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Ian Anderson — Panama Freighter
Album: The Secret Language Of Birds
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 409









Released: 2000
Length: 3:19
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Night close in on a shanty town.
Panama freighter wearing rusty brown.
She sails tomorrow and she's homeward bound.
Head up on a lumpy sea.

I'm not the only lonely planet rider
In this one horse town, I'm thinking.
And I won't over-rate or patronize you.

I know we're as different as chalk and cheese;
As black hole winters and salad days
And I wouldn't like your mother much anyway.

But it's not her I'm taking home with me.

Don't intend to dress you in silver threads
Like some trophy in sublime seclusion.
Won't try to educate or civilize you.

Night close in on a shanty town.
Panama freighter wearing rusty brown.
She sails tomorrow and she's homeward bound
And you're bound to come home with me.
On the panama freighter with me.
Comments (93)add comment
 BijouBijou wrote:
Mega-stupid. PAN FLUTES?? Come on, RP!

 
Mega-stupid is thinking that this is a PAN FLUTE.  Honestly.  
Posted 10 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Mega-stupid. PAN FLUTES?? Come on, RP!
Posted 12 years ago by BijouBijou    [ Reply ]
Ahh good one.  Thanks for the original and inventive insight.  Oh and your screen name too, really fresh and new.  When you get even better at this, check out the emoticons...the vomitting one comes in handy next to prose like yours.  

 whtahtefcuk wrote:
Please, for the love of God, make this stop!
 


Posted 12 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
I LOVE Tull, but this is piffle.
Posted 12 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
Please, for the love of God, make this stop!
Posted 12 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
Hey all you flute haters...  I think there is some accordion here, too!
 
Posted 12 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]

What happened?  Ian didn't make enough money salmon farming?

Nice to hear.

In passing, Jethro Tull performed one of the best rock concerts I ever attended.


Posted 12 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 Wizzuvvoz wrote:

I'm also largely opposed to the rock flute.  Seems to work here though

 
Still better than the abuses of the harmonica in "rock" music. IMHO.

Posted 13 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
 vandal wrote:

I prefer the Lamb Of God version. . .
 
Nice. Very Nice. {#Roflol}
Posted 13 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
More please.
Posted 13 years ago by shampa1n    [ Reply ]
Flute = mute
Posted 13 years ago by toddbruner    [ Reply ]
 dannyboy57 wrote:

So what? Harry Chapin probably copped it from some old English standard.{#Chillpill}
 
did not really hear Chapin in there but this is probably true.  

Posted 14 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 spraehbuer wrote:
window wrote:
And the cat's in the cradle with the silver spoon... (Anybody else hear it?)
great, thanks . . . now i hear it too
 
So what? Harry Chapin probably copped it from some old English standard.{#Chillpill}
Posted 14 years ago by dannyboy57    [ Reply ]
Still the master of folk rock.....
Posted 14 years ago by greenheart    [ Reply ]

I prefer the Lamb Of God version. . .


Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
great to hear Ian Anderson is still 'out there'
Posted 15 years ago by farley    [ Reply ]
Love this music!!!!    Gotta big tattoo on my left shoulder to prove it......    (roots to branches)

Thanks RP

{#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by RedTopFireBelow    [ Reply ]
 jksteacher wrote:
I love when rock songs lead off with a flute: thats my cue to tune out for a few minutes.

(Kudos, though, for the "Cats in the Cradle" similarities.)
 
I'm also largely opposed to the rock flute.  Seems to work here though

Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Wow, you can recognize Ian Anderson from the first couple notes.  Very distinctive flute style.
Posted 15 years ago by sdn    [ Reply ]
 Quixmundi wrote:
More guitar...too much Olde English for me
 
Hey, I kinda like it.

How did guitar get to be so damn important?

I mean, I LOVE me some good guitar work, but my God, there are other instruments, ya know?

If anything, it needs more (you guessed it) COWBELL!

As to the objection to Olde English, ...you're not Irish, are you?

(Just kidding...shades of Earnest T. Bass "He's an Englishter, and I'm an Irishster, and I hates him!!!")



Posted 15 years ago by conglif    [ Reply ]
yuk.
Posted 15 years ago by fluffybum    [ Reply ]
More guitar...too much Olde English for me
Posted 15 years ago by Quixmundi    [ Reply ]
 russteaches wrote:


My thoughts exactly.
 
Tulfan writes:

Not among the best of JT or Ian Anderson granted but much more tolerable than a number of RP's offerings.

Posted 16 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Not today....{#Puke}
Posted 16 years ago by shawshank    [ Reply ]
siandbeth wrote:

Christopher Walken: "More flute!"
Maybe not.
Enjoy this music for what it is: a lovely suede boots feather cap journey back to eighth grade.


{#Roflol}

Posted 16 years ago by velvetglove    [ Reply ]
 Limpopoking wrote:

I have also heard this story... what's important to remember in life, you will always get artisans AND artists... if the story is true, then poor old Ian Anderson's artistry probably never made it all the way through the gene pool.
 
It's not a "story"—Ian wrote this on his website.
Posted 16 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
This is OK and I really like a lot of Tull & Ian Anderson but the accordian (an instrument which for some reason really irritates me) kind of ruins it for me. 

Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
jpfueler wrote:
The Flute is a Heavy, Metal, instrument.
Christopher Walken: "More flute!" Maybe not. Enjoy this music for what it is: a lovely suede boots feather cap journey back to eighth grade.
Posted 16 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
I love when rock songs lead off with a flute: thats my cue to tune out for a few minutes. (Kudos, though, for the "Cats in the Cradle" similarities.)
Posted 16 years ago by jksteacher    [ Reply ]
Ah, this sounds like that one song "cats in the cradle and the silver spoon" or whatever! its really cool... (and if i had bothered to even look at he first post on the page i woulda been saved the trouble of making this comment...)
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
And the cat's in the cradle with the silver spoon... (Anybody else hear it?)
Very first thing that came to mind.
Posted 16 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Jeffrotull, as my little brother used to say. He said liberry, too.
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
Ian Anderson is a flutascious genius. Keep it coming. Thank you RP!
Posted 17 years ago by kindermanltd    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
And the cat's in the cradle with the silver spoon... (Anybody else hear it?)
great, thanks . . . now i hear it too

Posted 17 years ago by spraehbuer    [ Reply ]
Alpine wrote:
Sounds like you should tune into the classic rock FM station, or maybe the Country station. What a douche bag!
"Shakylegs" just needs more codpiece in his/her life...
Posted 17 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
Sounds like you should tune into the classic rock FM station, or maybe the Country station. What a douche bag!
Posted 17 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
And the cat's in the cradle with the silver spoon... (Anybody else hear it?)
Posted 17 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
He's had a few solo albums, but he's never left Tull. For all practical purposes Tull is IA and Martin Barre (lead guitar), with other musicians coming and going over the years. Still has that sound, to be sure, even if his voice isn't what it used to be. fredriley wrote:
I didn't know that Anderson had gone solo after Jethro Tull - good to know that he's not just twiddling his fingers over in his isolated palace on Skye. It's not a million miles away from the JT sound, perhaps a little more up to date and less irritating than some of the old JT stuff was. Not bad, and could grow on me.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Maybe not to everyones' taste, but most certainly to mine! Wonderous musicians at work! Thanks RP.
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
For those who might care. Ian and his band are on tour.... (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
Early in his career, poor old self-taught flautist Ian got his comeuppance from his young daughter, who, unlike the Old Man. took flute lessons in school: one day while Ian was noodling on the Boehm at home, his daughter saild, ''No, Daddy, you have to lift your finger off that key to play B-sharp!.''
I have also heard this story... what's important to remember in life, you will always get artisans AND artists... if the story is true, then poor old Ian Anderson's artistry probably never made it all the way through the gene pool.
Posted 17 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
I've simply GOT to buy this! Also didn't realise he'd done solo work... goodonya Mr. A
Posted 17 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
I didn't know that Anderson had gone solo after Jethro Tull - good to know that he's not just twiddling his fingers over in his isolated palace on Skye. It's not a million miles away from the JT sound, perhaps a little more up to date and less irritating than some of the old JT stuff was. Not bad, and could grow on me.
Posted 17 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
The Flute is a Heavy, Metal, instrument.
Posted 17 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
Sorry, but you haven't got a leg to stand on this time, which makes you more like Anderson than you know.
Posted 17 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Did he say just something about Chuck E. Cheese?
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Oh, please. The man is a freaking LEGEND! And rightly so. Grow up and stop listening to bubble gum music (eg. Nik Kershaw - Wounded) and dissing this. It's bad for your ears!
Posted 17 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
I'm with shesdifferent. Maybe it's a generation gap issue.
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
So very glad to hear this on RP. Thanks, Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Wow, how can Ian Anderson get such poor ratings? I love the man, solid 10
Posted 17 years ago by Daniel_Pittenger    [ Reply ]
So very annoying!
Posted 17 years ago by PacificNWPariah    [ Reply ]
this one time, at bandcamp...
Posted 18 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
YOU HAVE GOT to be kidding!
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
My thoughts exactly.
Posted 18 years ago by russteaches    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
If The Secret Language of Birds were combined with Stevie Wonder's The Secret Life of Plants, I wonder what it would sound like?
https://www.radioparadise.com/content.php?name=Amazon&asin=B00070Q7VY
Posted 18 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Thrash flute!
Posted 18 years ago by SinBlossom    [ Reply ]
shakylegs wrote:
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
you said it.
Posted 18 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]
I understand that hearing JT/Anderson is one of the prices you have to pay in order to hear the rest of the great stuff on this station, but sometimes I find the price rather steep.
Posted 18 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP. I'm a huge Tull/Anderson fan and am throughly sick of the 3 songs (Aqualung, Crossed-eyed Mary and Bungle in the Jungle)that the local "classic" rock stations across the country churn out as representative of Tull music. More please.
Posted 18 years ago by marktberry    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
https://www.radioparadise.com/content.php?name=Journal&file=show_entry&jid=1312
LOL
Posted 18 years ago by BruceN    [ Reply ]
Wow. This song is bad.
Posted 18 years ago by jodygold    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
Hey - what's an auto-mute script? Can you tell me how to do that?
https://www.radioparadise.com/content.php?name=Journal&file=show_entry&jid=1312
Posted 18 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Early in his career, poor old self-taught flautist Ian got his comeuppance from his young daughter, who, unlike the Old Man. took flute lessons in school: one day while Ian was noodling on the Boehm at home, his daughter saild, ''No, Daddy, you have to lift your finger off that key to play B-sharp!.''
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
To me, newer Anderson solo can never compare with old Tull. It's pleasant enough, but it doesn't blow me over. More like a light breeze. If The Secret Language of Birds were combined with Stevie Wonder's The Secret Life of Plants, I wonder what it would sound like?
What's wrong with a light breeze? Light breezes are just as nice as blowing winds!
Posted 18 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
ButterFingers wrote:
This song sounds really similar to Harry Chapin's Cat's in the Cradle...
There are a couple of similar vocal phrasings and an acoustic guitar, but the rhythm and other instrumental bits are very different. Good stuff :goodvibes:
Posted 19 years ago by BjornPhrei    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
Altogether too much Jethro on this station. That's pretty much my only complaint about RP. Well, OK. There's too much Ani DiFranco too.
You gotta be kidding! I only hear those every now and then, and I am listening almost 24/7! Good to hear something else from Ian Anderson.
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Rockin' on air flute! :)
Posted 19 years ago by winter    [ Reply ]
To me, newer Anderson solo can never compare with old Tull. It's pleasant enough, but it doesn't blow me over. More like a light breeze. If The Secret Language of Birds were combined with Stevie Wonder's The Secret Life of Plants, I wonder what it would sound like?
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
hcaudill wrote:
Altogether too much Jethro on this station. That's pretty much my only complaint about RP. Well, OK. There's too much Ani DiFranco too.
Thank God that there are a lot more people that like Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull...Yes long live Jethro....and yes go and mute it....I will blast it here
Posted 19 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
I've just entered this in my auto-mute script ...
Hey - what's an auto-mute script? Can you tell me how to do that?
Posted 19 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Altogether too much Jethro on this station. That's pretty much my only complaint about RP. Well, OK. There's too much Ani DiFranco too.
Posted 19 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Ha--knew that was Ian Anderson in the first notes of the flute! :)
Posted 19 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
Me too and that's why I muted it.
I've just entered this in my auto-mute script ... To turn up the volume! Is is great!
Posted 20 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
Me too and that's why I muted it.
is it over yet...?!
Posted 20 years ago by yashpheh    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
Me too and that's why I muted it.
:nodhead:
Posted 20 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
I knew this was Ian/Jethro Tull within 15 seconds
Me too and that's why I muted it.
Posted 20 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Blackjack wrote:
I checked my calendar, and it's still 2002. I wonder if Ian Anderson's bought a new calendar in the last 25 years. Maybe we should all pitch in and buy him one for Christmas.
By that logic I shouldn't go to the symphony anymore. For me, the ability of an artist to transport me to a different place is a successful demonstration of his craft even if I have been there many times before. It also counts if I don't like the destination much.
Posted 20 years ago by lotus_65    [ Reply ]
MiltMan wrote:
Ian Anderson is back and better than ever!
Set the bar low enuf and anyone can be said to sound good! Not terrible....just about "decent."
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
I knew this was Ian/Jethro Tull within 15 seconds--his flute is SO distinctive! Plus I have this CD--the first Ian not Tull album I've purchased.
Posted 20 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
kew...i'm diggin' it
Posted 20 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
I heard the Chapin reference...but my first reaction was (yikes) Billy Joel. Sorry Ian! Nice song.
Posted 21 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Yes indeed! My 7-year-old is quite fond of Jethro Tull, much to my pleasure. I'm off to see Ian for an intimate evening the Palace of Fine Arts in SFO on September 25. Can't wait. Geed wrote:
My 4 yr old has just announced that this is his favorite song. The boy has great taste, yes?
Posted 21 years ago by lobstergal7    [ Reply ]
My 4 yr old has just announced that this is his favorite song. The boy has great taste, yes?
Posted 21 years ago by Geed    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by ButterFingers: This song sounds really similar to Harry Chapin's Cat's in the Cradle...
I was just thinking the same thing. Something in melody and vocal delivery is very similar.
Posted 21 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
renaissance fair soundtrack...
Posted 21 years ago by downbylaw    [ Reply ]
I really like Ian though I think sometimes his music has an certain \"sameness\" to it.
Posted 21 years ago by Kolrabi    [ Reply ]
This song sounds really similar to Harry Chapin\'s Cat\'s in the Cradle...
Posted 21 years ago by ButterFingers    [ Reply ]
Early Tull can\'t be beat, This Was, Benefit ,Brick, Passion play, genius!
Posted 21 years ago by hitz    [ Reply ]
I checked my calendar, and it\'s still 2002. I wonder if Ian Anderson\'s bought a new calendar in the last 25 years. Maybe we should all pitch in and buy him one for Christmas.
Posted 21 years ago by Blackjack    [ Reply ]
I concur with all the previous comments regarding Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull, and the fact that it\'s nice to hear something new(ish) from Ian.
Posted 21 years ago by tg3k    [ Reply ]
Ian Anderson doesn\'t seem to have too many new ideas since his heyday in the 70s, but he still makes good use of his old ideas. I can\'t think of a time when I was dissappointed to hear a Tull/Anderson song.
Posted 22 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
O.K. I\'m an admitted Jethro Tull, hence Ian Anderson junky since \"This Was\" (I guess that makes me a Jack in the Grey ;o) ). It\'s unfortunate that his vocal chords have not remained unscathed over the years. He\'s had trouble going back to the early 80\'s. There was a time when I did not have to wince through some live performances. Thank God for technology & clever studio renderings. After having said that, I\'ll close with the statement that I will never hear too much from Ian and his mates. The album \"The Secret Life of Birds\" was a fine piece of work, but then I\'m biased. BTW, nice seg to Richard Thompsons \"Turning of the tide ...\"
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]