Way-Hay and Up She Rises: How Sea Shanties Shaped Sailor Culture

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We’re setting sail into the rhythmic world of sea shanties—songs that once echoed across the decks of 15th-century ships, and recently made waves in a very different setting: your social media feed.

But what is it about these work songs that made them so essential to sailors braving the stormy seas—and why have they re-emerged as viral sensations centuries later? 

In this episode, we unravel the complex origins of these songs. Along the way, you’ll meet some of the unsung heroes who preserved these maritime melodies, like Patrick Tayluer, whose adventurous tales blur the line between history and legend, and Jerzy Brzezinski, a modern-day sailor dedicated to keeping these traditions alive.

We’re exploring how shanties became more than just songs—they’re a lifeline to our collective past, a bridge across oceans, and a testament to the power of community. Tune in, and let’s find out if sea shanties really *do* drop your panties!

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Email: [email protected]

Resources:

Check out Jerzy Brzezinski and his expansive project cataloguing and performing Sea Shanties:

Website: https://traditionalshanties.com/

A few notable resources that were invaluable to researching this episode: 

The Library of Congress online: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2024/09/patrick-tayluer-the-greatest-sea-shanty-singer-youve-never-heard/

nautil.us

folkworks.org

trafalgarway.org

 balladofamerica.org 

classicalmusic.com

The Wellerman sung by Nathan Evans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP-7GNoDJ5c

Bones in the Ocean by The Longest Johns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6cPObw6wXA&list=PLfxnB1YXnxp7my7jD59O4yRmMDLvd1oje

“Blow, Boy, Blow,” performed by The Scratch Band, courtesy of culturalequity.org

https://archive.culturalequity.org/field-work/caribbean-1962/newcastle-762/blow-boy-blow-i

Whaling Johnny erformed by Stan Hugill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0C2kt99Kvw&list=OLAK5uy_k94VNBQNSxylbz10GsWF2-y0qEyEmqlH4&index=3

Patrick Tayleur tells his life story, courtesy of the Library Congress: https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2024/09/patrick-tayluer-the-man-behind-the-sea-shanties/

Old Swansea Town Once More performed by Jerzy Brzezinski   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qp9nGg2h6A