In the 1500’s, when Cortes landed on the shores with his men to begin his conquest over the Aztecs, it is reported that he burnt the ships that had brought them there. His intent was to help his men understand that it was win or die…no retreat. They were committed!
In the 1900’s, on March 29th, 1975, we landed on the shores of holy matrimony. To seal our commitment to one another, we did what Cortes did. We burnt the ships…and we don’t regret it in the least!
It’s been an incredible 43 years together!
The Ships Are Burning
We made this journey, we sailed here together
We made a promise, we’d stay here forever
And when we reached the shore we kissed the ground
You took my hand and we turned around
Then we smiled as we watched the flames light up the night
Cho…
Cause the ships are burning, there’ll be no turning back for you and me
Whatever we find here, we’ve made it clear here is where we want to be
And on this island of pleasure there’ll be some dangers and we might thing about returning
But we both know we won’t go, that’s why the ships are burning
But too many lovers are keeping their ships anchored in the bay
One by lonely one we see them sail away
But when we reached the shore we kissed the ground
You took my hand and we turned around
And we smile while we watched the flames light up the night
Oh the ships are burning, there’ll be no turning back for you and me
Whatever we find here, we’ve made it clear here is where we want to be
And on this island of pleasure there’ll be some dangers and we might thing about returning
But we both know we won’t go, that’s why the ships are burning
(Steve Chapman/Times & Seasons Music/BMI) Available on the CD, “Kiss of Hearts“
25 years ago, Mike and I married in Raleigh, NC, and we are still on this exciting journey of partnership together. Thank you, Steve and Annie for ministering to us over the years. When we were newly married, and stationed in Minot, North Dakota, we had the privilege of hearing a concert from the Chapmans. Steve and Annie’s emphasis on an enduring commitment to marriage struck a chord with us. The song “The Ships are Burning” was especially meaningful for us, because we knew that a promise before God was sacred, and that our marriage vows were not just based upon feelings or circumstances.
On our 25th anniversary, we took the day off to have a celebration. While driving back home from Virginia Beach, we played some old favorites, and “The Ships Are Burning” was sung as a duet together, right there in our car. Personally, I think it was beautiful…because we still remain committed to each other. Our love still grows sweeter each year, seasoned with lives pains and pleasures, and through God’s grace and mercy.
Thank you so much, Steve and Annie for your faithfulness and passion for harmony in the home.
Rebecca and Mike…Our sincere thanks for your very uplifting comment. We are honored and humbled by knowing the music we’ve done has been a blessing to your union for so many years.Thanks so much for taking the time to post this comment. Bless you and may God give you many more miles together! S&A
How encouraging and uplifting this song is for all life situations! The words were used in a wedding in CA yesterday! There were single people, married, divorced people attending the wedding and I know it touched many hearts. Thank you for helping people in all different types of situations. We will celebrate 54 yrs of marriage this October and have been through so many difficult hardships along with the mountaintops experiences, but, the words of this song touched our hearts ! Thank You!
Carole,
Thank you for your very kind and encouraging comments and for letting us know about the usage of the lyric yesterday. What an honor! Congratulations on 54 years of marriage. Your longevity is inspiring. May the Lord continue to bind you together! Blessings to you,
S&A Chapman
Your songs have been a blessing to my husband and I for many, many years. We met you in person many years ago when we attended one of your concerts in Syracuse, New York. At that time we were conducting a marriage ministry called Caring For Marriage, do you remember? My husband is now very ill and isn’t expected to live for many more weeks, but God knows. Can I purchase a The Ships are Burning CD from you rather than streaming?
Phyllis,
We appreciate your message and thanks for being a friend through the music through the years.
Regarding your husband’s health struggles we hope that others who read your note will lift him in in prayer as we have done. Please keep us posted.
An answer to your inquiry about getting a CD of The Ships Are Burning was sent via a separate email. We’ll look forward to hearing from you,
S&A Chapman
What an awesomely meaningful song this is about the commitment marriage is between a husband and wife. 21 years ago my wife and I had this song sung at our wedding and it the only one that we really remeber from that day. We have a niece getting married this year and I would like to sing for her do you know where I might get an accompaniment track. Thanks for the song and your ministry.
As a wedding coordinator, I have this song in my repertoire under “commitment.” This song has so much truth to it!! Thank you for recording this song. I was wondering though, did you ever produce sheet music for this song? I read music and play by ear, but every so often I has a request for this sheet music and all I can produce is just a lyric lead sheet. Would love to purchase the sheet music if it is available. Thank you!!
So sorry thet the sheet music is not available. We offer a guitar tablature that can be sent via email. No cost. We offer an accompaniment track if needed. To get it, email us at the address on our contact page and we will tell you how to order it.
We hope this is helpful. Thanks so much for your interest in the song. S&A
This past wknd our daughter married a Godly young man that was raised on this song. I had heard it before, but he heard it every night for many years growing up. When he proposed he played this song, & told her this is what he wanted for them. In their wedding, while they branded a cord of 3 strands this song was played again. When I looked up this song tonight I saw this picture for the first time. Do you know where I can get a copy of it? We would love to gift them one. Thank you.
Thanks!!! What a great blessing to know the song has been so meaningful through the years to your son-in-law. To hear that it was used during the wedding is an honor indeed. Please tell the young couple that we say hello and pray that God will bless their journey together. Regarding the picture we assume you’re referring to the painting of the two burning ships. If so, let us know and we will make sure they get a print of it. It’s a hand painted scene by Steve. Let us know via the email address on our contact page. Blessings on your new year. AC