I guess you have to understand the context. I was an exchange student with the Norwegian Armed Forces and attended their staff school which included their Naval Officers. Our entire class loved to sing it in Norwegian. Which is also why I spell it differently. I have a lot of fond memories of singing it with them in some great places. These places might also meet your definition of "cheap and awful." Does a song that actual sailors sing make it a sailor song? I don't know. Anyways, that is why I like it and want to sing it.

Dinty