Listen to the Song – King of the Journey. The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Atlantic Salmon
The King of the Journey
“No fish better symbolises strength, determination and the wild spirit of Britain’s rivers than the Atlantic Salmon.”
Species Profile
The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is one of Britain’s most celebrated freshwater fish. Born in the clean gravel beds of rivers, young salmon spend their early lives in freshwater before making an extraordinary journey to the North Atlantic Ocean.
After one or more years at sea, they return with astonishing precision to the very rivers where they were born, overcoming waterfalls, powerful currents and countless obstacles along the way.
Their strength, endurance and remarkable homing instinct have made them legendary among anglers and naturalists alike.
Clive’s Story
Few sights in nature are more inspiring than watching a Salmon leap.
To see such power and determination as it battles upstream is something that stays with you forever.
Although much of my own fishing has centred on coarse species, I have always admired the Salmon.
It represents everything that makes our rivers special—clean water, healthy habitats and the freedom to complete one of nature’s greatest migrations.
Whenever I watch a Salmon fighting its way upstream, I cannot help but think of the determination that exists throughout the natural world.
It never gives up.
Natural History
Atlantic Salmon begin life as tiny eggs buried beneath clean gravel.
After hatching, they grow as parr before transforming into silvery smolts that migrate downstream to the sea.
In the rich feeding grounds of the North Atlantic, they grow rapidly before beginning the remarkable journey home.
Using senses that scientists are still trying to fully understand, Salmon navigate thousands of miles back to their natal rivers, where they spawn before completing their life cycle.
Every stage of this journey depends upon healthy rivers and unobstructed migration routes.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Salmo salar
- Family: Salmonidae
- Habitat: Rivers and the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Diet: In freshwater, young fish feed on insects; at sea, adults eat fish, squid and crustaceans.
- Lifespan: Usually 4–8 years.
- Migration: Thousands of miles between freshwater and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Famous for its spectacular leaps over waterfalls and weirs.
- One of Britain’s most economically and culturally important fish.
Behind the Song
When writing The Silver King, I wanted the music to capture courage and perseverance.
The opening reflects the quiet beginning of life in a mountain stream before building into a powerful chorus that mirrors the Salmon’s epic migration.
The soaring melody represents each leap against the current, while the closing verses celebrate the remarkable instinct that guides these fish home.
It is a song about determination, hope and the unbreakable bond between a fish and the river that gave it life.
Conservation
Atlantic Salmon face increasing challenges.
Pollution, habitat loss, climate change, barriers to migration and changing ocean conditions have all contributed to declining numbers.
Across Britain, conservation groups, river trusts and volunteers are working tirelessly to restore spawning grounds, improve fish passage and protect water quality.
Safeguarding the Salmon means safeguarding our rivers themselves.
Clive’s Reflection
Whenever I think about the Salmon, I think about perseverance.
No matter how difficult the journey, it continues.
It teaches us that the greatest achievements are often won through determination rather than ease.
For centuries it has inspired artists, poets, anglers and conservationists alike.
May it continue to inspire generations yet to come.
That is why, to me, the Atlantic Salmon will always be The Silver King.
“The strongest hearts are those that never forget where they began.”
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