Kelly McGuire-Redfish Island

Kelly McGuire

“Redfish Island”

by TxLogCabin

Redfish Island is definitely spicy tropical candy for the ears. This is TEXAS Gulf Coast music of imaginative life-tales in boat metaphors. You can feel the artistic flair in every note that reveals his love of the sea and music, a powerful combination. Folks liken him to Jimmy Buffett, and honestly, there is a lot of similarity. But McGuire’s music has a great country edge that, until recently, Buffett has lacked. Maybe JB is taking some tips from KM? Worth a thought. This (transplanted) Texas singer/songwriter penned all 10 selections and took the advice to write about what you know, seriously. And he admits, he had a “whole ocean of inspiration.” The lyrics are upbeat, humorous, and sometimes down-right irreverent. The steel drums and bongos just won’t let you stay in your seat.

"Turn Around and Run" is the common impish inclination of anyone returning from a great tropical vacation.

“As we lugged our way to the exit
I could see the question in her eyes
So I answered with a smile
And I grabbed her hand
Last plane back to paradise
Let’s turn around and run.”

"They All Wanna Go To The Sea" is a nautical tribute to all sailors, boats and dreams, especially our erstwhile sailor.

“Sun sets on the harbor, peaceful and serene
The yachts are nestled snugly
With their far off dreams
…….
‘Cause they all wanna go to the sea
And they all dream of islands in their sleep
And there’s none that wanna go more so than me.”

The title track, "Redfish Island", is a metaphor and true tale about the oyster reef island that had been used by Galveston Bay weekend sailors. They would take totally sea-worthy boats out only as far as Redfish Island and anchor in its shelter, all the while dreaming of sailing the open sea.

“It’s a long way from Redfish to the Islands.
It could take a week or more
And there could be a storm
No I don’t wanna die on Redfish Island.
So just push me to the Gulf and set me free
‘Cause that’s the only way I’ll live my dream.”

Then a hurricane washed this haven away. His moral is to stop dreaming and live your dreams before it’s too late. A quirky follow up to this song is the track, "Where Did Redfish Go", about the poor weekend sailor that can’t find the island in the dark (because ship channel traffic and a hurricane eroded it away).

“But wait a minute what’s that funny beep I hear
The light on my fathometer is not very clear
And just about that time,
The boat stopped on a dime.
I flew past the compass
And landed on my rear.”

"Major Doubts About Waterspouts" is another humorous look at the real fears and dangers that surface when you try to live your sea dream. This one is about a 500 mile regatta Gulf crossing from Galveston to Tuxpan, Mexico, that experienced a bit of tempestuous weather. The finale of the squalls was the waterspout that kept flirting with the “fleet”.

“She snaked down from a low cloud
We were busy reefin’ the sails
We all just stared with wonder
As the devil wagged her tail
She went away but in a minute later
Came back close our way
Ev’ryone was quiet then I heard myself say

I’m having major doubts about waterspouts
Somebody tell me what to do
I’m havin’ major doubts about waterspouts
I wish I were home with you.

Hurricane is a thinly veiled expression of the experience everyone has when the “big blow” of your life breaks your heart.
“Wish I could name a hurricane,
I’d name one after you.”

"Sailin’ Cross The Gulf On My Own" explores the coming back to earth while realizing a long time dream. In this case, a solo Gulf crossing and all the funny and dangerous things that you have to work through.

“And it started me a thinkin’
I wished I was home a drinkin’
In a dryer pair of underwear.
……
So if you’d ever thought about
Takin’ off in your boat
Sailin’ cross the Gulf on you own
Well take my advice and listen to your wife about
Sailin’ cross the Gulf on you own
……
It’s like standin’ in the shower
For about a hundred hours
Sailin’ cross the Gulf on you own.”

"Therapy Cruise" is one of my favorites. When you listen, you can actually feel and smell the sea breeze and feel the tension just melt away.

“I said therapy, if you need a little therapy
Well I got a dose for you
Come on and take a little therapy cruise
Call your boss
Then come get lost
In the wind and sea with me
Therapy. It’s what we all need.”

In the liner notes, McGuire closes with, “Thanks for listening and taking the trip to Redfish Island with me. See ya next cruise!!” Feels just like the cruise captain bidding us all farewell. This CD is a must aboard any boat, and, of course, you’ll need copies for your car and home, too. You can buy yourself those copies on line at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kmcguire. For more info, check out McGuire’s web site at http://www.redfishisland.com or contact Kelly at Kelly@redfishisland.com .

Written by Cheryl Arthur, May 2005

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