Friendly Waters
Recollections of a Vancouver harbour tugboat captain
Friendly Waters
I am a tug Master and I work on the water
From Atkinson Point down to Boundary Bay
I’ve spent my adult life from deck hand to Master
Since the first time these waters whispered my name
I have watched as the sun rises over Port Moody
I’ve felt the cold wind roll down Indian Arm
I’ve buried my bow in the First Narrows rip
Had so many close calls still, I’ve never met harm
You could travel all over the seven wide oceans
You’ll find nothing better, wherever you roam
In 30 some years I have had some adventures
On these friendly waters, these harbours of home
When I first was a deckhand I worked on the Fraser
Hauling those booms to the North Arm mills
Had my share of near misses, dodging the rail bridges
The scent of cut cedar still gives me that thrill
I’ve weathered the Sand Heads in the face of a westerly
Bided my time ‘till the turn of the tide
Watched as the fishing boats make for the breakwater
To tie up at Steveston ‘till the whitecaps subside
Now I pull past the big ships, their holds are all brimming
With cargos of sulphur, containers & grain
Out bound for unknown destinations
Those strange distant ports with the curious names
You could travel all over the seven wide oceans
You’ll find nothing better, wherever you roam
In 30 some years I have had some adventures
On these friendly waters, these harbours of home
You could travel all over, you’ll never find better…..
Than these friendly waters, these harbours of home
Words & Music by Bruce Coughlan (SOCAN)