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Gary Anderson aka Kinnaber Junction - Bamse

from Hair o' the dog by Gary Anderson aka Kinnaber Junction

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about

Bamse was a St Bernard sea dog owned by the captain of the Norwegian mine sweeper Thorodd which was stationed in Montrose during WWII. When the ship was under attack rather than disappear below deck Bamse would stand at the front of the ship protecting his crew mates. I wrote the song from the perspective of a young Norwegian boy and how inspiring the dog would have been

lyrics

The year was 1940, our country overrun
We sailed out of the fjord, bonny Scotland bound
A boy of only 17 at sea to serve our land
The dangers of the North Sea we could not understand

Patrolling coastal waters to keep the harbours clear
Our life at sea was never dull we often lived in fear
Of U boats down below us or fighters in the air
But one thing kept us going, our captain’s teddy bear

Chorus
Bamse, standing proudly at the bow
Bamse, thinking back about you now
You turned us all from boys to men your bravery shone through
A hero to our nation, a brother to the crew

Our captain got his orders, for Iceland he was bound
He packed up his possessions, told us to make him proud
We said we will not go to sea if Bamse cannot stay
So off he went a promise made to return in peaceful days

When in port this gentle giant was a star around the town
On the bus, in the pub or on the football ground
He looked after his crewmates, stopping many fights
And saving one from drowning in the harbour late at night

Chorus

Four years on, still at war when Bamse lost his fight
The streets were lined 800 strong, goodbye our northern light
We buried him beside the Esk us crewmen racked with tears
A statue now stands tall and proud watching sailors through the years

Chorus
Repeat last line

credits

from Hair o' the dog, released September 30, 2012

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Kinnaber Junction Montrose, UK

Kinnaber Junction is the musical vehicle for Montrose singer/songwriter Gary Anderson. With over 30 years of gigging behind him Gary has gained a wealth of experience covering a wide range of instruments and genres . Looking at the tracks pulls all this experience together ... more

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