Shanties and Other Sea Songs [Closed]

Torias Kane · October 3, 2010

A Collection of Shanties and Other Sea-Songs

Transcribed by Krais Rogan, Master Sailor

Notes on the Collection: The shanties and other songs contained in this journal were compiled over a career of 20 years before the mast. Many were first learned on the pirate vessel Proud Bismarck, with others from ships of various sizes operating in southern waters. Those labeled as traditional have believed to have originated with the fisherfolk and other northern clans of the Sea Wolf Roegadyn, of which I count myself a proud member. However, since these clans are far removed from "proper" civilization, and no records of same were maintained to any great length, any such label is tenuous at best. Many also refer to the city-state of Limsa Lominsa, which is not surprising due to it being a major maritime power and supplying both crews and ships to many of the cargo and ferry lines in southern waters.

Notes on the type of shanty and conjectured background will be added where appropriate.

Weigh Hey Ya - Halyard shanty

A halyard or long-haul shanty is used when a given hauling job (hoisting a topsail, for example) is expected to last a long time. Usually, there are multiple pulls with each response, evenly spaced; Weigh and Ya in this case.

The ship mentioned in this song could be one of any number of cargo vessels lost to violent storms in the northern seas. I first heard it as a youth aboard the pirate vessel Proud Bismarck, and have since heard several variations of the main shanty on passenger vessels out of ports as far south as Limsa Lominsa. The version recorded here is the one I remember from my youth.

Gather round, my lads, and hear my plea

Weigh Hey Ya!

I'll tell you a tale of the angry sea

Weigh Hey Ya!

'Twas a ship of the line, sailed proud and true

Weigh Hey Ya!

With a sharp-eyed cap'n and a stalwart crew

Weigh Hey Ya!

Their course was set to southern shores

Weigh Hey Ya!

With iron and bronze ore in their stores

Weigh Hey Ya!

While on their way, they saw no sign

Weigh Hey Ya!

Of the wild storm that trailed behind

Weigh Hey Ya!

The clouds rolled in and the thunder roared

Weigh Hey Ya!

And the cap'n called up ev'ry man aboard

Weigh Hey Ya!

The wind threw the fore-mast to the sky

Weigh Hey Ya!

And the mizzen followed soon behind

Weigh Hey Ya!

'Twas a ship of the line, sailed proud and true

Weigh Hey Ya!

Of the fate of her sailors, no one knew

Weigh Hey Ya!

Clear Away the Track - Capstan Shanty

A capstan shanty is used when weighing anchor; this is done by winding the anchor rope around a giant winch, usually turned by sailors walking around it. This results in a smoother call and response, and usually full choruses in addition to several verses.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to sail aboard the Vagabond mentioned in this song, which was understandably a favorite amongst its crew (it's where I learned it). Curiously, none aboard could say who "Liza Lee" was, or if she ever existed.

Oh, the smartest packet that you can find