From the recording Sea Salt and Sawdust
Words: One year after Hurricane Sandy, I was on the boardwalk at Asbury Park, NJ. As I breathed in the salty air I could also smell sawdust, and I could also hear construction – rebuilding – going on. The Jersey Shore has been a cornerstone in my life, and it was good to see it finding its way back.
Key lyric: Memories of my life are steeped in sun-warmed waters blazing bright, the coolness of the sand at night
Music: A joyous celebration, with mandolin and accordion, evoking the carnival vibe of the boardwalk. Featuring an all-star cast of local players.
Sounds like: The Decemberists
Credits: Marian Mastrorilli-lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar; Mike Mills-acoustic guitar; Maggie Mills-backing vocals; Josie Bello-accordion; Spencer G-mandolin; Glenn Govier-bass; Chris Howard-percussion. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Kelly at The Workshoppe East; accordion recorded by Mike Nugent at Melts in Your Ears, Huntington Station, NY.
Lyrics
A Shore Thing (My Jersey Shore) ©2013-2019 Marian Mastrorilli
Spotted out along the sea
Signposts of recovery
Sea salt and sawdust scent the air
Ghosts of the past everywhere
Although the sea went off the charts
Like the one that broke your heart
We can’t resist, we go back for more
‘Cause everything’s fine down the shore
It looms large in my life, it’s part of my lore
Stays on my mind, lives in my pores
Sausage and peppers, custard at Kohr’s
The whale ride at Seaside
That’s my Jersey Shore
Forever it’s with me, the shore runs deep
Memories of my life are steeped
In sun-warmed waters blazing bright
The coolness of the sand at night
The ocean’s ever-changing show
The boardwalk’s flashy neon glow
It looms large in my life, it’s part of my lore
Stays on my mind, lives in my pores
Seaside and Ortley, Belmar for sure
Asbury, LBI, my Jersey Shore
When the aftermath of pain subsides
We can’t help but forgive the tides
The waters that tear down can restore
‘Cause everything’s fine down the shore
It looms large in my life, it’s part of my lore
Stays on my mind, lives in my pores
Casino Pier, Funtown, BandB Stores
Let me retreat to that sweet Jersey Shore
I’ll always return to my Jersey shore