Sea Shanties: The Lyrics and History of Sailor Songs

Pull up anchor, set sail, and hit the open water with this wonderful collection of sea shanties and their fascinating history.

Over four centuries since the first folk song was sung, sea shanties still fascinate and entertain.

Composed and performed by sailors on sailing ships to ensure the rhythmic operation of the hauling and heaving that was a mainstay of a lot of their work aboard these huge merchant vessels, they were also about camaraderie, positivity and motivation.

Life as sea was harsh and relentless, and these songs injected some much-needed humour into maritime life.