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"Sea Cruise" lyrics

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Sea Cruise by Frankie Ford

Songfacts®:

• This rollicking song was written by Huey "Piano" Smith, a popular New Orleans piano player who wrote the song "Rockin' Pneumonia." He recorded the original version in New Orleans with Gerri Hall. The song is driven by the "Oo-ee, oo-ee baby" chorus before the title line comes in: "Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?" Surprisingly, there are no other nautical references in the lyric, although the rhythm infers the rocking motion on a boat.
• 19-year-old Frankie Ford was brought in to record a younger sounding, more commercially successful vocal track than the blues-based original. It worked, as the song became a hit.
• The song was originally recorded by Huey Smith and the Clowns, but Frankie Ford's lead vocal replaced Huey Smith's while the group was on tour. Smith was furious when he heard the finished product. It was credited to Frankie Ford with Huey "Piano" Smith and The Clowns.
• The idea of the bells and the horns came from Ace Records' management. The producers and musicians were aghast as the sound effect horns were in a different key than the song's real horn section.
• Ford re-wrote some of the lyrics so he could get a songwriter credit. Smith really got screwed on this one.
• Herman's Hermits cover version was a hit at the peak of the first British Invasion. >> Suggestion credit : Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for above 3
• This was one of many songs used as a nickname by ESPN announcer Chris Berman. He used it for a baseball player: outfielder Jose "Won't You Let Me Take You On A Sea" Cruz.
• More songs from Frankie Ford
• More songs with bodies of water in the title
• More songs containing sound effects
• More hit songs originally recorded by other artists
• More songs from 1959
• Lyrics to Sea Cruise

Comments: 8

• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny Per: http://www.oldiesmusic.com/news.htm Frankie Ford, the "New Orleans Dynamo" of swamp pop, died Monday (September 28th, 2015) at the age of 76 after what was termed a "lengthy illness"... He was born in Gretna, Louisiana, near New Orleans, and lived there all his life. Entering show business at an early age, he competed on Ted Mack's "Amateur Hour" on radio as a child and appeared in many local shows. Frankie started a group in high school featuring himself as vocalist and pianist and came to the attention of the owner of Ace Records, who offered him a contract. "Cheatin' Woman" was his first record and became a regional hit but the follow-up, "Sea Cruise" (originally the B-side of "Roberta") landed him at #14 in early 1959... Though four other chart tunes on Ace and Imperial Records failed to get any higher than #72 and a stint in the Army further de-railed his career, Frankie's position as an oldies staple was already assured... He appeared in the movie "American Hot Wax" in 1978 and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010... May he R.I.P.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 23rd 1959, Frankie Ford performed "Sea Cruise" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'... At the time the song was at #24 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; fourteen days later on April 6, 1959 it peaked at #14 {for two non-consecutive weeks - after its first week it fell to #15 ("The Tijuana Jail" by the Kingston Trio was at #14), the following week Mr. Ford moved back into the #14 position for it's second and final week} and spent 17 weeks on the Top 100... He had four* other Top 100 records; "Alimony" {#97 in 1959}, "Time After Time" {#75 in 1960}, "You Talk Too Much" {#87 in 1960}, and "Seventeen" [#72 in 1961} Mr. Ford, his given name is Francis Guzzo, he was adopted at an early age, will celebrate his 76th birthday this coming August 4th {2015}... * All five of his Top 100 records are available on You Tube.
• Susan from Atlanta, Georgia I didn't realize Johnny Rivers had covered this song. It makes sense, since he flew so high with "Rockin' Pneumonia" and it was written by the same person. I saw Johnny in concert on my birthday a few years ago -- a truly awesome event. I've loved his music since "Summer Rain" in the late '60s.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On May 2nd 1971, Johnny Rivers' covered version of "Sea Cruise" entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #98; it stayed on the chart for 4 weeks, peaking at #84... As already stated, the Herman Hermits also covered it; in the U.S.A. it was the B-side of "Just A Little Bit Better", which reached #7 on the Top 100 in 1965... Mr. Rivers, born John Henry Ramistella, will celebrate his 72nd birthday this coming November 7th, 2014 and Peter 'Herman' Noone, born Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone, was also born in November; he will turn 67 years old on Nov. 5th, 2014.
• Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Ca johnny Vincent and his company ACe Records made some cool records..the story behind this one as I am reading it on this website is a strange one.
• Memphis "piano" Joe from Los Angeles, Ca I made a piano instrumental version of "Sea Cruise" - you can hear it at www.jwdirect.net just scroll down to "Track 2" Your fellow Sea Cruise fan, Memphis Piano Joe (search my name at YouTube)
• Walter from Antwerp, Belgium The horn arrangement was later copied by The Clash in 'Wrong 'Em Boyo' (1979), in itself a cover of a rather obscure rock steady track by Jamaican group The Rulers.
• Rick from San Juan, United States In one of the many memorable scenes from the 1978 movie "American Hot Wax", Frankie lip-syncs "Sea Cruise" while in the recording studio making a hit record. Fantastic film. Too bad it's still not available on DVD.

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Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher

Sea Cruise Lyrics as written by Huey Smith

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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The Meaning Behind The Song: Sea Cruise by Johnny Rivers

As a filmmaker, music has always played a significant role in the way I approach storytelling. Certain songs have a way of capturing a moment or evoking a specific feeling that words alone cannot. One such song that holds a special place in my heart is “Sea Cruise” by Johnny Rivers.

I first heard this song on a road trip with friends. We were cruising along the coast, windows down, and this catchy tune came on the radio. Instantly, I was captivated by the vibrant rhythm and upbeat melody. It was as if the song itself was beckoning us to embark on an adventure.

The lyrics of “Sea Cruise” paint a picture of an irresistible invitation; an invitation to let go of the mundane and embark on a voyage filled with excitement and joy. “Old Man Rhythm” in the shoes refers to the unstoppable beat of life, urging us not to dwell on the blues but to join in the dance. It’s a reminder that sometimes we need to break free from our worries and embrace the spontaneity that life has to offer.

The chorus, with its repetitive “Oo-wee, oo-wee, baby,” serves as a joyful call to action. It’s an invitation to let loose and allow the music to guide our steps. As the song continues, we can almost feel the energy building, and we are encouraged to get moving. It’s a celebration of life’s rhythm, urging us to seize the moment and make the most out of every beat.

Throughout the song, Johnny Rivers’ lively performance infuses a sense of urgency and enthusiasm. His voice, filled with excitement, encourages us to let go of our inhibitions and embrace the adventure of a sea cruise. The lyrics “I gotta boogie-woogie like a knot’s in my back” perfectly encapsulate the wild abandon and unbridled joy that the song embodies.

“Sea Cruise” is a timeless anthem, reminding us to embrace the spontaneity of life and seize the opportunities that come our way. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, all we need is to let go, allow the rhythm to guide us, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

In conclusion, “Sea Cruise” by Johnny Rivers is much more than just a catchy tune. It’s a song that captures the essence of living in the moment and embracing the joy and thrill of life’s journey. So the next time you hear this song, I encourage you to let go, join in the dance, and let it take you on your own personal sea cruise.

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Luxurious American cruise line provides a comfortable way to learn about U.S. history | Sandy Fenton

• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 7:00 a.m.

You might not be familiar with the name, but American Cruise Lines has been taking guests to the country's most popular rivers and coastal waters for over 50 years. American Cruise LInes

• Sandy Fenton | Special to PennLive

You don’t need to travel overseas to enjoy a river cruise vacation.

You might not be familiar with the name, but American Cruise Lines has been taking guests to America’s most popular rivers and coastal waters for over 50 years.

My husband and I recently returned home from a weeklong “Historic South & Golden Isles” sailing aboard the new, upscale and modern “American Eagle,” a 100-passenger coastal catamaran ship that departs from Amelia Island (Fernandina), Fla., and ends in Charleston, S.C.

Our itinerary also included port-of-calls in Brunswick, Ga., Savannah, Ga. (overnight), and Hilton Head and Beaufort, S.C., (overnight) as we cruised the Intracoastal Waterway taking in all the amazing Lowcountry scenery along the way.

Having loved our many European river cruises, I didn’t know what to expect cruising throughout the United States. Well, we’re sold. “American Eagle” exceeded our expectations.

American Cruise Lines is positioning itself as the number one choice for domestic and foreign adult travelers wanting a premium experience while learning more about American history and culture from a river, harbor and coastal water perspective.

American Cruise Lines is the only 100% all-American-owned and operated cruise company in the U.S. All ships are built in Salisbury, Md., and crewed by Americans. The company sails both rivers and coastal itineraries around the country, only visiting U.S. ports. Their guests (Eagle Society Members) keep coming back over and over again (75-80% were past passengers on our itinerary).

American Cruise Lines is all about small ships and all-inclusive cruising (90-180 passengers). They have 17 ships, with American “Liberty” and American “Legend” debuting this year, plus two more coming in 2025. In addition, ACL just purchased four paddle-boat ships from the recently defunct American Queen Voyages.

Popular itineraries and ports of call in 35 states spotlight the Columbia and Snake rivers, the entire East Coast from Maine to Florida, Alaska, the Mississippi River and its tributaries, New England islands and harbors, the Pacific Northwest and the Chesapeake Bay - with onboard resident historians and experts hosting port discussions and briefings on all sailings.

On our “American Eagle” sailing most guests were 60+, retired, well-traveled, active and eager to discover new ports and explore the historic river towns along the way. These “Eagle Society” members have already “done that, been there” when it comes to travel, especially cruising. Many have circumnavigated the world by land, river and sea.

Nowadays, they still have the time, money and energy/good health to travel, but prefer to stay in the United States, closer to home, and do not need (or want) over-the-top, opulent surroundings with personal butlers and sommeliers, nor do they want mega-size vessels holding 6,000+ guests. “Eagle Society” cruisers want good food & drinks, good service, and comfortable and modern accommodations combined with a relaxed, uncomplicated, friendly onboard experience.

The most popular event is the late afternoon open bar “Signature Cocktail Hour” with officers and fellow guests enjoying their favorite beverages and hors d’oeuvres featuring local specialties, and chatting about their day’s adventures (with live background music) before heading into the open seating dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fresh food is brought aboard daily, and all meals & snacks are included in your cruise. Master chefs prepare traditional American menus with a regional flair featuring local ingredients. The menus are short and sweet without any confusion when ordering. Breakfast in the dining room offers the most menu choices including a feature of the day.

In Brunswick, Georgia, the feature was beef tenderloin with eggs, lobster scampi & breakfast potatoes (I know, I know), plus made-to-order omelets, French toast, oatmeal, specialty quiches and the usual sides – bacon, sausage, grits. (A casual breakfast/lunch is offered every day in the outdoor café).

Our lunch choices included fried green tomato BLT, Napoleon lemon dill crab salad, or Brunswick stew. Dinner has two appetizers (corn chowder soup or iceberg wedge salad) and 3 entrees: Southern BBQ pork chop, crab-crusted salmon or pan-seared sea bass. Wine and beer and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, and homemade desserts are a big deal with this crowd.

Following dinner, many guests head back to the main lounge for live entertainment, featuring local musical guests, comedians, magicians and storytellers – and yes, the open bar is available to all.

To be clear, American Cruise Lines is not for everyone. It is not for families with young children. It is not for honeymooners wanting a tropical island beach vacation during the day and a heart-pounding late-night disco dance party. There is no onboard pool, casino, shopping, fancy spa, Broadway shows, 24/7 room service, activities or entertainment. It is the total opposite of Disney or Vegas or Carnival Cruises.

It is also not an inexpensive cruise line. ACL is a small, intimate experience for adults wanting to see and explore the United States in an upscale and comfortable environment – without long lines and crowds. (Some New England and Columbia & Snake River summer itineraries are popular with multi-generational groups – without young children.)

Here are a few of my favorite ACL “American Eagle” experiences during our “Historic South & Golden Isles” sailing :

• Easy and seamless walking on and off the ship at every port of call. In Savannah we were docked in front of the River Walk, smack in the heart of this historic and beautiful city.
• The new, modern and luxurious onboard décor. Very light and airy throughout the ship. Spacious public areas and staterooms/suites, including a surprisingly large sun deck with comfy lounge chairs and a track for scenic walking.
• Shore excursions, especially the “Alligator Wildlife Exploration” in the Sea Pines Resort Forest in Hilton Head and the “Pat Conroy’s Writing Exploration” and “Beaufort Movie Walking Tour” (”The Big Chill,” “Prince of Tides,” “Forest Gump,” “The Great Santini”) in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina.
• Eating breakfast or lunch outdoors on the Sky Lounge verandah overlooking the back of the ship and all the Lowcountry scenery on both sides.
• All-inclusive cruising – no nickel and diming. Fares include all onboard farm-to-table meals and snacks, wifi, evening cocktails, entertainment, enrichment programs, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, tips and gratuities, and so much more.

Before you book an American Cruise Line vacation, be sure to ask your travel advisor what style of ship you will be on. There are distinct differences (interior & exterior) between the riverboats, paddle-wheelers and coastal cruise ships. Many of the itineraries include a pre-cruise hotel stay with transfers and some extend complimentary airfare and special promotions.

For more information, go to www.americancruiselines.com .

“Let’s Visit PA with Sandy Fenton” is syndicated on iHeartRadio and heard locally every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon on WHP580 .

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