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Swingin' in St. John's - Original Cast Recording

by Chasing Shadows Productions

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1.
Swingin' in St. John's 01:52
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SWINGIN’ IN ST. JOHN’S Johnny: Swingin in St. John’s - oh, yeah! - Gonna follow the North Star - yeah, yeah! - See what kind of catch I get with this here guitar Swingin’ in St. John’s Well, I really go goofy for a pretty, little Newfie There’s a girl who I adore over in Labrador She knows what I’ve been waiting for Swingin’ in st. John’s I’m like a catfish out of water like a king without a crown gotta meet somebody’s daughter in this new land I have found Swingin’ in St. John’s I’m going to take a Gander kissing to my Heart’s Content find a Newfoundlander show her how my money’s spent Swingin’ in St John’s Swingin’ in St. John’s - oh, yeah! - Gonna follow the Sun - yeah, yeah! - Head down East for some catch & release Man, I’m going to have some fun Swingin’ in St. John’s Gonna go swimmin’ in a sea of women Going to get my fill try and pick up some signals up on Signal Hill Swingin’ in St. John’s Swingin’ in St. John’s… Swingin’ in St. John’s… - Yeah, yeah! -
2.
Rockin' the Rock 01:17
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ROCKIN’ THE ROCK Johnny: Who says there’s no fun to be found in Newfoundland? I bet he's never even been around the block. I guess some people forget or just don’t understand and they’re sure to be in for quite a shock better sit up & listen. I'm gonna make it my mission to be rock - rock - Rockin’ the Rock! Squirt: How can they say there’s no fun to be found? The signs are there just look at some of the names of our towns. That alone should tell you how we all get around Come By Chance, Conception Harbour, Heart’s Delight Leading Tickles all the way to Paradise! It’s where we’re rock - rock - Rockin’ the Rock! Johnny: There’s a party in every kitchen whiskey in a jar squeeze-boxes and fiddles where you’re getting your viddles just think of where you are! And we’re Rock-rock-Rockin’ the Rock Don’t stop - Rock-Rockin’ the Rock Til you drop - Rock-Rockin’ the Rock and we’re Rock-rock-Rockin’ the Rock They don’t know about it still they’re trying to talk and I’m Rock-rock-Rockin’ the Rock Oh, yes I’m rockin’ Yes I’m Rockin’ the Rock!
3.
Make a Good Team 02:21
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MAKE A GOOD TEAM Rod: I think we’d make a good team You and me against the world I think we’d make a good team I’ve never seen a better girl - in this region - I can attest you’re the best in this city - and I’ve checked - all the rest are just objects of pity only good for one thing we make a good team. I think we’d make a good team I’m the Captain, you’re the mate Annette: Great. Rod: Oh, yes, we make a good team Let’s go ahead and set a date - some time next quarter - Annette: Can’t wait. Rod: Yes I have chosen you to be mine, so just sign here It’s a merger, a partnership, right on the line here Your life will be a dream We make a good team. (phone rings) (pulls out and tries to answer ring box, casually hands it to Annette, finds phone in other pocket) Yada yada yada yeah… Yada yada yada… Yes, I’m here. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Yada yada yada… Nothing really…what is it? Yada yada yada yada… No! Sell! Sell! That’s right. Do it. - Where was I? Oh, yes. - I even got a ring. We make a good team. (Rod exits)
4.
Good Enough For Me 02:04
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GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME Annette: There’s not as many fish in the sea as there used to be, it seems. Is there even such a thing as a man of my dreams? Is he good enough for me to love? Good enough for me. Wading through this dating pool it gets so very shallow. The gene pool, too. What can i do? I wonder if this fellow Is good enough for me to love… Good enough for me. It’s not like I have forever. I’m as young as i will ever be. Don’t know what I’m waiting for… Will it get better eventually? (Spoken) - Doubt ‘er, Chowder. - There’s not a lot of fish in the sea…
5.
Get Screeched In 01:29
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GET SCREECHED IN Old Salty: Ya wanna be a Newfoundlander Ya gotta get Screeched in. Ya can’t do it with whiskey or rye Ya can’t do it with gin What ya need id the local drop It’s the only way to begin take a shot and kiss the cod and get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! It’s what the doctor ordered, me son Take your medicine! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! Take a shot and kiss the cod and get Screeched in! Sing along with Bob & the Buoys Pick your poison, plenty of choice But first you gotta kiss the cod and get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! You just had a spill. If you get a chill take your medicine! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! You had a close shave, if you are brave put this one over your chin! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! It’s what the doctor ordered, me Son! Take your medicine! Get Screeched in! Get Screeched in! Take a shot and kiss the cod and get Screeched in!
6.
Screech to a Halt 02:00
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SCREECH TO A HALT Johnny: Well, if I survived the ocean I can imbibe your Gypsy potion Might give me the notion it’s your fault I better Screech - to a halt I better stop on a dime I better Screech - to a halt and take my time. If I start seeing double I might get myself in trouble I hate to burst your bubble Mr. Salt I better Screech - to a halt I better slow right down I better Screech to a halt before I go down. I’ve had Kentucky moonshine in my day Tennessee Whiskey and Tequila Agave But when i shoot this Newfie brew I don’t know who I’m talking to I better Screech - to a halt right away. Now the spirit’s moving through me What’s this concoction doing to me It’s gonna take me, shake me, make me summersault I better Screech - to a halt I better stop for a bit I better Screech - to a halt I’m done with it. I better Screech - to a halt I better stop on a dime I’d better Screech - to a halt and take my time.
7.
Do the Lobster 03:05
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DO THE LOBSTER Annette: Put your claws up just like this snap ‘em up and down move your head from side to side shake your tail around Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! It’s such a cinch when you’re in a pinch Do the Lobster! It’s our special every night Just hear those people talk When we cook it up just right They line up around the block to Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! When it’s time for dinner You’re sitting on a winner with the Lobster. It’s not jig’s dinner, fish and brews or flipper pie they can’t refuse I’ll tell you why it’s the dish they choose Give it a try, you just can’t lose Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! It’s a fancy dish that is so delicious Do the Lobster! Real sweet meat, a tasty treat that can’t be beat all along George Street Try it once and you’ll be hooked Our restaurant is always booked to Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! If you can’t decide have it steamed or fried Do the Lobster! Johnny: I think I just found my favourite dish I might have to come back here every night This is one meal I will not forget Yes, Annette you whet my appetite. I don’t have to take the test I know why all the guys come here to eat Squirt: Here’s a bib so you don’t make a mess Johnny: What I want is clear to me Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! It’s such a cinch when you’re in a pinch Do the Lobster Annette: You butter me up. I’m turning red. Johnny: Trying to get you out of your shell Annette: You’re in some hot water now, might be in over your head Johnny: Guess I might as well Do the Lobster! Do the Lobster! It’s the creeping crustacean that’s sweeping the nation do the Lobster!
8.
Stuck on Annette 03:11
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STUCK ON ANNETTE Johnny: I’m stuck on Annette I used to be free I used to think there were so many fish in the sea. But now I got caught and I can’t forget the one that got away I’m stuck on Annette. I’m stuck on Annette I can’t get away I can’t escape I’m not going to stray cause now I’m in love and I would regret missing my chance I’m stuck on Annette. I used to sail through life so free and proud just treading water now I’m run aground. She was the siren who pulled me ashore I’m stuck on Annette I won’t stray anymore. She was the siren who pulled me ashore I’m stuck on Annette I won’t stray anymore.
9.
When Will My Ship Come In 03:23
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WHEN WILL MY SHIP COME IN Squirt: When will my ship come in? I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve fallen so many times No one seems to notice I’m a girl. They think I’m just a little squirt They just don’t know how much it hurts. When will my ship come in? When will my ship come in? I have to hide my tears and try to wear a grin while everyone is pairing off but me and I’m still trying to be a friend. They think I’m just a tomboy satisfied to go play with her toys. When will my ship come in? When is it going to be my turn? What do I have to do to make him learn? I am just as good as her and just like her I also deserve Love. I’ve been standing on this shore and I can’t stand it anymore. When will my ship come in? I don’t need a dreamboat. I just need someone. I want to know I’m good for more than just a little fun. I’ve been standing on this shore and I can’t stand it anymore. When will my ship come in?
10.
Goofy Newfie 01:57
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GOOFY NEWFIE Rod: Did you hear the one about the Goofy Newfie? Might not be the brightest lighthouse on the beach Not quite the sharpest hook in the tackle box perhaps there’s a lesson that he can teach. Patty Murphy went out swimming, trying to cross the lake alone When he got about twenty feet from the shoreline didn’t think he could make it so he swam back home. Ronny Doyle went to an audition thought he could dance on TV and he would make it big the judge asked him why he brought his fishing boat with him he told them "how else will they see my jig?" Did you hear the one about the Goofy Newfie? Might not be the brightest lighthouse on the beach Not quite the sharpest hook in the tackle box perhaps there’s a lesson that he can teach. Bobby O’Connor went out walking when he came up to a clear glass wall spent half the day just trying to climb it to see what’s behind it cause it’s too tall. All these fellows had one thing in common They were trying to reach the stars When they fall flat on their faces They’re still happy where they are. Did you hear the one about the Goofy Newfie? Though his ambitions remain out of reach He may never win, but he keeps on grinning with a headful of dreams and a belly full of Screech with a head full of dreams and a bellyful of Screech.
11.
Lukey's Boat * 02:41
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LUKEY”S BOAT Johnny: Oh, Lukey’s boat is painted green - Uh huh Me boys! Lukey’s boat is painted green. It’s the prettiest boat you’ve ever seen. Uh huh, me boys, a riddle i day. Old Salty: Lukey’s boat got a fine fore cutty and every seam is chinked with putty. Johnny: Lukey’s boat got high-stopped sails and she was placed with copper nails Old Salty: “I think” says Lukey “i’ll make her bigger “Load her down with a one-claw jigger” Annette: “Now” says Lukey “get aboard ye grub “one plot pea in a ten pound tub” Squirt: Lukey he looked round and round said “ me wife is dead, for the blinds are down” Rod: “Waho” says Lukey “I don’t care I’ll get me another in the Spring of the year”
12.
Esther in a Sou-Wester 02:49
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ESTHER IN A SOU-WESTER Squirt: Esther in a Sou-wester ‘cause it’s getting wet All the boys want to pester they get caught in her fishnets She’s like a habit that you can’t break You’ve got to have it, for Heaven’s sake She’s the ocean, you’re used to a lake She’s gonna rock your boat apart and break your little heart. Esther in a Sou-Wester the wind’s gonna blow Try as you might, you won’t impress her ‘cause every night she’s the star of the show You’d better bring a life-preserver poor little thing, you don’t deserve her just let her in and you live to serve her She’ll rock your boat apart and break your little heart. Esther in a Sou-wester just wearing a smile She’ll do what you suggest her She’ll make it worth your while. When she slips out of her slicker it’s going to hit you like a shot of liquor You’ll fall for her hook, line and sinker She’ll rock your boat apart and break your little heart. Esther comes to those who wait You know you won’t be her first mate but if you just take the bait you might get to come on board if she lets you. Esther in a Sou’Wester ‘cause it’s getting wet all the buoys try to pester they get caught in her fishnets.
13.
Catch & Release 02:05
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CATCH AND RELEASE Annette: There’s not a lot of fish in the sea and I found quite a catch It wasn’t meant to be I have to throw him back Although he’s good enough for me to Love Just catch and release. It does me no good to be so good I wish that I was badder If I could be his I would It doesn’t even matter that he’s good enough for me to Love catch and release. I guess I’m going to be married to a rich man that’s okay I don’t even know if I could convince my catch to stay There’s not a lot of fish in the sea…
14.
Fine Kind of Dog 01:28
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FINE KIND OF DOG Old Salty: A Newfoundlander’s a fine kind of dog And I’ll tell you why she is my kind of dog She’s big as a bear, but she swims like a fish A friend to the end who is there when you wish All you have to do is call…Here girl! A Newfoundlander’s the greatest of them all! A Newfoundlander’s a wonderful breed Always ready to help out when you are in need She’ll jump in the water if you start to drown, Hitch up a sled, she can take you to town She pulls her own weight…Good girl! That’s why Newfoundlanders are so great! (Old Salty & Johnny dance off stage during solo. Rod enters.) Rod: A Newfoundlander’s a favourite of mine. You can ignore her for days at a time. She will fetch and carry Just feed her and pet her She’ll follow you everywhere, do what you tell her to Although she may drool… You’ll never ‘have to pay for her to go to school! And I got me a pure-bred Who will follow where she’s led I got me a pure-bred, in-bred pet Newfoundlander …and a Labrador on the side! Ha! Ha!
15.
Whatever Floats Your Boat 03:10
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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT Rod: I can call you my chum cause I’m a shark I’m the king of this town. I’ve got a sinking feeling That ol’ Johnny-Boy’s going down. Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat I’ll put a stop to that right now. Johnny: Isn’t she a beauty? Shining like brand-new… We got her all fixed up now I think we just might pull through Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat Is what you’ve got to do. Rod: I will be the champion That I was born to be. You will learn How it works around here No one wins but me! Squirt: I’m ready, willing and able Whatever floats your boat It’s all on the table! (CHORUS: x2) Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat Whatever floats your boat Is what we’re going to do. (2 – “is what you’ve got to do”)
16.
Go Johnny Go 02:54
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BIG BOAT RACE / GO JOHNNY GO Old Salty: On your marks… Get set… Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: And they’re off! Chorus: Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Hey, just wait! There’s number 8! He’s taken the lead right out of the gate! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: They’re past the turn, Rod’s in the lead But ol’ Johnny Boy is picking up speed. Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Ooh! Number 3’s a sunken wreck but Rod and Johnny are neck and neck! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Something’s wrong! His engine’s dead! And now old Rod has pulled ahead! Chorus: Oh no! Johnny No Johnny No Johnny No Johnny No Johnny No Johnny No Johnny No! Old Salty: I think ee’s got ‘er started now with clouds of smoke coming from the bow. Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: It sputters and putters and stutters and shudders Still Johnny pulls out in front of de yudders! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Now ee’s back! They’re nose to nose! Anything goes here nobody knows! Chorus: Buddy knows but he knows buddy nobody knows but he knows buddy knows buddy nobody knows! Old Salty: The pace is great. A mighty fast clip. Poor number 8 is out. He flipped! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Now that Johnny’s caught right up. This could be his chance to win the cup! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Now they’re at the finish line… It’s Johnny King for the win this time! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: He’s broken Rod’s big 5-year streak! And did it all in a boat that leaks! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go! Old Salty: Johnny King brings home the cup. Looks like Rod’s all wet and all washed up! Chorus: Go Johnny Go Johnny Go Johnny Go!
17.
Swingin in St. John's - Reprise 01:05
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SWINGIN’ IN ST. JOHN’S - (REPRISE) - Johnny: I’m Swingin’ in St. John’s - Oh, yeah! - I’m on my way - Yeah yeah! - Got a whole lotta livin’ Lotta lovin’ to do might as well start today Swingin’ in St. John’s… Well I really went goofy for a pretty little Newfie I got stuck on Annette I know I had me a really great time she won’t let me forget Swingin’ in St. John’s. Swingin’ in St. John’s - Oh, yeah! - Gonna follow the North Star -Yeah yeah! - See what kind of catch I get With this here guitar Swingin’ in St. John’s Swingin’ in St. John’s… -Yeah ya! -
18.
I's the B'y* 02:31
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I’S THE B’Y Johnny: I’s the b’y that builds the boat and I’s the b’y that sails her I’s the b’y that catches the fish and takes ‘em home to Liza CHORUS: Hip! - Yer partner Sally Thibeault Hip! - Yer partner Sally Brown Fogo, Twillingate, Morton’s Harbour all around the circle Sods and rinds to cover your flake Cake and tea for supper Codfish in the Spring o’ the year fried in maggoty butter! I don’t want your maggoty fish That’s no good for Winter I could buy as good as that down in Bonavista I took Liza to a dance i’faith, but she could travel! and every step that she did take was up to her knees in gravel. Susan White, she’s out of sight her petticoat wants a border Old Sam Oliver in the dark he kissed her in the corner.

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Original Cast recording of Will Gillespie's "Swingin' in St. John's" a stage adaptation of a fictional Elvis movie set in Newfoundland.

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released June 2, 2017

Album produced by Will Gillespie & Tim Nijenhuis.
Play produced by Will Gillespie & Susan Robinson.

Words & Music © 2017 William James Gillespie, SOCAN
Except * Traditional, Public Domain Arranged and Adapted by William James Gillespie.

Will Gillespie as Johnny King
Aramenta Sobchak as Annette
Sean Emberley as Old Salty
Leonard Cain as Rod Fisher
&
Robyn Lightwalker as Squirt.

Will Gillespie - Guitars, Percussion & Ukulele
Tim Nijenhuis - Keyboards and Bass

Cover Illustration by Susan Robinson.

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Will Gillespie Hamilton, Ontario

Will Gillespie is an award-winning singer-songwriter and playwright in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

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