Although the 2010 version of the Nordnes Christmas video had set the target high, many were of the opinion that it could not be exceeded. But it is exactly in line with the way things are usually done on Nordnes, always looking for improvements!
By Nordnes Crew, made by Mateusz Cebula
Last year has proven that a side project like making a movie is a great team-building exercise, as it puts people in unexpected roles, it requires initiatives from all involved and it makes people working together who, in their daily work, not necessarily deal with each other.
Besides the lessons on time management and setting of priorities in the tasks at hand are very valuable as well, since all of this “fun” should not compromise the continuity of the main task at hand. Which of course is the safe, swift and sound installation of the most excellent rock berms for which Van Oord Offshore in general and the Nordnes crew more specifically have become renown.
This film exceeds the 2010 version for 3 reasons: better special effects and stunts, better costumes and acting and –last but not least- our live performance. The idea of singing “live” gave many of us the shivers. As expected, the voices may not sound like cherubs –yet another reason why we considered looking like “pirates” was appropriate-, but still the composition altogether makes it a unique document and has provided the Nordnes and her crew with a rock installation shanty that hopefully may sound for many years to come. This way we will Rock the Seven Seas!
In this respect I may give a brief elaboration on the origin of the music: Blow the Man Down originated in the Western Ocean sailing ships. The tune could have originated with German emigrants, but it is more likely derived from an African-American song Knock a Man Down. Blow the Man Down was originally a halyard shanty. There are countless versions of Blow the Man Down, Nordnes and Rock Installation crews now have their own.
I hope you all enjoy watching our movie, a special thank you to Mateusz Cebula, who has put so much effort in the editing of the movie that the graphics card of his computer even crashed, is appropriate in this place. Apart from him in particular the complete Nordnes crew can be complimented with: “Another job well done!”
We will give your messages in our guestbook a warm welcome!
Bert de Ruiter
Lyrics
1 Oh drop the rocks down, Nordnes drop the rocks down
Way ye drop the rocks down
Oh drop the rocks down, Nordnes drop them away
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
2 The chief lost his keys, what's that all about?
Way ye drop the rocks down
I've started the engine there's smoke coming out
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
3 And I am the skipper, see the weather is rough
Way ye drop the rocks down
But the Nordnes can have it 'cause she's very tough
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
4 I'm cooking the chicken no more does it fly
Way ye drop the rocks down
Together with pasta in the pan do I fry
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
5 The gates are still closed and the belts are so slow
Way ye drop the rocks down
But i'll fill up the hopper, am ready to go.
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
6 Oh drop the rocks down, Nordnes drop the rocks down
Way ye drop the rocks down
Oh drop the rocks down, Nordnes drop them away
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
7 The frames they were stuck, and the chains they were foul
Way ye drop the rocks down
So we got out the gas axe, to cut free them all
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
8 The assistant blocks buckets, 1 minute to go
Way ye drop the rocks down
The feeder goes on and he lets the rocks flow
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
9 The Pilots shortcircuit, there'e flames blowing out
Way ye drop the rocks down
They reset the motors so that's sorted out!
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
10 Position is lost and the signal is weak
Way ye drop the rocks down
The Online surveyor the system he tweaks
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
11 Never take heed of what processors say
Way ye drop the rocks down
The pipe I can see is where the rocks lay
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
12 The Super he questions where did this pipe go
Way ye drop the rocks down
The pipes in the middle from Leo we know
Give me some time to drop the rocks down
13 So we blow the rocks up, and we drop them all down
Way ye drop the rocks down
We do all of this for the client who pays,
What such a clown for funding our raise!!!!!
By Neil Pritchard
December 2011
Drop The Rocks Down (Trailer_Extended) !!
