History
Sea shanties are a unique musical genre that originated in the maritime culture of the 19th century. They were the work songs sung by seamen while working aboard ships or during their leisure time. These songs often had a repetitive, rhythmic structure that helped sailors synchronize their laborious tasks such as hauling ropes or hoisting sails.
The origins of sea shanties can be traced back to the age of sail, where sailors had to work for long hours in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Singing sea shanties helped to ease the boredom and ennui of this work, while also providing a boisterous and cohesive atmosphere to the sailors on board.
The history of sea shanties is also linked to the global seafaring trade. As sailors and ships travelled across the seas, they carried their music with them. The variety of songs that developed in port towns and seafaring communities were shared and reworked, creating a diverse and distinct musical tradition.
The earliest recorded sea shanties are thought to have originated in the West Indies and the Caribbean. The African slave trade brought about a significant cultural exchange between Africa and the Caribbean islands, and it is believed that the rhythmic style of some sea shanties was influenced by African musical traditions.
As the British Empire expanded, so too did the reach of its navy. With the Royal Navy being one of the largest naval forces in the world, sea shanties became a musical phenomenon that spanned the globe. They were sung not just in English, but in other languages such as French, Spanish and Portuguese.
One of the most famous sea shanties is "Drunken Sailor", which is believed to have originated from the 19th century and has been popularized in recent years through social media. The lyrics of "Drunken Sailor" are repetitive and easy to learn, making it a favorite among sea shanty enthusiasts.
As the age of sail came to an end in the late 19th century, so too did the popularity of sea shanties. Steam-powered ships rendered the laborious practices of hauling ropes and hoisting sails obsolete, and sailors began to listen to other forms of music such as jazz and swing.
However, the revival of sea shanties as a popular music genre can be traced back to the 20th century. In the 1950s and 60s, folk musicians such as Pete Seeger, Burl Ives and The Kingston Trio, began incorporating sea shanties into their repertoire. This led to a revival in the popularity of sea shanties, and a renewed interest in the history and culture of seafaring people.
Today, sea shanties have found a new life on social media platforms such as TikTok and Reddit, where users have created collaborative performances of popular sea shanties such as "Wellerman". The genre has also gained popularity through live performances at maritime festivals and events.
Notable artists
Stan Rogers: A Canadian folk musician known for his powerful baritone voice and emotional storytelling. Rogers’ music frequently focused on maritime themes and he became a prominent figure in the Sea Shanty community with hits such as “Barrett’s Privateers” and “Northwest Passage”.
The Longest Johns: A vocal group from Bristol, England who have gained popularity in recent years for their modern take on Sea Shanties. Their harmonies and energy have earned them a dedicated following, with tracks such as “Wellerman” and “Fiddler’s Green” becoming viral sensations on social media.
Ewan MacColl: A Scottish folk singer who wrote and performed a number of notable Sea Shanties, including “The Shoals of Herring” and “Jim Jones”. MacColl was known for his political activism and championing of traditional folk music.
The Dreadnoughts: A Canadian punk band who incorporate Sea Shanties into their high:energy music. Their unique fusion of genres has earned them a cult following and tracks such as “The Cruel Wars” and “Fire Marengo” are now considered staples of the Sea Shanty canon.
Louis Killen: An English folk singer and Sea Shanty specialist, Killen was known for his expert knowledge of maritime history and his ability to bring authenticity to his performances. He recorded a number of classic Sea Shanties, including “The Leaving of Liverpool” and “Roll The Woodpile Down”.
The Fisherman’s Friends: A group of singers from Port Isaac, Cornwall who gained mainstream attention after their album “Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends” reached the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart. Their music is rooted in the traditional Sea Shanty style, and tracks such as “South Australia” and “Haul Away, Joe” are now considered classics.
John B. Thayer Jr.: A Titanic survivor who wrote a collection of Sea Shanties based on his experiences at sea. Thayer’s music provides a unique glimpse into the world of 20th century maritime culture, with tracks such as “Gone Fishing” and “Where Are The Boats?” showcasing his talent as a songwriter.
The Dubliners: An Irish folk band who were known for their lively performances and their ability to capture the spirit of traditional Irish music. While not exclusively a Sea Shanty group, they recorded a number of maritime:themed songs such as “Whiskey In The Jar” and “The Wild Rover”.
Cyril Tawney: A British singer:songwriter who made significant contributions to the Sea Shanty genre. His music frequently explored the lives of working people, with tracks such as “Sally Free and Easy” and “Grey Funnel Line” becoming popular in the folk music scene.
Roll & Go: A Seattle:based band known for their traditional approach to Sea Shanties. Their close harmonies and intricate arrangements have earned them a loyal following, and tracks such as “Blow the Man Down” and “Drunken Sailor” are now considered Sea Shanty standards.
Broader context
One notable book on the subject is "Shanties from the Seven Seas: Shipboard Work-Songs and Songs used as Work-Songs from the Great Days of Sail" by Stan Hugill. The book provides a comprehensive collection of sea shanties and explores the context in which they were created and sung. In the book's introduction, Hugill writes, "the whole world of men who used to go down to the sea in ships, who worked the sails, stood the watches, and sang the songs, has almost disappeared." His book aims to preserve the history and culture of these sailors and their songs for future generations.
Another book that touches on the importance of sea shanties is "Sea Songs and Shanties" by R.R. Terry. The book includes a selection of songs that were collected from sailors in various ports around the world. In the book's preface, Terry writes that the "songs belong to the sea, to the men who sailed it, and to the tradition that is part of our heritage." He goes on to explain that while the ships and sailors may have changed, the songs continue to serve as a link to the past and a reflection of the human experience.
Many famous musicians have also spoken about the significance of sea shanties. Singer-songwriter Tom Waits said in an interview with NPR, "They're about a life of adventure and hardship, and living life on your own terms." He goes on to explain that the songs have a universal appeal because they touch on themes that everyone can relate to, such as love, loss, and longing.
Similarly, musician Sting has also spoken about the importance of sea shanties. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, "For me, sea shanties are like blues music. They're a reflection of a particular way of life, but they also have a universal quality." He goes on to explain that the songs are a testament to the strength and resilience of the sailors who sang them.
In modern times, sea shanties have seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to social media. A viral TikTok video featuring the song "Wellerman" has brought the genre back into the mainstream. In an article for The New York Times, writer Amanda Hess notes that the popularity of the song reflects a desire for community and connection during a time of isolation. She writes, "In the pandemic, shanties have become a way to synchronize with others, however remotely."
The origins of sea shanties can be traced back to the 16th century, when European sailors first began to explore the world's oceans. These sailors were often recruited from across Europe and brought with them their own musical traditions, which eventually merged and evolved into a distinct form of work song. Sea shanties were typically sung to help coordinate the efforts of sailors when performing tasks, such as hoisting sails or hauling in fishing nets.
During the 19th century, sea shanties came into their own as a genre of music, with many being collected and published by folklorists and collectors. These songs reflected the lives and experiences of sailors, and they often mixed humor, sadness, and a sense of camaraderie. Sea shanties also grew in popularity among the general public, with performances by groups like the Liverpool Packet and the Watersons.
Advances in recording technology during the early 20th century helped spread the popularity of sea shanties beyond the maritime world. Notable record labels, such as Folkways Records and Topic Records, released recordings of sea shanties, bringing them to a wider audience. Some of the most influential sea shanty performers of the time included A. L. Lloyd, Ewan MacColl, and Stan Hugill.
In addition to being a musical genre, sea shanties also played an important role in the cultural identity of sailors. These songs were often passed down from mentor to student, creating a sense of continuity across generations of sailors. Many sea shanties were also associated with specific tasks or locations, creating a cultural marker unique to the maritime world.
The technological context of sea shanties is closely tied to the advances in recording technology during the early 20th century. The ability to capture and distribute recordings of sea shanties played a key role in the genre's popularity, making them accessible to a wider audience. As recording technology continued to evolve, sea shanties were able to reach even more people, becoming a beloved musical genre around the world.
Journalists and other prominent figures played a significant role in promoting sea shanties throughout the 20th century. Folk singer Pete Seeger, for example, helped popularize sea shanties in the United States, while journalist Cyril Tawney helped introduce the genre to audiences in the United Kingdom. Other notable figures in the world of sea shanties include Stan Hugill, a former sailor who devoted his life to recording and performing these songs, and Ewan MacColl, a Scottish folk singer who contributed significantly to the revival of sea shanties during the mid-20th century.
In recent years, social media has played a key role in the resurgence of interest in sea shanties. A video of a group of sailors singing a sea shanty went viral on TikTok in 2020, leading to a surge in interest in this genre of music. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have made it easier than ever for people all over the world to discover and connect with sea shanties, creating a new era of popularity for this unique musical genre.