What Is a Sea Shanty?
A sea shanty is a rhythmic work song traditionally sung by sailors as they carried out hard, repetitive tasks aboard ship.
Shanties helped synchronise the movements of the crew, making difficult jobs, such as weighing anchor or hauling sails, safer, faster, and more efficient.
Beyond their practical purpose, shanties also lifted morale and fostered a strong sense of community. This was especially important at a time when many sailors had been press-ganged into service. A motivated crew meant fewer disagreements, less dissent, and a much smoother-running ship.
Where Did the Sea Shanty Originate?
Shanty-style work songs can be traced back to at least the early 15th century, although the word shanty itself does not appear until the mid-1800s.
It is commonly believed that shanty originates from the French verb chantez, meaning “to sing,” though there is no firm evidence to prove this.
Why Sea Shanties Were Important at Sea
Sailors relied on shanties for:
-
Timing – coordinating large groups to pull together
-
Endurance – keeping pace during long, exhausting labour
-
Morale – warding off boredom or homesickness
-
Unity – creating a shared rhythm and purpose
For crews working in harsh conditions, the shanty was both a tool and a comfort.
Types of Sea Shanty Songs
Most shanties follow a call-and-response structure, led by a shantyman whose role was part leader, part entertainer.
Shanties were typically grouped into two main types: capstan shanties and pulling (or long drag) shanties.
The Capstan Shanty
Capstan shanties accompanied the continuous, turning motion required when raising the anchor or performing similar tasks.
They needed a steady, even tempo, and sailors often added humorous or bawdy lines to keep spirits high during this tiring and monotonous work.
The Pulling or Long Drag Shanty
These shanties were used for rhythmic, heavy exertion such as raising or lowering sails.
A momentary pause between phrases allowed sailors to reset their grip, so these shanties had a built-in structure that perfectly matched the physical rhythm of the job.
Forecastle Songs and Life Onboard
Not all sea shanties were strictly work-related.
During long evenings on deck, sailors would sing forecastle songs, often playful or adventurous, about battles, faraway ports, romances, and misadventures on the high seas.
Music played an essential role in the emotional well-being of sailors.
It provided relaxation after gruelling work and strengthened bonds among the crew.
Famous Examples of Sea Shanties
A few well-known sea shanties include:
-
“Drunken Sailor”
-
“Blow the Man Down”
-
“Haul Away Joe”
-
“The Wellerman”
Many of these survive today in folk sessions, festivals, and recordings.
The Modern Shanty Revival
Interest in shanties surged unexpectedly in 2020, when sailors’ work songs exploded in popularity on TikTok. Millions of users were drawn to the communal energy and catchy call-and-response rhythms, and one song in particular stood out: “The Wellerman.”
Originally a 19th-century New Zealand whaling song, The Wellerman became the breakout hit of the trend and introduced sea shanties to a whole new global audience. Its viral success breathed fresh life into maritime music traditions and reminded listeners of the enduring power of shared song at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Shanties
What is the purpose sea shanties?
Sea shanties helped sailors coordinate their movements and maintain a steady work rhythm, especially during heavy or repetitive tasks.
Are sea shanties still sung today?
Yes. Sea shanties appear at folk festivals, aboard tall ships, in maritime museums, and across social media, especially following the recent revival.
What is the difference between sea shanties and folk songs?
Sea shanties are work songs with a specific rhythm for labour, while folk songs are typically for storytelling, entertainment, or tradition.
When were sea shanties most commonly used?
They were most prominent during the Age of Sail, especially from the 18th to the mid-19th century.
Join the Sailing Community
Lovesail.com is a global online dating and social networking site for passionate seafarers.
Join our sailing community to meet other salty seadogs, or magical mermaids, for high-seas adventures!
You must be logged in to post a comment.