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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Sea shanties may be as old as sailing  (or boating) itself. They probably started when two fishermen in ancient times realised they could make better progress if they called (sang?) to get their paddles or oars moving in unison. Then the invention of sails posed even greater challenges calling for teamwork. They are in fact folksongs of the river or sea. And they have never ceased to be useful and popular.

But the shanties and songs we have included here¹ are mostly more modern {although some may date from the days of Drake and the early 'English' (Royal?) navies}. Francis Drake loved music, especially aboard ship, and believed that sea songs were to be enjoyed as entertainment, in addition to work purposes. And it goes without saying that they influenced some of the Gilbert & Sullivan songs.

The title 'shanty' has disputed origins. One school of thought is that it's derived from the French term 'chanter' (to sing) or 'chantez' (sing), in turn derived from the Latin 'cantare'. Another equally trenchant view is that it is not!! One source suggests that the name may have originated in the Canadian and North American lumber camps, used when men were push-pulling saws, swinging axes or hauling logs, rather than from sailors aboard ship.

Whatever its origins it was mainly used by sailors in a group when pulling heavy loads on ropes or winding weighty tackle. In other words the shanty (whatever the context) gave cohesion to the teamwork, or helped to achieve rhythmic unanimity. Shanties were usually shouted out as the men stamped to emphasise the rhythm needed for the allotted task. If working men were in time with each other a difficult job was made a little simpler (It reminds me of our team game: 'tug-of-war'. I've often had my foot stamped on although I've never been on a winning side!). The later British Royal Navy, we are informed, did not encourage the use of shanties for shipboard tasks in case they adversely affected the crew's discipline! However in nearly all other sailing ships they were widely adopted.

A sailing ship was (is) a 'labour-intensive' means of transport. When sails were to be hoisted or trimmed, a masthead fitted, an anchor (or two) raised (or lowered), or the ever-insistent pumping in the bilges needed, (these tasks could sometimes take hours) half the ship's crew were required on duty. In such a variety of shipboard tasks shanties could be helpful (imperative?). And they made the very hard work a little less arduous. The need for different rhythms and lengths of songs for the various tasks or entertainment gave rise to different types of shanties:-

So why haven't shanties died out with the demise of sailing ships (or lumber camps)? Well, one answer may be that neither sailing ships nor lumber camps have become completely extinct. No?! Sailing is as old as fishing and trading; and in spite of regulations, fishing, trading and sailing in some countries still progresses apace. And lumber is still in great demand all over the world. Also 'boating' and sailing (competitive and for leisure) is burgeoning.

But we digress. Another reason for the continued success of sea shanties is that they are usually cracking good songs that we can all enjoy. They inculcate feelings of fun, camaraderie, nostalgia and pathos. Most have a tale to tell, and some have a history to investigate and appreciate. AND not all sea shanties are for men - the ladies get the spotlight in many {For instance there is an excellent arrangement of Bobby Shaftoe for two or three part ladies' chorus (SSA we think)}. The MusicSmiles arrangements of course are for everyone!

One more point about sea shanties is worth reiterating - they are invariably divided into two sections: solo and chorus. This almost certainly stems from a leader or caller (Often with the aid of a whip or lash.) bellowing out the required tempo and the 'gang' responding to his lead (Often in fear for their lives. Felix, please! Sorry, but it's true isn't it?). This 'Shanty Man' is the modern soloist in concert versions and is often placed apart from the chorus. 

Here are a few selected sea shanties (or folksongs of the sea) to whet your appetites. Hope you enjoy our MusicSmiles arrangements. Have some fun - see if you can identify which category fits each song. And if you get the urge to dance or stamp your feet in time to the music, feel free. But above all enjoy them. Let's all be sailors and have a good sing . . .

For further information see (and hear) the sea shanties' own stories  themselves, or visit our MusicSmiles bibliography in the full website. Also visit your local library - they are usually very helpful.

Footnote 1. This section of our website is for Margaret and Michael of Gloucestershire and their family. M & M have been very supportive of MusicSmiles and particularly the 'Drake' project. They and their family are infectiously enthusiastic & skilled in all manner of boating and sailing; both competitive and for pleasure. Return to Story.

( Click number to view statistics > > >). Scribe thanks all our  223,547 MusicSmiles visitors up to beginning of September, 2010. 

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