Probably just my opinion, but hunting, poaching and whaling songs hold a mirror to how people lived at the time they were made, or the views of the then political protagonists. As such they are historical accounts (not necessarily accurate).

Like all history, some is palatable, some definitely unpalatable. To avoid (or censoring) unpalatable accounts because they offend the public sensibility would be tantamount to book burning.

It is but to the listener to judge the song, and maybe the performer is the performer's 'politics' appear dubious.

Also when judging, the listener should not be transferring 21st (commercial) motives as, at the times the songs refer to, the whaling trade - which is one of the worst jobs imaginable was a way of life in the communities where the trade took place.


End of opinion