I am leaving this comment here so that every time someone likes it I can get a reminder of this performance.

I’m an old cape cod fisherman reaching back in time to try and find meaning as I watch my mind lose its way. The music of the fishers and sailors like these men and women guide me and help remedy the task of growing old. Oh God, I’m so glad I can still hear. Thank you lads and lassies, thank you. Bill

Stan Rogers would be proud, lads.

I’m an American watching bunch of Englishman along with a bunch of Spaniards sing a song written by a Canadian about the NW passage. Friends, for all the filth made possible by the internet, let us not forget to celebrate the beauty it brings as well.

The fact that this isn't available on spotify is criminal

Best cover of this song I’ve heard. A nice, more optimistic, major key version of the song. I’m glad they didn’t try to mimic Stan Rogers-the best covers always do something new.

Thank you, fellas, for honoring our Canadian heritage, and a Canadian folk giant, Stan Rogers. He'd be listening down on ya I'm sure. And were he still here, raise a mighty glass.

There's SO much... Presence to them. I can't help but imagine them doing this as a flash mob in a busy place.

Rest in peace Sir John Franklin, rest in peace crews of the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus and rest in peace all other sailors who died trying to find it. o7

Stan Rogers may have died too young, but the legacy he left is enormous. We hold a yearly folk festival in his honour and you're not allowed to be a Nova Scotian unless you can sing at least 5 of his songs word for word

It should really be mentioned that this was written and first performed by a Canadian legend named Stan Rogers. People should try listening to his other work. In my opinion, Barrett's Privateers is by far the best drinking song ever written.

Sir franklin would be proud of hearing this. His soul is now in a better place. Rest in peace Sir John Franklin. May you find the northwest passage!

The passion of this song brings me to tears

Discovered this gem by mistake now i'm broke and depressed running on nostalgia

I am a former blue water cruiser and no - I never sailed the Northwest passage ( we spent most of our time in the South Pacific). But this song makes me long for these days ⚓️

Born too late to explore the world, born too early to explore the universe. Such is the curse that we all carry.

"A voice still echoes softly cross the rivers and the plains So don't you dare stop listening, and DONT FORGET HIS NAME!" Arise and be merry, and sing out while you can! The world will never see the likes of dear old Stan"

Westward from the Davis Strait 'tis there 'twas said to lie The sea route to the Orient for which so many died; Seeking gold and glory, leaving weathered, broken bones And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones. Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. Three centuries thereafter, I take passage overland In the footsteps of brave Kelsey, where his "sea of flowers" began Watching cities rise before me, then behind me sink again This tardiest explorer, driving hard across the plain. Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. And through the night, behind the wheel, the mileage clicking west I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest Who cracked the mountain ramparts and did show a path for me To race the roaring Fraser to the sea. Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. How then am I so different from the first men through this way? Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away. To seek a Northwest Passage at the call of many men To find there but the road back home again. Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.

As a Canadian, the line ‘one warm line through a line so wide and savage’ will forever remain one of the most poignant things ever written about our country in song.

Ah. I've been looking for this song for more than 30 years! It makes me cry. The sad story of the Erebus and the Terror shakes my soul. Thank you.

A beautiful rendition of a timeless classic. The lead singer has an amazing voice and I fail to understand why these guys aren't getting several million views per video. This was wonderful to listen to.

As a Human, Canadian, wanderlust struck explorer, and hopeful future space colonist, I will be playing this when I take my first few steps on Mars.

Excellent rendition. A violin at the beginning will get me every time. This song shows Stan Rogers genius, a song paying tribute to early explorers, but at the same time really about the human spirit to find something bigger than themselves.

Many years ago, the BBC showed a documentary re scientists investigating the grave and preserved remains of one of Franklin's crew. It was interesting, if somewhat gory, but just before the credits rolled, the last footage showed the scientist's light aircraft taking off as a backdrop to the cairn while this song was being played, emphasising its loneliness and isolation. I've liked it ever since, but every time I hear it, I think back to the final few moments of that programme-very poignant!

I've heard a few different renditions of this song now, and I can safely say that I love them all. It's a simple song, but all it needs is a bit of spirit and it comes to life.

A spirited song, laddies, that lifted my spirit and made my heavy heart light. Let us never lose the spirit of adventure!

One of my sophomore students just introduced me to The Longest Johns. So glad he did!

El Pony Johns / The Longest Pisadors

This song has a very specific feel to it. Don't quite know how to describe it other than maybe to call it a "keep buggering on" vibe. Or maybe if you prefer a "fight the good fight" vibe if, unlike me, you're someone with faith. It feels like the sort of song that would be sung many years from now, with close friends, one day when all are close to retiring and you're remembering days gone by

This is so perfect…the pain, the desperation, the resolve. I truly feel as if I’m an explorer risking everything to seek a Northwest Passage.

Last winter I was singing this song while driving Fork truck and one of my coworkers saw me so what I do, I sing louder

As a Nova Scotian, all I can say is wow! Thank you for your beautiful music. Stan would have been honoured to have his song done by such talented musicians. Merci.💗

Bravo, lads. Bravo. I was born too late for Mister Stan, but I know his music, and you've done it service with this one, b'ys.

I've listened to this about 20 times already. So beautifully played lads

Have been waiting for this one and not disappointed! Can't wait for more "Longest Ponies!"

Hands down the best version I've ever heard of this song. Goosebumps evey time.

It makes me sad that I could not live 400 years ago to see the wonderous expanse that was this world the modern era made things so small that nothing seems novel. When I travel to the places without light pollution and look up at the band of the milky way and the galaxies beyond our I think about how much more there is to explore. We are fortunate for the modern luxuries we enjoy. We are fortunate that we have clean water and food whenever we like. We are fortunate for the knowledge this world, but it comes at the cost of the human spirit of Discovery and inmovation. In truth I do not know which situation is better, because it seems that the grass is always greener. But I can say that sometimes I wish I was born 400 years from now to explore the vast expanse that is our universe.

God , 20 seconds in and im in tears , thank you guys

Cheers from Catalonia! M'encanta que s'ajuntin catalans i anglesos!

I’m usually pretty purist about feeling this song needs to be a capella, and when I see a cover video where the thumbnail shows instruments, I’ll have a moment of “instruments? INSTRUMENTS? It’s ‘Northwest Passage!’” But this time, that was tempered by, “but it’s the Longest Johns, it’s gotta be good.” And I’ll tell you, I was sold from the opening fiddle line. This is one of the greatest songs ever, performed here with true faithfulness and love. Amazing and wonderful.

Maybe my favourite version. Chills every time.

i had the joy and honor of fighting the johns in SOT. when the crew i was apart of realized who we were fighting, all canon fire stopped and we welcomed the johns on deck and got a private performance of this song. video games are what they are. but the people playing them can make your heart swell. thank you johns.

Funny how this has just popped in in my recommendations when I am watching The Terror on the BBC.

I wish this were on Spotify.

I witnessed this display of greatness last night at the Gloucester Shanty Festival. The chills are still running down my spine this morning. No recording can do these two amazing groups justice, it needs to be heard live and in the moment. Simply stunning

Be it sad or happy, no matter in which mood I am, I love listening to this song.

This is my favorite version of this song without question.

Canada's other national anthem.

Oh, Stan. The poet and artist, whom we didn't deserve.

LYRICS *(If someone hasn't posted yet)* [Verse 1] Westward from the Davis Strait 'Tis there 'twas said to lie The sea route to the Orient For which so many died Seeking gold and glory, Leaving weathered, broken bones And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones [Chorus] Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin Reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line Through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea [Verse 2] Three centuries thereafter I take passage overland In the footsteps of brave Kelsey Where his "sea of flowers" began Watching cities rise before me Then behind me sink again This tardiest explorer Driving hard across the plain [Chorus] Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin Reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line Through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea [Verse 3] And through the night, behind the wheel The mileage clicking west I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest Who cracked the mountain ramparts And did show a path for me To race the roaring Fraser to the sea [Chorus] Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin Reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line Through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea [Verse 4] How then am I so different From the first men through this way? Like them, I left a settled life I threw it all away To seek a Northwest Passage At the call of many men To find there but the road back home again [Chorus] Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin Reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line Through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea [Chorus Second TIme] Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin Reaching for the Beaufort Sea Tracing one warm line Through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea (x3)

Bless ye lads. Bless ye. We must return to tradition. It isn't too late.

Heard this song first on the TV show Due South. It then led me to Stan Rogers and now to the Longest Johns. One warm line, indeed.

As a True Son of the North, as a man who has trod the Arctic, who has stood in Gjoa Haven, looked across that ice- thank you.

I wish there was something stronger than a “like,” because I’d leave you one.

My father, Andrew John Gallagher, was aboard the first U.S. Ship to circumnavigate the famed Northwest Passage back in 1957. The Canadian ship, Labrador, was the first ina procession of four ships; the later three were United States Coast Gaurd. They were the Spar, the Bramble and The Storis. My father, a navigator, was on the Storis the first ship after the Canadian Labrador. I was listening to Shanty songs online when this song came about. What a wonderful song. I want to learn more about this Stan Roger's song. I enjoyed the performance here, gentlemen! Bravo!

My dad says that if you need anyone else to hang out in the back row sipping a beer and singing along with the chorus, he's available. He likes to sing this song when he's walking the dogs.

I can’t stop listening to this song

I'm nowhere from Canada but all of a sudden i cried maplesirup

Think about this for a moment- In the catalog of most songwriters, a song like this is a career-defining achievement. The cherry on top of a life's work. For Stan Rogers, this one probably clocks in on the top five list. He wrote that many magnum opus-level songs, despite losing his life at 33.

This is an excellent version of the song, and a credit to all concerned. I have greatly enjoyed listening to it.

Westcountry and Spanish musicians taking a Canadian song up two notches, just beautiful and stirring!

I dont drink but i'll raise a glass with my boys to music like this

The last ever episode of ’Due South’ from back in the 90s

Stan Rogers was a hero. He lost his life trying to help others.

I looked into the history of this song and was really touched by the sense of connection between the songwriter and the explorers. Thanks for introducing me to this song. This performance is so beautiful and down to earth. I love it so much.

There is nothing like Stan Rogers to bring me back to the happy memories of my native Nova Scotia, where Stan is still a favorite adopted son. Many a night were happily spent in some of Halifax’s finest pubs to the wee hours of the morning enjoying many Alexander Kieths with friends of a lifetime and singing Stan Rogers songs such as NW Passage and Barrett’s. Wonderful job gentlemen and consider this another loud vote for a rendition of Barrett’s Privateers.

A true Canadian classic. What an honour to hear you sing it

You took this one down with such honor and respect, both for Rogers and Franklins men. Hat's off, lads! Very well done!

i have chills

As an Irish Canadian Shantyman, far too far away from Canadian soil, this brings a tear to my eye. Good on you, lads. You've done Stan, his memory, and all us trad folkies proud.

TLJ have performed this song many times over the years, but this version, I believe, is their best, and very well supported by El Pony Pisador, a great group. The combination of Dave, Andy, Robbie, and J.D.'s voices are simply extraordinary!

While your group The Longest John's are still new to me, the music you sing so well is not. One of my prized possessions is a signed copy of Stan Roger's songbook and I love to hear his songs again. Please, do more, and thank you

Back watching this again, after so many times. You really cant help but just sing along with that chorus. 'tis beautiful.

That last bass note got me feeling some sort of way

Beautiful. Also love the comrades shirt playing the mandolin (?). Solidarity.

Always loved this song as a kid, had not heard it in at least 15 years, stumbled upon this and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you very much for this amazing performance.

this is the single best cover of this song i have ever heard! absolutely needs to be on spotify

Ohhhhh, oh my, one of the best of Stan's songs. Oh this sounds so good.

I want this on spotify so god damn bad

utterly charming and melodic and beautiful, thank you

This needs a studio recording of it's own.

Unleashed the Archers brought me here. This is great !!!

this is so indescribably beautiful id love a full album of songs like these. You all are so incredible

Amazing! Great Version! Stan Rogers is the best! As an American who loves folk music, thanks to our brothers in the north for making Stan Rogers! USA and Canada for ever!

This stirs something WAY down deep in my soul….. don’t know why- I live way down in the south and have honestly never ever heard this song before today. Very, very, very well done, fellas.

Absolutely fantastic! ❤

I can only imagine how good this would be live. Thanks for the post.

This made me happy beyond belief. Thank you for making this.

i was waiting for a "studio version" since the live you made toghether😍 incredible work greetings from Italy

Only half a mil views for this masterpiece?? Criminal. Criminal.

If I remember correctly it was the Harwich 2017 International Shanty Festival that brought these two groups to Harwich.... and this was one wonderful result.... subsequently....

Greetings from Poland! :)

Canada’s other Official alternate National Anthem, along with Gordon Lightfoot’s “Canadian Railroad Trilogy”. Beautifully done, lads. Gave this Canadian Grandmother a big, ole smile 🙋🏻‍♀️🇨🇦🎶

A brilliant piece by Stan: thank you for performing it with the reverence it deserves

I have not found a better version of this song so far! Goosebumps all over. Greetings from Hamburg Germany!

Bless you. Bless you all.

Amazing collaboration

JD absolutely nails this! Watched it about 200x so far

This is beautiful, lifting the soul high above sea & rushing it over the waves.

This song always gives me goose bumps.