We’re still in an Irish port. That means a wee break from sea shanties and the opportunity to explore some of Ireland’s traditional music. The Rattlin’ Bog is a hugely popular Irish trad song. It’s fast, fun, and easy to learn. We’ll dig into the history of the song, break down the lyrics, and share …
We’re in an Irish port for the next two songs. That means a break from sea shanties and a chance to dive into some popular traditional music. The Rocky Road to Dublin is one of the best known Irish trad songs. It’s fast, fun, and tells a great story. We’ll dig into the history of …
This traditional song has its origins in Scottish and Irish people emigrating to America and Canada. Although popular culture has lumped it into the same bucket, Here’s a Health to the Company is not a shanty. – it wasn’t used as a work song. We’d argue it can be considered a sea song (more on …
Here’s a Health to the Company: what the song means Read More »
Popular even before ShantyTok, Drunken Sailor is probably the most widely known sea shanty. It’s the go-to tune when pirates are mentioned. Children know it from Spongebob. Teens know it from TikTok. And Adults know it from a huge selection of TV shows and movies. Like all shanties, it’s a song used to keep time …
Another ShantyTok favourite popularised by Nathan Evans… Leave Her Johnny is a shanty with a unique purpose – traditionally it would only be sung on one occasion (we’ll explain that shortly). It sometimes goes by the alternate names Time for Us to Leave Her and Leave Her Bullies. There are loads of alternate verses available. …
Roll the Old Chariot Along is one of our all-time favourite shanties to sing. It’s also known as A Drop of Nelson’s Blood – after the widely shared legend and iconic verse (more on this later). The song follows a simple call and response structure. The shantyman will call a line and it’ll be repeated …
The Wellerman needs no introduction. ShantyTok has made it ubiquitous; even those who know nothing about sea shanties seem to know the chorus. It’s brought together thousands of singers and musicians. It’s even changing lives. Scottish postie Nathan Evans found fame through his version and was awarded a record deal. But do you know what …
Haul Away Joe is one of the most popular shanties. It lends itself to improvisation and has been covered by a huge number of folk singers. A popular alternative version is ‘Haul Away for Rosie’. The lyrics of the two versions are often used interchangeably. We’ll dig into the history of the song, break down …
Spanish Ladies is the sailors’ farewell and lament as they leave their Spanish sweethearts behind and head home. The song follows their passage up the English Channel and comments on the key nautical features. It’s an old shanty and is one of the most widely covered in folk music circles. We’re going to look at …
Santiana is a well-known shanty – sometimes known as ‘Plains of Mexico’ due to the line being used repeatedly throughout. But few people actually know what the lyrics mean. We’re going to change that. Get ready to learn all about Santiana. We’ll dig into the history of the song, break down the lyrics, and share …
