Down To The Sea In Ships Quote
Have you ever heard the expression "down to the sea in ships"? It's a well-known quote that has been used in literature, movies, and even song lyrics. But what does it mean and where did it come from?
The Meaning Of "Down To The Sea In Ships"
The phrase "down to the sea in ships" refers to the act of going out to sea on a ship. It's often used to describe the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the sea and the bravery required to venture out onto it.
The expression can also be used more broadly to describe any risky or challenging endeavor that requires courage and determination. For example, someone might say "I'm going down to the sea in ships" to indicate that they're about to embark on a difficult journey or take on a daunting task.
The Origin Of "Down To The Sea In Ships"
The phrase "down to the sea in ships" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the book of Psalms. Psalm 107:23-24 reads:
"Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep."
This passage acknowledges the danger and uncertainty of the sea, but also emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of God in guiding and protecting those who venture out onto it.
Over time, the phrase "down to the sea in ships" became a popular idiom and was used in a variety of contexts to convey bravery, adventure, and risk-taking.
Examples Of "Down To The Sea In Ships" In Literature And Culture
The phrase "down to the sea in ships" has appeared in numerous works of literature and popular culture over the years. Here are just a few examples:
- The novel "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville includes a chapter titled "The Mat-Maker," which begins with the line "In the same way, I now begin to go down to the sea in ships"
- The poem "Sea Fever" by John Masefield includes the line "I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky"
- The song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot includes the line "To be brave and free and a friend of the brave, and the home of the brave came a-sailing"
- The movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" includes a scene in which the character Jack Aubrey declares "We go down to the sea in ships"
Conclusion
"Down to the sea in ships" is a powerful expression that conveys bravery, adventure, and risk-taking. Its origins in the Bible and its use in literature and popular culture have cemented its place in our cultural lexicon. So the next time you're facing a daunting challenge, remember that you too can go down to the sea in ships.