In my memory the Beatles made the adage “Steady as she goes” popular with their composition “Let it be”. The lyrics (see below) are more complicated than might first be projected. Whether the tale surrounding the evolution of the song is true or not is immaterial. The fact remains that letting it be is an admonition more difficult of performance than one might suspect; but it is in my opinion an ambition worthy of pursuit. It helps for example overcome the confounding necessity of endless activity by reminding oneself that current affairs (especially if not harmful) are of limited duration and that the knowable grains of sand in the hour glass are more cogent than the unknown upcoming agenda.
I have entitled this entry with the nautical theme “Steady as she goes” for two reasons. First, I am driven by the primal ingredients of the sea; and second, it reflects the currency of my domain and accessible expression. I cannot speculate a more fruitful resource of stimulation and reflection than the sea and Key Largo. Yet succumbing to this nutrition requires an appetite not just an appeal. It is not mandatory to insist upon local details either present or historic; what is commanded is the convincing recognition that even this idyllic, indulgent and indolent resort is both ephemeral and beguiling. Setting one’s course on the steady ensures its prolongation and proper achievement.
Written and sung by McCartney, the iconic track was the last Beatles single to be unveiled before he announced his departure from the band.
Speaking to James Corden on the his segment of Carpool Karaoke in 2018, McCartney recalled how his late mother Mary – who died from cancer when he was 14 – inspired him to write the track. “In the sixties I had a dream where my mum who died came to me and was reassuring me, saying: It’s gonna be OK. Just let it be…”
Interestingly there is another hit recording entitled “Steady as she goes” by a group called the Raconteurs. The meaning behind that composition is by some analysis different from what provoked McCartney. Yet both appear to have a commonality. The absorption and acceptance of what is before one’s very eyes is a talent. While it is stimulating perhaps to imagine what uncharacteristic things one might accomplish, there is nonetheless the recognizable value in expanding upon the elemental attributes of one’s present situation. I am not even certain whether, in the end, the result is any different other than the focus or prospective view. It is possible too that the exhortations to “steady the course” or to “let is be” are one and the same. Adopting the entreaties does at least settle upon one’s life a degree of restfulness and sedentary resolve.
STEADY AS YOU GO
Means to steady the ship on the course it is heading at the time the order is given. If the ship is swinging at the time, heading must be noted and the lubber’s line brought back to and steadied on it as soon as possible. The order is also stated as “STEADY,” or “STEADY AS SHE GOES.”
The band is based in Nashville, Tennessee. According to the band’s official website, “The seed was sown in an attic in the middle of a hot summer when friends Jack White and Brendan Benson got together and wrote a song that truly inspired them. This song was ‘Steady, As She Goes’ and the inspiration led to the creation of a full band with the addition of Lawrence and Keeler.”
White said to Uncut in 2006, “It’s asking a question, which is, ‘Is doing that – getting married and settling down – starting a new life or is it giving up?” Speaking again to Uncut in 2006, he added, “I think the big notion in my head was we’re all getting older now and enough of goofing around. All our friends are musicians, so it was like, ‘How much of this world can we stay a part of and how much do we reject?’
Steady, As She Goes
by The Raconteurs
Find yourself a girl and settle down
Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
So steady as she goes
Your friends have shown a kink in the single life
You’ve had too much to think, now you need a wife
Steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
So steady as she goes (steady as she goes)
Well, here we go again
You’ve found yourself a friend that knows you well
But no matter what you do
You’ll always feel as though you tripped and fell
So steady as she goes
When you have completed what you thought you had to do
And your blood’s depleted to the point of stable glue
Then you’ll get along
And then you’ll get along
Let it be
Should we do something else for a while, and come back in a bit
Or leave it, same as mine is, yeah
Oh, just let me get this, second clap
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
When all the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree, there will be an answer
Let it be
Although they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
There will be an answer
Let it be
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow
Let it be
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
There will be no sorrow
Let it be
Yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
Songwriters: Lennon, John Winston / McCartney, Paul James