Kaibigan (Letter to a Seafarer)

by Siena Christie

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This song was written to commemorate the launch of the Pacific Coast Coalition for Seafarers, a new organization devoted to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of seafarers.

100% of proceeds from this song will go to Kamusta Kababayan, a project of the PCCS that supports seafarers through letter writing and care packages. Find out more about this project here: www.facebook.com/KamustaKababayan

Donate directly to the Pacific Coast Coalition for Seafarers here:
bit.ly/2YzRHk7

The sentence in Tagalog that appears in the lyrics, "Nawa'y ang karagatan pumatnubay at ligtas kayo kaibigan," means "May the ocean carry you safely, my friend."

--

lyrics

Thank you for your letter
It’s good to know that you’re safe
Seems the ocean’s colder than ever
But you and your crew are men of faith
Nights in the mess hall, playing card games
Beer bottles and saltine bowls
Sharing pictures of your families
Singing songs while cleaning the hold

You make it sound like a ship I want to be on
And I hope that beer you’re drinking is cold

Nawa’y ang karagatan
pumatnubay at ligtas kayo kaibigan
Like a prayer on a gentle wind
May the ocean carry you safely, my friend

I wonder how often
You hear your wife’s warm voice
You say she cooks better than the galley chef
You say she gave you a sweet little boy
Yellow walls and silent hallways
Get up early and work twelve hours
And you see her face on every surface
Short showers, cold coffee, and time cards

You make it sound like a sacrifice worth making
And I hope your window shows the stars

[chorus]

On the back of the paper, you wrote in pencil
"Stronger than the ocean is His love"
God’s eyes are on your family
Watching your little boy grow up

[chorus]

credits

released June 26, 2020
Composed and performed by Siena Christie.
Thanks to Lyn Rush for Tagalog translation assistance.
Thanks to the following YouTubers for inspiring this song, and to all seafarers who have shared their stories: Kim Olavere, Ero Ancheta, Chief MAKOi, Ed De Asis, Marion Lamaslig, Joshnosebest, Sea Princess, Onin TV, and many more.

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Siena Christie Asheville, North Carolina

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