The World May Loose Its Motion
By: A.P. Carter, Beck Hansen

Original Performance: The Carter Family
Written by: A.P. Carter, Beck Hansen

Alternate Titles:

a.k.a. The Storms Are On The Ocean

Versions:
  1. The World May Loose Its Motion (3:10)
    Available on Periscope: Another Yoyo Compilation.
    Credits
    Recorded at: Poop Alley Studios
    Beck Hansen: Banjo, Guitar, Producer, Vocals
    Joey Waronker: Drums
    Tom Grimley: Engineer, Producer
    Petra Haden: Violin
    Anna Waronker: Vocals (Background)
 
Lyrics:
The World May Loose Its Motion [Version (a)]:

The storms are on the ocean, on and on they go
Searching through the waters, there you might be low
And I am so downhearted, never too be well
And I am disappointed, the words will never tell
The storms are on the ocean, the heavens may cease to be
This world may lose its motion if I prove false to thee

The last time that I saw you, you shook my hand goodbye
You said it wasn't forever, that would be a lie
But death is such an old friend, he holds you in his hand
And I am so long waiting to meet you in that land
The storms are on the ocean, the heavens may cease to be
This world may lose its motion if I prove false to thee
 
The Song:

Beck recorded "The World May Loose Its Motion" in June 1994 during a short break from his Mellow Gold touring. The song was done with a couple of his friends from that dog (Anna Waronker and Petra Haden) and his drummer Joey Waronker (Anna's brother).

The song was released on a compilation cd by the record label, Yo Yo A Go Go.

Highlighted by some pleasant banjo (played by Beck) and some sad words, the melody is slightly gospel-tinged, each line building up to a quiet release. The main chorus is borrowed from the Carter Family song "The Storms are On the Ocean." As always, Petra Haden's violin is used to good effect, beautifully enhancing the sadness of the song.

Here it is:

 
Live:

I'm not aware of this having ever been played live.
 
Notes: