Great Big Sea = Great Big Trivia Quiz

Answer: Alan Doyle

Sean McCann left the band in 2013, after which the remaining members, Alan, Darell, and Bob Hallet, decided to retire the group. Alan Doyle still performs live quite often, however, and in 2022 he starred in the musical "Tall Tale Harbor" at the 2022 Charlottetown Music Festival. Joseph Hanh is a member of Linkin Park.

Answer: down

This is from the second song on the third CD ('Play'). It was written and first recorded in 1993 by the English group Oysterband, but was made famous by Great Big Sea in 1997. It was the group's highest-peaking single, reaching number six on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.

Answer: Donkey Riding

"Donkey Riding" is featured on the "Play" album. It is a traditional Newfoundland/Atlantic Canadian sea chantey, but its origins can be traced back even further, to Scotland. The tune is derived from the traditional melody of "Highland Laddie", and the donkey that the lyrics refer to is either a type of steam engine (according to Wikipedia) or a type of lift used in the dockyards (according to the album sleeve).

The song has been recorded several times by different groups.

Answer: Newfoundland

Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949; prior to this, it had been a separate British dominion. It is also the home of L'Anse aux Meadows, a site that might have been the Vinland settlement described and occupied by Lief Ericson. Great Big Sea is obviously proud of their province and many of their songs relate to Newfoundland.

They decided to form the band at a ceilidh (kay-lee, a kitchen party, and another common feature of Atlantic Canada).

Answer: Turn

"Turn" was released in June of 1999. It features such classic songs as "Consequence Free" and "Old Brown's Daughter". By August, the album had gone Platinum in Canada, reaching sales of 133,000 in Canada alone.

Answer: Waves

The first song on the CD starts with the sound of crashing waves. The album was originally released in 1993, and led to the band's signing a contract with Warner Music Canada. It features such classic tunes such as "I'se the Bye" (a traditional Newfoundland chantey) and "Drunken Sailor".

Answer: True

This song has several titles (perhaps because no title is actually listed on the album?). It is known as "Rigadoon", "Jolly Beggar Dude", and "Little Beggarman", all lines from the song. It has a decidedly rap feel, but still with a celtic flair, and was written by the entire band.

Answer: The Hard and the Easy

"The Hard and the Easy" was released in October 2005, after the departure of original member Darrell Power in 2003. The album incorporated all of Great Big Sea's favorite ceilidh songs. It hit Gold status mere days after it was released.

Answer: To I'll see you 'round some day

"How Did We Get from Saying 'I Love You'..." is on the album "Play". It is written by Alan Doyle. It features a common theme in Great Big Sea songs, of relationships that eventually die out.

Answer: Lukey

"Lukey", sometimes known as "Lukey's Boat", is another traditional song adapted by Great Big Sea. Originating from the east coast of Newfoundland, this chantey chronicles Lukey throughout several verses, speaking about various aspects of his boat, as well as the death of his wife, which he does not seem to care about particularly! It is a peppy song, often used at singalongs in Atlantic Canada.