God Moves On The Water

Album: Self Made Man (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a reworking of Blind Willie Johnson's "God Moves On The Water," a 1920's folk-blues number about the sinking of the Titanic. Larkin Poe's updated version contains additional lyrics about other tragedies that took place throughout history, including The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the devastating 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.
  • This is featured on Larkin Poe's 2020 album Self Made Man which was coincidentally released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic - a fact that makes the song all the more relatable. Vocalist Rebecca Lovell spoke with Mundane magazine about the song's meaning. "The ultimate takeaway message being that when we come together, we are stronger. When we move through tragedy as one, we're able to come out the other side stronger, which seemed super appropriate considering what has since happened," she explained, referring to the pandemic. "At that point in time we had no idea how appropriate that song would be."
  • Larkin Poe know their way around a cover song. The band, founded by sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell, have shared their rootsy takes on classic tunes via their YouTube channel since 2015. In 2020, they also issued Kindred Spirits, a diverse collection of covers that included Derek and the Dominos "Bell Bottom Blues," Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight," and Elton John's "Crocodile Rock," among others.

    In an interview with Atwood Magazine, Megan explained that covering other people's songs helps Larkin Poe strengthen their own musical identity. "It's one of the gifts that keeps on giving," she said. "Not only does it keep you fresh and inspire you - sort of like you are what you eat, you are what you listen to - but also it informs a lot of our own voice as Larkin Poe, somewhat. Learning other people's songs helps you know who you are a bit more as an artist and it's something we enjoy doing together."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.