Little Ship cover

Little Ship

Loudon Wainwright III · 1997

48 min · 15 tracks · blues

A reflective blend of folk and blues, woven with introspective lyrics and a sense of gentle humor.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Breakfast in Bed Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Mr. Ambivalent — This track captures the duality of human emotions through its playful yet poignant lyrics, showcasing Wainwright’s trademark wit.
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    What Are Families For? — In this song, Wainwright delves into the complexities of familial relationships with a blend of humor and sincerity, making it relatable and impactful.
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    So Damn Happy — This upbeat track contrasts the album's more introspective moments, offering a glimpse into Wainwright's joyful outlook amidst life's challenges.
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    The Birthday Present II — This track poignantly reflects on themes of aging and reflection, using clever wordplay to evoke nostalgia while maintaining emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • witty storytelling with depth
  • morning routine background companion
  • thoughtful exploration of life
  • nostalgic warmth in melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat dance tracks
  • seek instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its introspective lyrics and humor, showcasing Wainwright's storytelling.
Themes
familial complexities· aging reflections· playful duality
Career context
Released in 1997, Little Ship was Loudon Wainwright III's ninth studio album, following his acclaimed album Grown Man. At this point in his career, Wainwright had established himself as a notable storyteller in folk music, having experienced both commercial success and personal transformations that informed his songwriting.

Tracklist

  • 1 Breakfast in Bed Start here 3:06
  • 2 Four Mirrors 2:55
  • 3 Mr. Ambivalent 3:45
  • 4 OGM 2:55
  • 5 Our Own War 3:50
  • 6 So Damn Happy 2:25
  • 7 Primrose Hill 4:50
  • 8 Underwear 1:31
  • 9 The World 1:49
  • 10 What Are Families For? 4:26
  • 11 Bein' a Dad 3:42
  • 12 The Birthday Present II 3:52
  • 13 I Can't Stand Myself 2:41
  • 14 Little Ship 3:35
  • 15 A Song 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata