“Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind that our forefathers harnessed before us. Hear the bells ring as the tight rigging sings; it’s a son of a gun of a chorus…I’m just a son of a son, son of a son, son of a son of a sailor. The sea’s in my veins, my tradition remains…”
-Jimmy Buffet, 1978
If you’ve ever seen Jimmy Buffet in concert you know it’s an amazing experience. Jimmy somehow has a way of tapping into the art of “escapism” like few other musicians can do. His concerts can last up to 4 hours. It’s not just a concert, not just a party, it’s an experience! Among the long list of things I’d like to experience before leaving this world are: 1. To see U2 perform in Ireland; 2. To see a Jimmy Buffet concert in The Islands. Either of those would be a dream come true and the utmost in concert utopia for me!
One of the reasons I like Jimmy Buffet so much is because he writes about life on the water. As a small child my mom, step-dad, and I lived on a sailboat. Some of the earliest memories I have are sailing on Lake Pontchartrain and taking summer-long cruises down to Florida via the Gulf of Mexico. My step-dad was the first person to introduce sailing into my life. His passion for the water was contagious and now runs deep within my veins. As a child, I remember being out on the open water listening to Jimmy Buffet’s “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor.” The water is a part of who I am. It’s in my DNA. I love it! It brings me great joy and peace. When life gets crazy, when I need to relax, I sit by the water’s edge or go out on a boat and instantly everything is better. The water is like my Heaven on earth. The wind, the waves, the smell of the salt air, nothing clears my head more than these things.
Jimmy Buffet paints vivid pictures of life on the water. For those of us nautical buffs, Jimmy Buffet’s Songs You Know By Heart CD is a staple in our music library. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent out on the open water listening to that CD.
Aside from seeing U2 in Ireland and Jimmy Buffet in the Islands, I have another dream, one that appears to be coming true right before my very eyes. My children are learning to love the water as much as I do. I’m not forcing it upon them; they just seem to enjoy it naturally. They are constantly asking, “Daddy, can we go to the beach?”, “Daddy, can we go fishing?”, or “Daddy, can we go out on the boat?”.
Recently I experienced a moment far greater than any U2 or Jimmy Buffet concert could ever be. I have a very generous friend that loves to bless my family with the use of his boat. Just the other day we were out on the water, cruising along, listening to Jimmy Buffet. Go figure! My 4-year old son asked if he could take the wheel. I felt such a sense of joy watching him drive that boat. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the perfect song began to play, “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor.” It was a perfect moment in time. A father and his son, out on the open water, the occasional mist off the bow spraying our faces, and the perfect soundtrack playing on the radio. Just like when I was a kid!
I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It was priceless. Not only was it a great moment for me as a father, but also it was a perfect moment of worship with my Heavenly Father. My son was doing exactly what his father desired for him to do and he loved every second of it. Not only was he loving the nautical experience, but he was also loving the fact that he was bringing his father great joy!
I can imagine what those moments are like for God; the times in our lives when we are doing exactly what we are wired to do, loving every minute of it, and being right in the zone of where our Heavenly father wants us to be! To me, that is a perfect picture of worship; the Son imitating the Father and bringing Him tremendous joy.
Do you ever notice that people spend a lot of time trying to be original, trying to express themselves uniquely, and trying so hard to walk to the beat of a different drummer? No matter how hard we try we can’t escape the fact that we are made to reflect God. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” It is natural for us to reflect our Heavenly Father; it is what we were made to do. We have His DNA flowing through our veins. I love the way the Apostle Paul puts it in Ephesians 5:1, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.”
So, who are you imitating? Who are you trying to be like? Who’s DNA flows through your veins? Are you operating in the zone of doing what you were wired to do? When’s the last time you felt the joy of the Father upon you?
As for me:
“I’m just a son of a son, son of a son, son of a son of a sailor. The sea’s in my veins, my tradition remains…”
I can definitely relate as I spend a few days at the beach with my family. We took a boat ride to Cape Lookout and went “outside” (or through the ocean and inlet instead of the sound). There are so many memories, feelings and emotions that being on the water stir up in me. There is something very humbling and awe inspiring about being out on the ocean with no sight of land. God is so huge and powerful. You can do nothing but put your entire life in His loving hands. At the same time it fills me with love and joy knowing He created this beautiful scene because He knows how it recharges me and helps me go back and do the work He has set me here to do.
For generations my family, both sides have been drawn to the water. I get the joy of watching my children when we pull out of the dock and get up to speed as they hang their feet over the bow and take it all in. Or my sons tireless patience as he casts one more time because grandpa says the depth finder says we’re on the fish.
Thanks for putting the words out there and sharing a piece of your sou,l Danny. Other than the Jimmy Buffet, I’m right there with you!!
What a great coillation of stories and meanings. I read this blog and it takes me back to a few thoughtsand memories.
First, It took me back to my childhood in highschool when my dad moved me from Baton Rouge and all my friends to a country lakefront house. Wow, I was upset at first with the change but what a great experience for me and my dad it turned out to be. We would go fishing and water skiing almost everyday after school and the memories are still as vivid today as the day they occured.
The 2nd is a conversation I had with my wife a few months ago. I was trying to convince her that we should get a boat and start enjoying the waterways around our home with our kids. She did not understand the idea nor the passion I had for it because she did not grow up on the water. I explained the wonderful experiences I had on the water and she agreed that we need to create good memories for our kids but she is not sold on the boating aspect yet. Pray for her!
The 3rd thought I had is in regards to knowing Jesus more, rather then just doing the Church thing. I believe that we are supposed to strive to be more like Jesus and grow in a relationship with Him. His entire life was about sacrificing for others and I need to be less selfish and sacrifice for Him. Like many of us reading this blog, I have no extra time for anything after everything I am required to do, such as work, travel, household chores, soccer games, baseball games, dance class, etc.. you get the idea.
I have decided to sacrifice my time and schedule more time for Jesus. I need to schedule quiet time again, praise team time again and most importantly… family bible time again. It is a sacrifice but I believe we need sacrifice in our lives. It should be part of our DNA as we grow closer to our Heavenly Father.
Thank you Danny for the thought provoking messages,
Darrin
never ever thought Jimmy Buffet would provide a spiritual moment. Just goes to show: “all Truth is God’s Truth” (D W Bailey, Th.D).
I completely get what you’re saying. I love the water, totally …grew up spending literally every day of summer vacation at the river and on the river. Would get up early just to sneak off before mom could catch us. Our spot on the river was at the end of this long dirt road we lived on….and my mom would lite us UP when we returned home. We were DRAWN there!! my brothers and sister and I and somehow the spankings were just incidental because we just had to go! The love of the water didn’t “get” in my veins though. I’m certain it was already there; just as a desire for God has always been with me. I have always been keenly aware of His presence. For me, there has always been an innate desire to be close to Him. There have been times in my life I did not know just how to take that next step with Him but I am learning He does show the way to Himself to those who do honestly seek after Him 🙂
Thanks; Kool site.
ps…cool pic at the bottom; definitely vintage 1979… original Converse Allstars…hightops! ;D …you could dig those out of the attic and pass them on to Luke since they are “Kool” again! Ha Ha
Well my friend you again have allowed a calm to enter my hectic world. I truly believe we are water born kindred spirits. Sailing together and laying each others lives on the line offshore bonded us together, But it is our love of music and playing it that continues to hold us together as friends.
” Some people wake up in the morning and that is the best they will feel all day”
What a shame when the Love of God is all around. I remember Jahovah’s Witness coming to my dorm room in college to talk about God. They had no idea I had just returned from sailing offshore. ” Lord your seas are so large ,But my boat is so small “. I still can remember sailing with my dad. There commonality made us friends as well as father and son.
Yes the son of a sailor. And now I have the son, of a son, of a sailor. I know you cherish your time with Luke.
Because I don’t get to enjoy Brandon as much as I would like. Sorry to ramble but your site allows me to think about the music of our lives and the relationships that God has allowed to flourish.
My best to you my friend,
Rick
I’m reminded in my life that what you believe you’re wired to do in your youth may not be what God has in store for you. I thought I had it all worked out and God sent me in a completely different direction. I’ve learned that waiting on God to form our future in front of us is far less painful than forming ourselves and finding that we went the wrong way and paid the price. He also takes the desires of our hearts, our talents and interests and molds them into his plan if just stay out of the way. Great thoughts Danny!
In Him,
Chuck
I thought your blog was wonderful this week. I need to find that secluded spot. When I lived in Mandeville I would go to the park at the back of our subdivision. No one ever went there and you could go lay down on a picnic table and look at the stars. In college I would turn on my ipod, listen to u2 and sit outside in the Quad. Now, if I can’t take it here at that office I drive out to this park in Nashville and walk around. I haven’t found that place at home yet. I need a place of escape there- yet I haven’t needed one.
I remember those nights when it was most difficult and all I could do is sit silently looking at the stars or cry out to God…more like yell at God. I don’t think he minds though. He’s big enough to take my words. And with the struggles that have already come this year with Kim’s sicknesses, tight budgets, and building a business, I feel like I’m due for a butting of heads with God.
Living, fighting, and struggling to grow this business, take care of Kim and tackle the mundane chores seem to directly push against this desire to life out of faith, honor Christ and seek first His Kingdom. Because honestly, some days it’s hard enough to just keep my head above water and continue to swim.
I’m discovering again how important it is to forget the mundane, the circumstantial trials and events that throw off our focus as we pursue our purpose. I’m not letting them get in my way today.
As I look at the picture of Luke I realize he can not see where he is going. But he does bot have to b/c his father sees for him. If only I would live my life with the faith that my Father sees even when I can’t.
The Lost and Found Voyage!
Alone in a raft in the middle of the vast and open sea,
No ships insight no one can rescue me.
My Lord is this the end will this be my last breath?
Will I die all alone thirsty to death?
There is something floating towards me I can see it in the distance.
A man on some wreckage, I helped Him in the raft quickly an in an instance.
I said, “What is your name?” He said, “You can call me Yesh.”
What are you doing out here? He said, “To save you from your test.”
I am lost and I do not know which way to go.
He said, “Follow my fish and then you will know,
However, watch out for the serpent because his bite can be deadly.
If you stay on this course, the sea will move you gently.
Look at this ocean can’t you see the beauty of God?
Can you hear the music of the angles; can you see the handle of Moses’ rod?
I know that you are thirsty follow me and thirst no more.
Listen for my voice at your heart as I knock at the door.
You say that you are lost and alone here at sea.
My fish is all around and they put their trust in me.”
Next thing I knew some bread and fish appeared in our raft.
I looked over at Yesh he gave me a smile followed by a humble laugh.
I looked at his wrist He had wounds like I never seen.
Could this be my Lord Jesus or only a dream?
He said, “I must go” I turned my head and then he was gone?
An Then I heard the angles singing the Amazing grace song.
Three hours later in a typhoon, I was Afraid.
Next morning came a ship called grace and I think God that I was saved.
(For my music Pastor, Mentor, and friend Danny Rogers)
By Rahim Brown 9-8-08 copy written.
Sail-away, Sail-away
Sail-away, Sail-away a cross the canvas of the oceans sea,
Endless sky in the distance God reveals love to me,
Mistress to my heart, my soul can’t resist,
Calm like the water, the wind blows my sail a kiss,
Throughout time you hold close a warriors grave,
My heart beats inside like the flow of a constant wave,
My love you stole my heart like an endless summer rain,
Intimate is our passion without you is only pain,
Sail-away, Sail-away I keep sailing to the end,
Like the sun rises in the sky, I will keep sailing with you my friend,
Under the stars and the moon you glitter so bright,
Your beauty is remarkable every day and every night,
I will sail into the unknown that’s the voyager in me,
Sailing is the lock to my heart, and the ocean is the key,
Like the crabbers in the Arctic on the ocean that’s how I rough it,
Listening to the tunes, Son of a Sailor by Jimmy Buffet.
By Rahim Brown copy written 9-17-08