Story Behind The Song

this is a story about the Beach Parlour Cafe in Deal. Kent UK in the 1970's

Song Description

this is a song about the beachfront parlour cafe in Deal, Kent. In the early 70's this used to be the haunt of fishermen on rough-weather days when they didn't take to the sea. the reference to the cannon blast is that of the alarm given to those who would be called to launch the lifeboat when there was a vessel in trouble, usually on the Goodwin Sands located just on the horizon as viewed from Deal beach... the line "bring them safe(ly) to shore" is stolen from a quote made on an early cylinder recording of Florence Nightingale made in 1890. She was referring to the soldiers fighting at the battle of Balaklava.

Lyrics

[verse I]
now the beachfront's deserted
punch & judy have gone
and those who stay, are here today
cuz this is where we call home

[verse II]
stay alee of the weather
in the Parlour café
the wind & rain beat the windowpane
on another wet winter's day

[verse III]
there the old men tell stories
of shipwrecks, pirates & whales
mugs of tea, in heavy seas
tales of life under sail

[bridge]
sometimes our dreams would be shattered in fright
with cannon-fire rending the dark, stormy night
their little boat lost in the tempestuous roar
summoned to rescue their brothers at sea
"bring them safely to shore"

[verse IV]
and as the early dusk deepens
the sailors all dry their tears
tea is fine, but it's op'ning time
so it's off to the pub to drink beer