#62 – Stranded On A Sandbar
Day #62 – Stranded On A Sandbar
A sandbar is exactly what it sounds like, a bank or bar of sand, usually at the mouth of a river, but also can be along the coast. They can be pretty stationary, or they can move, depending on the strength of the water current. They can be likened to shoals, dunes or spits. In a metaphorical sense, a sandbar can be defined as a boundary that we get stuck on, or a barrier that keeps us from moving forwards, backwards or any direction at all.
Crossing The Bar is a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson that compares death to a bar between the river of life and the great, boundless deep of the ocean to which we return. I reached thirty years back into college literature memories when thinking about sandbars, although the poem does not express a sand bar specifically.
Crossing The Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1889
Jimmy was well read. I have no idea if he ever read this poem by Tennyson, but I thought I would share it for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s a lovely bit of word smithing, and secondly, because I think some similar meaning is conveyed in this poem that touches on Jimmy’s words in his song, not death exactly which is conveyed in Tennyson’s poem, but on the feeling of not moving forward as is expressed in Jimmy’s lyrics..
I am not sure exactly what inspired Jimmy to use the term in his lyrics, but I can see multiple meanings in this song, which is one of the brilliant things about Jimmy’s song writing.
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Original post from 11/2/2023
Day #62 – Stranded On A Sandbar
Stranded On A Sandbar was released on JB’s 1979 album Volcano.
“I feel like I’m stranded on a sandbar, Stuck in my tracks like a streetcar, Playing it for all that it’s worth, I’m just payin’ for my sins on Earth…”
It was on the B-side of the single, Volcano, which of course became one of Jimmy’s hits. Stranded On A Sandbar is certainly less known than its counterpart Volcano, but I have always liked it.
Volcano itself is an interesting album. I think it is a beautiful record but at the time of its release, many fans weren’t sure! It sounded different than Jimmy’s previous stuff, it had some new musicians, and it had a different producer and was recorded on an island in the Caribbean, not in Nashville or the keys. Some people loved it, some people hated it and swore they were done with Jimmy Buffett forever (liars), most people weren’t sure, and I was six and didn’t know it existed.
“I enjoy this life as a jester, Seems to keep me moving around, Like the wind that blows, Tide that flows, Have my ups and downs…”
This song was written solely by Jimmy and starts off slow and melodic with deep themes, then revs up for the chorus before dipping back down in pace. I enjoy the change in cadence of the song, but it’s the lyrics that really connect for me.
“Now I used to be crazy for days at a time, Now I’m taking my time with my days, Haven’t found the answers like some that I know, I’m just stuck in a fairly nice maze…”
Several years back, I was in a group of coworkers kayaking down the Missouri when a couple people got stuck on that large gravel and sand bar at the opening to Nelson Dredge. I was highly entertained as they dragged their vessel to deeper water and was singing this song, but realized not one person I was with knew the song or any anyway or appreciated Jimmy’s music like I do. To this day, every time I am at the point on the Missouri, this song makes an appearance.
“I feel like I’m stranded on a sandbar...”
Please enjoy Stranded On A Sandbar. I have included the link in the comments below.
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This song has been an ear worm for me every two or three days since before my original post and is still popping up for me. I am not sure what the universe might be trying to tell me, but I do know that I really appreciate this song and its message and enjoy any chance I have to listen to it or be reminded of it. Thanks Jimmy, for putting a positive spin on what can feel like sluggish or listless moments.
Stacy
Please enjoy Stranded On A Sandbar. I have included the link below. Enjoy!
The link is from Jimmy’s official YouTube channel, which I have no personal affiliation with.
