- published: 30 May 2012
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An oar is an implement used for water-borne propulsion. Oars have a flat blade at one end. Oarsmen grasp the oar at the other end. The difference between oars and paddles are that paddles are held by the paddler, and are not connected with the vessel. Oars generally are connected to the vessel by means of rowlocks or tholes which transmit the applied force to the boat. In this system (known as a second class lever) the water is the fulcrum.
Oarsmen generally face the stern of the vessel, reach as far as they can towards the stern, and insert the blade of their oar in the water. As they lean back, towards the vessel's bow, the blade of their oars sweeps the water towards the stern, providing forward thrust – see lever.
For thousands of years vessels were powered either by sails, or the mechanical work of oarsmen, or paddlers. Some ancient vessels were propelled by either oars or sail, depending on the speed and direction of the wind (see galley).
Rowing oars have been used since the early Neolithic period. Wooden oars, with canoe-shaped pottery, dating from 5000–4500 BC have been discovered in a Hemudu culture site at Yuyao, Zhejiang, in modern China. In 1999, an oar measuring 63.4 cm (2 ft) in length, dating from 4000 BC, was unearthed at Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
You said, "Young man, don't rely on a sword,
Cause your words will outlive even time."
I've counted my blessings. The rest are for you.
Please listen close for a while,
And breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
I made the mistake once of fearing an end.
Is this life that we live just the world's accident?
Not a chance, so I move on with a smile.
Are you surprised where you are?
So breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
I grew up slow on the heels of the rest.
Left my heart back at home, carried you in my chest.
And I don't feel like crying today.
Why can't we talk for awhile?
And breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
You said, "Son, just listen to me."
But I'm doing fine, James.
So you can sit back and just breathe.
And it's time now to let yourself go.
Hold us close, spin the dream,