To get the gist of a historical background, you might want to check: http://alstewart.com/publicfiles/HISTORY_sampan.htm
Comments
10 years ago
Rosemarie Scott
One of my favorites by Al.
11 years ago
yangcy
I also like how he has to sneak at least one song about sailing per album ;)
11 years ago
yangcy
Well, a Sampan is a small Chinese boat, I recall seeing some of those in various Hollywood movies. There seems to be more of a historical background to this little piece than I suspected. A lot is explained on his web site. I've put the link under the description, you might like to check it out - it may interest (or bore the hell out of) you :) I guess the narrator is one of those French immigrants in Laos mentioned there. Still, the melody and the poetic imagery remain captivating.
11 years ago
Ricky M
I know. I know. I know who I am Riding on your sampan.
11 years ago
Ricky M
I wonder what the subject of this song is this time.