Rime of the Ancient Mariner in Music.

Though some consider The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Coleridge to be poem, the truth is, that this piece is really meant to be a ballad. A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set along to music. With this, it is no surprise that Samuel Coleridge’s piece would have at least some influence in modern music. Any fan of the British metal band Iron Maiden , would know about their album Powerslave and the last track of it. Titled, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner “, their thirteen minute long epic tells the story of the mariner, with many direct quotations to the ballad it self. Another metal group by the name of Nightwish, mentions the ancient mariner in their song Sahara. A song by the same band by the name of “The Islander”, draws heavily from the ballad as well, referencing the flight of the albatross. Progressive rock group, Pink Floyd, makes the same reference to this scene at the opening of their song “Echoes”. One of Fleetwood Mac’s hit songs “Albatross”, gets it’s name directly from the poem. A song by the name “Albatross” was also recorded by a band named Corrosion of Conformity, where the singer warns the albatross away and states that he believe the albatross is him. Underground rock band, Slint, had their own adaptation of the poem in their song "Good Morning Captain". Sarah Blasko’s album cover for “What the Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have” draws from artwork baked on the poem, songs in the album also quote lines from the piece. A more humorous approach to “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is brought to us by the pirate-themed rap group Captain Dan. The title track is called “Rimes of the Hip-Hop Mariner”, and is a stylized retelling of the actual events of the poem. Samuel Coleridge’s piece has inspire many artists to produce some of their best work, and will continue to inspire many with it’s captivating style.



Alex Jorge