Six(?) Months in a Leaky Boat

As most of you may have heard by now, Microsoft announced layoffs of 5000 individuals last Thursday. Strangely, they opted for 1400 now, then 3600 later, within an 18 month period. This strikes me as odd... so I opted for today's song.

Split Enz, in the early 80s, released True Colours, and Time and Tide, capturing a "New Wave" sound decidedly different from their previous musical efforts. Time and Tide, especially, had a nautical concept to the songs on it... most notably, "Six Months in a Leaky Boat." The song, however, encountered UK airplay difficulties due to the Falklands War, which started a month after the song was recorded. While the song does not actually refer to the war, prudency prevented this song from the needed airplay to launch it.

The music is a nice mix of guitars, expanded drum set, keyboards, flute and lute. The lyrics tell of a sailing-bent dreamer, exploring and conquering the tempests of the world; however, they tell of another story, one of love and loss, of a love gone by. Catching it is tricky, and invites repeated listening. The ending (sadly, not on the radio edit, but awesomely preserved in the video) takes the listener off into the surreal, relaxing nature of the ocean.


And to those at MSFT (and anywhere else in this crappy economy) who lost your jobs, or are fearing such as the Sword of Damocles dangles over your heads, all the best of luck.
-om