Rise again, rise again

May 7, 2007 4:17 PM

In the Stan Rogers song "The Mary Ellen Carter", what does "crumble into scale" mean?

I've always loved this song, but I realized recently that I had no idea what the following line meant: "For we couldn't leave her there, you see, to crumble into scale". This isn't a use of the word "scale" that I'm familiar with. I've managed to figure out all the other nautical lingo in the song, but this one phrase stymies me. The entire lyrics can be found here if it helps.

posted by Johnny Assay to Writing & Language (5 answers total)

Best answer: scale = rust
posted by Quietgal at 4:22 PM on May 7, 2007

I think Quietgal's got it, but I had to chime in and say that I was probably the only girl in my high school who listened to that song when she was blue about stuff. Rise again!
posted by Biblio at 4:58 PM on May 7, 2007

Mrs. the dief loves Stan Rogers almost as much as she loves Mr. the dief. At least I think so. I hope.
posted by the dief at 5:48 PM on May 7, 2007

Best answer: scale:
6. Often, scales. Metallurgy. a. an oxide, esp. an iron oxide, occurring in a scaly form on the surface of metal....
posted by Rumple at 5:56 PM on May 7, 2007

I love this song.

And yes, 'crumble into scale' means to turn rust away. My copy of "Between the Breaks... Live!" remains a treasure.
posted by mephron at 9:31 PM on May 7, 2007