The sea shanty “Shiney-O” was collected in 1886 by James Taft Hatfield from a black crew aboard the barque Ahkera on a voyage from Pensacola to Nice, France.The song’s title likely refers to the sweat, or “shiny-o,” on the sailors’ bodies as they worked the pumps. The shanty is considered unique for its distinct West […]
A Hog-Eye was a distinctive flat-bottom boat or barge used in the shallow waters surrounding San Francisco Bay during the California Gold Rush, named from the dismissive name ‘ditch-hog’ applied to rivermen by deep-water sailors. UPPER Oh hand me down my riding cane, I’m off to meet my darlin’ Jane With a hog-eye, ohRow the
The song “Light from the Lighthouse,” also known as “Let Your Light Shine on Me” or “The Lighthouse,” is a traditional gospel song with a history dating back to at least 1923, recorded by acts such as The Wiseman Quartet and Blind Willie Johnson. When the daylight fades and the shadows fall Let the light
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‘Spanish Ladies’ is a traditional British naval song, typically describing a voyage from Spain to the Downs from the viewpoint of ratings of the Royal Navy. It was probably created between 1793-1796 when the Navy carried supplies to Spain to support them in their resistance to France. Farewell and adieu, to you Spanish Ladies Farewell
Sung to the tune of ‘Donkey Riding’ – a little introduction to the Crew written by our own Nigel Kelly! Whey, hey, away we go, shanty singing, shanty singing New River shanty Crew, singing our sea shanties [Lower voices] Ailsa’s the captain of the Crew Sets a course of songs for you Hauls us
A traditional Navy song that has been sung since the 19th Century. Popular Master and Commander version The song was written by Richard Creagh Saunders (1809–1886), who enlisted in the navy as a Schoolmaster in 1839 The version sung in the wardroom scene in the film Master and Commander was arranged in 1978 by Jim Mcgeean from his album Of
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The Dogger Bank is another of Norfolk Singer Sam Larner’s fishing songs, but this one probably began life in America, went into the music halls and eventually find its way to the fishermen who adapted it (drastically) to their own needs. Sailing over the Dogger Bank, now wasn’t it a treat? The wind was blowing
An Irish traditional song, based on the long history of emigration from Scotland and Ireland. Its strong tune has also been used for other Irish traditional songs and for the American anthem, “The Liberty song”. ALL Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine Come
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‘Bully in the Ally’ is a traditional sea shanty with origins likely linked to the West Indies or the American South, specifically among dockworkers and sailors . It’s a halyard shanty, meaning it was sung to coordinate work on the ship’s ropes, and its lyrics often tell stories of sailors ashore, sometimes involving drinking and
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The HMS Agamemnon was a 3rd rate ship-of-the-line that served in the British Royal Navy from 1781 to 1809 and fought with her 64 guns throughout the American Revolutionary, French Revolutionary, and Napoleonic Wars. She was captained for a period of three years (1793-1796) by none other than Horatio Nelson before he became an Admiral.
