Have you ever heard of sea shanties ? They were essentially the “work songs of the sea” during the age of sailing ships!
Back in the days before machines, sailors needed tremendous strength and coordination to haul heavy ropes and operate large capstans. To keep everyone moving in sync and working with one powerful rhythm, they developed a unique style of singing: one person would lead, while everyone else joined in the chorus.

The strong rhythm not only helped improve efficiency, but also gave sailors a way to encourage one another and pass the time during long, monotonous voyages.

Here are three classic sea shanties you’ve probably heard before. How many do you know?

⚓ “The Wellerman”
Originally associated with 19th-century sailors in New Zealand waiting for supply ships, this song was recently revived through modern covers and unexpectedly became a global maritime hit. Its rhythm is incredibly catchy.

⚓ “What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?”
This famous folk song was used to accompany sailors as they hauled ropes at a brisk pace. Its humorous lyrics repeatedly ask, “What shall we do with a drunken sailor?” making it a perfect song for a group to sing together over drinks.

⚓ “Leave Her, Johnny”
This was essentially a sailor’s “end-of-the-job song.” When a long voyage finally came to an end, sailors would sing it while carrying out the final cleaning and preparations before leaving the ship. Its melody captures a wonderful sense of relief, along with a deep longing for land and home.

A century later, these sea songs have survived through the generations, carried forward by music.

So next time you set sail, why not play a sea shanty?

Let its powerful rhythm guide you as you experience the passion, romance, and fearless spirit sailors once carried with them as they ventured across the open ocean.