knowing his calling is out at sea, yet unknowing of what it is he seeks (hence "just a way of life"). The disasterous weather which ensues seems unfortunate, but in fact was divine intervention, as the man is not frightened nor does evidence of his shipwreck exist after the storm:
"As the tempest thundered, as the storm broke free, Suddenly in darkness, fear there none to see, Visions in his memory, what was meant to be, When the storm was over, nothing could be seen, Life and boat were taken, God knows what it means".
God knows what it means is a great way to end that segment, as it can be interpretated as bewilderment or understanding. Gary's bluesy solo which follows is excellent & the wailing feedback was completely unintentional & just happened to work out (I read that from an interview with him). The complex musical counterpoint which begins afterwards is very beautiful.