Drunken Sailor

“Drunken Sailor” is a traditional sea shanty with roots in the early 19th century, once sung aboard sailing ships to coordinate sailors’ labor. Its strong rhythm and call-and-response structure made it ideal for heaving lines and raising sails, while its verses – often improvised – reflected shipboard humor and discipline. The song was first documented in print in the 1820s and later collected by Stan Hugill, who traced its use across both British and American merchant fleets. Its enduring melody has appeared in naval bands, school songbooks, and countless recordings, making it one of the most widely recognized sea shanties in the English language. This performance follows the traditional minor-mode melody that became standard in the 20th century, preserving its cadence and communal spirit. #Traditional #SeaShanty #FolkSong #MaritimeMusic #JasonPaul

“Drunken Sailor” is a traditional sea shanty with roots in the early 19th century, once sung aboard sailing ships to coordinate sailors’ labor. Its strong rhythm and call-and-response structure made it ideal for heaving lines and raising sails, while its verses – often improvised – reflected shipboard humor and discipline. The song was first documented in print in the 1820s and later collected by Stan Hugill, who traced its use across both British and American merchant fleets. Its enduring melody has appeared in naval bands, school songbooks, and countless recordings, making it one of the most widely recognized sea shanties in the English language. This performance follows the traditional minor-mode melody that became standard in the 20th century, preserving its cadence and communal spirit. #Traditional #SeaShanty #FolkSong #MaritimeMusic #JasonPaul