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Robert Plant — Ship of Fools
Album: Now and Zen
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2811









Released: 1988
Length: 4:53
Plays (last 30 days): 3
On waves of love my heart is breaking
And stranger still my self-control I can't rely on anymore.
New tide, surprise my world is changing.
Within this frame an ocean swells
Behind the smile I know it well.

Beneath a lover's moon I'm waiting
I am the pilot of the storm
Adrift in pleasure I may drown.
I built this ship; it is my making
And further more my self-control I can't rely on anymore.

I know why
I know why
Crazy on a ship of fools
Crazy on a ship of fools

Turn this boat around,
Back to my loving ground
Oh no, oh no

Who claims that no man is an island?
While I land up in jeopardy
More distant from you by degrees
I walk this shore in isolation
And at my feet eternity
Draws ever-sweeter plans for me

I know why
I know why
Crazy on a ship of fools
Crazy on a ship of fools

Turn this boat around,
Back to my loving ground
Oh no, oh no ship of fools

Turn this boat around,
Back to my loving ground
Oh no.

Crazy on a ship of fools
Oh, crazy on a ship of fools

Turn this boat around,
Back to my loving ground
Oh no, oh no ship of fools
Comments (236)add comment
Amazing album! Fond memories of when I first got my drivers license too.
My favorite part of this excellent tune?  The guitar licks that close it out.  Somebody really knows how to play a style I'll call "superb minimalism".
I remember this was on the radio in July 1988 when I was briefly working an overnight stocking job in a supermarket.  The crew had a portable boom box with them, and when this song came on the crew turned it up.  I doubt the crew was following the latest music releases, so they probably thought it was Led Zeppelin.
 peregrin wrote:
Every time I hear the phrase "Ship of Fools" my mind flashes back to the Far Side ...

Lol, comments on RP  are always entertaining.
This thewiseking user is by far the biggest asshole here… Please just ignore that fool. Robert has done not one bad album since Zep.
 Highlowsel wrote:
Yeah, back in the day, just wanted him

Robert Plant in the days of Zep, a young god prancing, singing and acting his way across the stage of life. We all want to be him didn't we? At least the guys did.

And more than a few women, they just wanted him.

But Time has its way with all of us, no exceptions allowed. So while he looks like his heritage, an ancient Viking longing to just hang it all up, I'd bet he's just hoping to make it to the end of his allotted time without wetting himself. At this point he's just hanging on the best he can; perhaps all the while wondering how'd the time go by so fast?

And isn't that pretty much what happens to each and everyone of us? No exceptions allowed.

So it goes. Good tune (by the way).

Highlow~
American Net'Zen






Now Imagine if we dove into Fishbone - Behavior Control Technician 
 theInterfacer wrote:

WOW - RP on RP on FLAC on Bose on cannabis. Love it!



901's I presume.
Plant's more recent solo work far surpasses this new Agey pseudo-Zeppelin crap

An 80's Mullet-Perm AND incredible music!
I’m rating this ten purely on the cover art.
 mjbaumann wrote:

Get out of here. Go back to Twitter Shitposters!


Does anybody remember laughter?
 theInterfacer wrote:

WOW - RP on RP on FLAC on Bose on cannabis. Love it!



Bose 901 I assume!
 mamerjamer wrote:

I think that Robert Plant's post-Led Zeppelin work is under-appreciated.  If you compare it to what Rod Stewart did when Disco took over, it all becomes much clearer.  Robert Plant forged a new direction by aligning himself with a talented group of musicians centered around ultra clear, shimmering, non-distorted guitar sounds and lots of clean and clear music and sounds that had nothing to do with disco, etc., but was more akin to world music.  It was the total opposite of Led Zeppelin, but not conforming to the trends of the day.  Great stuff.



I like a lot of Plant's post-LZ material and admire his wanting to expand his styles, but you could have a favorable view of most veteran artists' later work when compared to that of Rod Stewart after 1975 or so; it's a pretty low bar.
 peregrin wrote:
Every time I hear the phrase "Ship of Fools" my mind flashes back to the Far Side ...

Is there something for which Gary Larson hasn't drawn a comic? It's like XKCD
Every time I hear the phrase "Ship of Fools" my mind flashes back to the Far Side ...
great hit from Robert Plant  and great music mix- thank you for these pearls. made my day a lot better anytime
Much prefer the version by World Party


Robert Plant in the days of Zep, a young god prancing, singing and acting his way across the stage of life. We all want to be him didn't we? At least the guys did.

And more than a few women, they just wanted him.

But Time has its way with all of us, no exceptions allowed. So while he looks like his heritage, an ancient Viking longing to just hang it all up, I'd bet he's just hoping to make it to the end of his allotted time without wetting himself. At this point he's just hanging on the best he can; perhaps all the while wondering how'd the time go by so fast?

And isn't that pretty much what happens to each and everyone of us? No exceptions allowed.

So it goes. Good tune (by the way).

Highlow~
American Net'Zen




 captainmint wrote:

What a cunt.
 
Get out of here. Go back to Twitter Shitposters!
Ship of Fools... Car of Idiots (G Larson Far Side cartoon) Period Correct, and yet both still timeless!
 h8rhater wrote:

Much like you.

 
What a cunt.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Not sure about the cover photo.
Looks like he might have lost a bet.
 

Listening to this on a day when the POTUS has admitted to catching the "Democrat's hoax" and I'm thinking... wow, RP sure has a great DJ. That and there is a god.
Not sure about the cover photo.
Looks like he might have lost a bet.
 Beastie wrote:
The Principle of Moments, Now and Zen, Pictues at Eleven (co-produced and with performaces from Phil Collins) , Manic Nirvana and Fate of Nations. all outstanding, collectible, cherishable.
 
Absolutely!!  I bought them all the week they were released. 


bluejay08003 wrote:
Haven't heard this most excellent tune in many many years.  For some reason I'm a big fan of "Ship of Fools" songs, such as World Party, Erasure, and the Doors, to name a few.  

Don't forget Robert Calvert's "Ship of Fools" from "Lucky Leif and the Longships"!
 


 molson wrote:
This and Principle of Moments were excellent records! Robert made a very nice transition of sound coming from Zepplin. He always seems to evolve over time...amazing really.
 

Agreed. But, what's really amazing, is this 70 something, doing duet with little miss hottie, Allison Krauss!! They are simply magical together!
 mamerjamer wrote:
I think that Robert Plant's post-Led Zeppelin work is under-appreciated.  If you compare it to what Rod Stewart did when Disco took over, it all becomes much clearer.  Robert Plant forged a new direction by aligning himself with a talented group of musicians centered around ultra clear, shimmering, non-distorted guitar sounds and lots of clean and clear music and sounds that had nothing to do with disco, etc., but was more akin to world music.  It was the total opposite of Led Zeppelin, but not conforming to the trends of the day.  Great stuff.

 

Not to mention, what he's done with A. Krauss!! Dude still kicks ass like nobody's business!!!
WOW - RP on RP on FLAC on Bose on cannabis. Love it!
 What about "Ship of Fools" movies?

bluejay08003 wrote:
Haven't heard this most excellent tune in many many years.  For some reason I'm a big fan of "Ship of Fools" songs, such as World Party, Erasure, and the Doors, to name a few.  
 

 SpinyNorma wrote:
 
 
Lovely {#Daisy}
'Now and Zen' is one of my life's prime landmark albums.  I bought it a week after meeting a very lovely fella at the Motorcycle Action Group's Magna Carta rally 31 years ago.

We're still together. Our ship of fools has encountered a few storms along the way, but the crew has held fast to the ropes and we're now sailing calm waters and stupidly in love with each other.

Still wouldn't kick Mr Plant out of bed for eating biscuits, mind....
This one of Plant's best post LZ solo albums.
Rated as a 7 and then dropped to a 4. Awful over processed guitar, very MOR American commercial ditty.
Funny how this all works...A mid twenties kid from NM fresh out of the USN taking on a career in DC as an ATCS in Leesburg, VA.  This song got me through many trying times. Good to know it is still relevant.
Oh my goodness. How can this be 30 years old?! I remember when it came out and although I liked it, I deeply missed the days of Led Zeppelin. Now I miss the days when this came out. Funny how nostalgia works.
CHEESYINDEEDISBOBPLANTINFRONTOFPLANTEDBOBBINGFLAG
As much as I love Plant and his work with LZ I have to say this song is great...except for his voice.  It really just doesn't work with this tempo.  His voice was meant to be belted in front of a big driving rock beat...this gentle, melancholy stuff just doesn't work with his tone.  I think Sting would have been ideally suited for this one.  Still a likable song, just wish someone else were singing it  {#Confused}  
7 -> 8 on the strength of the guitar artistry
I am tired to set ratings for songs sent by Radio Paradise!
Because everything it plays is perfect {#Frown}
Nice!
Magic guitar! {#Bananajam}8.
{#Notworthy}
per the usual, I've been listening all morning.  But I have to note that I'm sensing a trend in the playlist today.  This song makes me want to comment on it.  thank you for helping through the day today RP.
On this November morning, this song carries more weight than usual.
I haven't heard this in too long. It is a beautifully done piece. Thanks for playing.
This and Principle of Moments were excellent records! Robert made a very nice transition of sound coming from Zepplin. He always seems to evolve over time...amazing really.
 jameyp wrote:
I bought this on 45 when I was in grade school.  So happy to hear it again on RP!  Great song :)

 
My god, I didn't realize that 45s were still being made in 1988.
 leafmold wrote:
Is that Mark Knopfler on guitar?  Sure sounds like his influence, anyway.

 
Mostly likely Doug Boyle.
Is that Mark Knopfler on guitar?  Sure sounds like his influence, anyway.
I bought this on 45 when I was in grade school.  So happy to hear it again on RP!  Great song :)
...*wow*!..

...bill, that was a stunning transition from crown of creation, well-played!..
Yea, this is a very underrated album to be sure.
I remember when this CD first came out.  It was in the days of the rise of the CD (which was rapidly obliterating vinyl and cassettes) and it was one of the first disks I bought after I got a player and nice stereo system of my own.  Man this disk was magic.  The clean airy sound just... well, it just showcased why the CD was taking over.  Silent spots were dead silent and every little nuance could be heard.  I would almost equate it to movies that are made with 3D in mind - only without letting that aspect over power what was just an incredibly well crafted work. Man I loved this disk - and still do :)

AmbientAmber wrote:
Stunning song. Technically, and in every other way. 
 


Stunning song. Technically, and in every other way. 
Haven't heard this most excellent tune in many many years.  For some reason I'm a big fan of "Ship of Fools" songs, such as World Party, Erasure, and the Doors, to name a few.  
 Moira wrote:
I walk this shore in isolation
And at my feet eternity
Draws ever-sweeter plans for me

An enchanted 8 from this breakfast listener in Europe...

 
Stuck in traffic on my way to work and listening to this. I don't mind! 8
 
I walk this shore in isolation
And at my feet eternity
Draws ever-sweeter plans for me

An enchanted 8 from this breakfast listener in Europe...
 Beastie wrote:
The Principle of Moments, Now and Zen, Pictues at Eleven (co-produced and with performaces from Phil Collins) , Manic Nirvana and Fate of Nations. all outstanding, collectible, cherishable.

As  are his collaborations...most notably with Alsion Krauss and Patty Griffin.


The Principle of Moments, Now and Zen, Pictues at Eleven (co-produced and with performaces from Phil Collins) , Manic Nirvana and Fate of Nations. all outstanding, collectible, cherishable.
Such a pleasure to hear this.

This song is soooo good for the ears...
 
This gets a 9... the live version gets 10 because Bill says there is no 11
they have also neurosurgery.

Alpine wrote:

Dude! They have surgery for that.  You have the dough.  What's your excuse?


 


he's alway's had good idea's - and recorded some for us...
 Stratocaster wrote:
Great clean guitar tone on this one.  Nice to hear it again.
 
I was enjoying the guitar as well.
I saw him in concert on this tour right before I went into the Navy.  Great song.  I miss the passion that used to be in his music.
 More_Cowbell wrote:
dork
 
...it took me over a year to get doug's CD!..
Great clean guitar tone on this one.  Nice to hear it again.
 h8rhater wrote:

Much like you.

 
ha ha ha!

The ALL-TIME BEST Robert song EVER!

Best listened to in headphones while sitting on the beach - gazing into the ocean.

It's been my favorite for as long as I can remember. I got the amazing chance to meet him years back in Myrtle Beach after the House of Blues concert and when I told him it was my favorite song, he said, "Yes, it's a girly song." Ha! I bet there are lots of guys in this forum who like this song too! Still - meeting him was quite the experience! We got to sit and have a drink with him and his band. Definitely unforgettable! The musicians were very cool.
Robert before he jumped the shark.
The tour for this album was my first "Big Stadium" show. Fun to hear, but only for the nostalgia factor.

 fingerpin wrote:
Happy Birthday to Mr. Plant!

 
Okay, RP is ok  {#Meditate}

Happy Birthday to Mr. Plant!

The chorus guitar effect is so '80s. It was pretty neat, got waaaaay overused—like the wah-wah pedal in the '60s—and you barely hear it anymore.
 Alpine wrote:

Dude! They have surgery for that.  You have the dough.  What's your excuse?
 
Dude! Have you ever considered that a vast swathe of the world does not consider plastic surgery a positive attribute?
Wow 22 years gone... I remember the summer of the "Tall Cool One" like it was yesterday. {#Sunny}
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Robert Plant In Bordeaux 3 by ~aeyoll
 
Dude! They have surgery for that.  You have the dough.  What's your excuse?


Robert Plant In Bordeaux 3 by ~aeyoll
©2006-2010 ~aeyoll

Robert In Bordeaux 14/11/2004



Bill, if you ever read this ;-), please play some of the songs from "Pictures at Eleven". Obrigado! {#Mrgreen}

PAE - Album Cover



 Papernapkin wrote:
Boring, and a bit whiney.
 
Much like you.

dork
...thanks for the link; album ordered...
Boring, and a bit whiney.
 mandolin wrote:
 a_genuine_find wrote:
I really like the tonality of the guitar on this track... 

...credit guitarist doug boyle and coproducers phil johnstone and tim palmer, along with engineers rob bozas and martin russell - sadly none of whom have worked with robert plant since 1993's fate of nations...


 

Doug Boyle just released a CD entitled The Third Rail. He's brilliant IMHO.
Available here https://web.mac.com/dougboyle
 nigelr wrote:
Absolute magic. Stupendous guitar!
More of the wonderful Mr. Plant please!
 
{#Cheers}

 mamerjamer wrote:
I think that Robert Plant's post-Led Zeppelin work is under-appreciated.  If you compare it to what Rod Stewart did when Disco took over, it all becomes much clearer.  Robert Plant forged a new direction by aligning himself with a talented group of musicians centered around ultra clear, shimmering, non-distorted guitar sounds and lots of clean and clear music and sounds that had nothing to do with disco, etc., but was more akin to world music.  It was the total opposite of Led Zeppelin, but not conforming to the trends of the day.  Great stuff.

 
Well said, seeing his work within context reveals soulful artistry.

Loves me a fretless bass!
One of my favs - love the album
I'm not a fan of the cheesy use of various percussion instruments...
 a_genuine_find wrote:
I really like the tonality of the guitar on this track... 

...credit guitarist doug boyle and coproducers phil johnstone and tim palmer, along with engineers rob bozas and martin russell - sadly none of whom have worked with robert plant since 1993's fate of nations...


 kgish wrote:
Nice voice, nice guitar, nice lyrics, nice everything.
 
Yes, it's good stuff.

Nice voice, nice guitar, nice lyrics, nice everything.

Alone this song is nice, but nothing stunning.   Throw in memories of spring, high school musicals (real ones, not Disney movies), and driving a beat up Dodge Omni up Route 9W and then it starts to mean something to me. {#Angel}
-dave


I think that Robert Plant's post-Led Zeppelin work is under-appreciated.  If you compare it to what Rod Stewart did when Disco took over, it all becomes much clearer.  Robert Plant forged a new direction by aligning himself with a talented group of musicians centered around ultra clear, shimmering, non-distorted guitar sounds and lots of clean and clear music and sounds that had nothing to do with disco, etc., but was more akin to world music.  It was the total opposite of Led Zeppelin, but not conforming to the trends of the day.  Great stuff.

...beauty...
Love this song!  Glad to hear it on RP!  {#Smile}

I warmly recommend "66 to Timbuktu". It contains a slightly different version of this song and a lot of outstanding others.
One of my favs...
Thanks for the background a_genuine_find.
Great tune but, check out that fashion disaster outfit! Form the "What Were They Thinking?" Boutique maybe? :-)
Wow. Post Zep Robert Plant certainly generates a variety of vehement opinions.
Most of this album is pretty darn good. I recommend Dreamland and Mighty Rearranger as well -- more than Now & Zen -- both are some of the best from Plant. Some really good music, and un-Ledded. IMHO FWIW
I really like the tonality of the guitar on this track... Liam S Tyson (born 7 September 1969 in Liverpool, England), also known as Skin, was the lead guitarist for the now defunct Liverpool band Cast. Since the bands split, Tyson has gone on to play with Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant in his new band "The Strange Sensation". Liam also played in the greatly under-rated Liverpool band 'Pyramid Dream' who played around liverpool in the late 80's / early 90's, and also performed a short series of concerts in Leningrad, St Petersburg in 1991, in a cultural exchange tour organised by Liverpool City Council. The music of this band was a highly sophisticated blend of Pink Floyd style ambience with shades of U2's emotive power and something of the harmonic and melodic subtlety of the Pat Metheny Group, of whom the band were big fans. Liam did not contribute greatly to the compositions of this band however, his contribution lying in 'total dedication to his instrument'.
Sounds great in the headphones! This one's fun to play on guitar as well.
As a 'core zepper of yore, I'm not familiar w/this side of him and it will take a personal adjustment--but I rather like it.
Plant plays with cream of the crop musicians. Rather than glitz, this is architecture and lets face it Plant & co knows how to build em. Now Robert go buy the plane ticket, grab Page by the neck (of his axe) and come on over across the big pond - - lets ROCK ... Seattle "69" w/ 3 dog nite. Zep-pa-de-do-da. Still cookin' 40 circles later.
Weak ass 80's chorus shit-pop
Long Live The King
Absolute magic. Stupendous guitar! More of the wonderful Mr. Plant please!
Okay, I get Led Zepplin, but Robert Plant after Led Zepplin is like a computer hacker...all that talent, know how, ability, genius...and it's thrown away. Sorry, just don't get post-Zep Plant.
I saw him live in Malta this summer with the Strange Sensation............man he still rocks.........
raisedonCFNY wrote:
had this at a 2 one minute in....then at about 3 minutes in i had to change it to a 1. there is nothing to like in this song
fascinating, captain
had this at a 2 one minute in....then at about 3 minutes in i had to change it to a 1. there is nothing to like in this song
Thanks RP... luverly stuff
Great song! Thank you Robert for having been... :
Mugro wrote:
Probably the ONLY good Robert Plant solo song.
I would disagree. "Big Log" (also on the RP playlist) has a nice enigmatic quality to it. "Burning Down One Side" was a good campy rocker. "Tall Cool One," however; well, that one's a different story.