Don McGlashan: 'Anchor Me' is a song about the sea as something to be respected
New Zealand musician Don McGlashan discusses the inspiration behind his hit song 'Anchor Me,' which was recently voted into the top 100 homegrown songs. He explains that the song uses the sea as a metaphor for a love that demands respect and healthy fear.
Why it matters
The article provides cultural context for a significant piece of New Zealand music history and the artist's creative process.
The 1994 love song - #5 in the Waiata 100 - was one of five written by Don McGlashan on the list of homegrown favourites.
RNZ Life reporters 11 July 2026 9 min read Caption: Don McGlashan has played in the bands Blam Blam Blam, The Front Lawn and The Mutton Birds. Photo credit: via The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Alongside 'Anchor Me', Waiata 100 voters boosted Don McGlashan 's songs 'Andy', 'There is No Depression in New Zealand', 'Bathe in the River' and 'Dominion Road' into the top 100.
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