"The Last Ship" is a musical by Sting, and "The Last Ship (Part Two)" is a song from that musical performed by Jimmy Nail and Fred Applegate. The song is set in a shipyard town in Northeast England called Wallsend, which is facing the closure of its shipyard. In this particular scene, Father O'Brien asks Jackie, a former shipyard worker, if he is willing to join the community in the fight against the closure. Jackie responds by describing a nightmare he had where he felt trapped and drowning, but he managed to swim to the surface of the water only to find himself bargaining with death. He explains that this fight to save the shipyard is the final task and opportunity for the men to reclaim their pride, purpose, and hope. They cannot let defeat take away their chance to make a difference. The song emphasizes the importance of persevering through difficult times and fighting for something meaningful. Jackie describes the shipyard as their moment, their grail, and their Everest, symbolizing the monumental challenge they face. Despite the risk of ending up in jail, the men are determined to reclaim their shipyard. The chorus represents the unity of the community and their resilience. They believe that when the last ship sails, the noise of the chains and timber cracking symbolizes the end of the world as they know it. But through their efforts, a mountain of steel makes its way to the sea, signifying their fighting spirit and determination. The lyrics also touch upon themes of redemption and forgiveness. Jackie acknowledges the mistakes they may have made and the different paths they have taken in life. In the end, though, he pledges to fight for their shared cause, invoking the names of the Father and the Son, believing that regardless of their circumstances, they are all connected and united. Overall, "The Last Ship (Part Two)" portrays the struggles faced by a community threatened by the closure of their shipyard and the collective effort to reclaim their identity, purpose, and pride. It sends a message of resilience, unity, and the importance of fighting for what one believes in, despite the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
