About the song
Sloop John B, a name that has echoed through the annals of music history, is a Bahamian folk song that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the bustling port city of Nassau, where the rhythm of the waves and the tales of the sea were woven into the fabric of daily life.
First transcribed in 1916 by Richard Le Gallienne, the song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics quickly resonated with audiences. Carl Sandburg, the renowned American poet, recognized its timeless appeal and included a version in his influential anthology, The American Songbag, in 1927. This early exposure laid the groundwork for the song’s enduring popularity.
In the 1950s, “Sloop John B” began to gain traction in the popular music scene. Various artists, including folk singers and early rock bands, recorded their own interpretations, often with slight variations in the lyrics and arrangement. The song’s adaptability and its ability to evoke a sense of longing and adventure made it a favorite among musicians and fans alike.
However, it was the Beach Boys’ iconic rendition in 1966 that truly propelled “Sloop John B” to international stardom. Produced and arranged by the visionary Brian Wilson, the band’s version was a departure from their typical surf-pop sound. Incorporating elements of folk rock and featuring an intricate a cappella section, the song showcased the group’s musical maturity and innovation.
The Beach Boys’ “Sloop John B” quickly became a critical and commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the song’s timeless themes, its infectious melody, and the band’s masterful performance. The a cappella section, in particular, was a groundbreaking moment in popular music, demonstrating the power of human voices to create a rich and textured soundscape.
In 2011, the Beach Boys’ version of “Sloop John B” was honored with a prestigious ranking on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” This recognition cemented the song’s status as a classic and ensured that its legacy would continue to inspire future generations of musicians and listeners.
Video
Lyrics
We come on the sloop John B
My grandfather and me
Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well, I feel so broke up
I want to go home
So hoist up the John B’s sail
See how the main sail sets
Call for the captain ashore
Let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home, yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
The first mate, he got drunk
And broke in the captain’s trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone
Why don’t you leave me alone? Yeah, yeah
Well, I feel so broke up
I wanna go home
So hoist up the John B’s sail (hoist up the John B’s sail)
See how the main sail sets (see how the main sail sets)
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home, let me go home
Why don’t you let me go home? (Hoist up the John B’s sail)
Hoist up the John B (hoist up the John B’s)
I feel so broke up, I wanna go home
Let me go home
The poor cook, he caught the fits
And threw away all my grits
And then he took, and he ate up all of my corn
Let me go home
Why don’t they let me go home?
This is the worst trip I’ve ever been on
Hoist up the John B’s sail (hoist up the John B’s sail)
See how the main sail sets (see how the main sail sets)
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home
I wanna go home
Let me go home