Richie Lawrence – “On the Boat”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Richie Lawrence’s song “On the Boat” from his forthcoming album Moving At The Speed of Trees, which is set for release on March 21. Moving At The Speed of Trees was produced by Shaun Nourse and mixed and mastered by Justin Douglas.
“On the Boat” is Richie Lawrence on piano and accordion; Shawn Nourse on drums and percussion; and Simeon Pillich on acoustic bass.
As Richie Lawrence tells us: “‘On the Boat’ is my grandfather’s, Richard Lawrence’s, immigration story. He did come over on the Oceanic out of Liverpool in 1903. He did find himself in Lenox, Massachusetts where he met my grandmother, Heléne Eckerlin from Germany, where she worked as a house servant and he worked as a coachman. They married in 1908 and divorced in 1920. Richard worked in an ammunition’s factory during WWI. No records could be found regarding his whereabouts or eventual demise following the war. He did enjoy the drink. The feel of this song speaks to an earlier industrial age. However the United States, fueled by the great migration of peoples from around the world, thriving upon the genocide of an Indigenous people and enslavement of Africans, has always dealt with immigration issues and continues to do so to this very day. I wanted to write a song which recognizes my grandfather and grandmother while paralleling their journey to that of immigrants throughout history. Hunger and war drive people to precarious, if not dangerous, situations. I would add, with grandparents from Ireland, Germany, Texas and Arkansas, and with parents from New York and Oklahoma, I am very proud of my rich and varied heritage.”
It’s both fortunate and unfortunate that this song and its message is still extremely timely today, in the sense that it still tells a beautiful story of hope that’s timeless amidst an backdrop that appears to be callous to the very core of humanity that it calls out to. It’s a story of hopeful immigrants “packed upon the railing we see ideals held high, does she speak for everyone or merely priviliged lies of opportunity where greener grasses grow.”
The piano is vibrant and thoughtful as are Richie’s vocals as he expresses the serenity of optimism. Listening to this song will soothe your soul and bring a gentle expectation to your yearnings.
Find more details and information here on his website: https://www.richielawrence.com/
