Six Months in a Leaky Boat
"Six Months in a Leaky Boat" is a song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz. It was released in May 1982 as the second single from the group's seventh studio album, "Time and Tide". The title is a reference to the time it took pioneers to sail to New Zealand (hence the reference to Aotearoa and "The Tyranny of Distance" - a by Geoffrey Blainey), and a metaphor that refers to lead singer Tim Finn's nervous breakdown. The song became a huge hit in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, going on  to be voted the fifth-best New Zealand song ever in the 2001 Australasian Performing Right Association list. Unfortunately chart performance was less successful in the United Kingdom owing to its release during the Falklands War. Despite being recorded prior to the outbreak of the conflict, some in Britain considered the song to be veiled criticism of the war with Argentina. The song was consequently removed from many radio play lists in the United Kingdom, including the BBC, since it was considered that references to "leaky boats" were inappropriate during the naval action in the war. At the 1982 Countdown  Music Awards the song was nominated for Best Australian Single. Music video. The video shows band members dressed in nautical gear, and Māori artists performing traditional Māori "poi" dance. Legacy. The song was voted the 5th best New Zealand song of all time in 2001 by members of APRA. The song was used as the funeral song for explorer, environmentalist and sailor Sir Peter Blake, sung by Tim Finn with acoustic guitar, at Blake's service.