The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #145760 Message #3372857
Posted By: Charley Noble
06-Jul-12 - 12:35 PM
Thread Name: Shanties as work songs, question
Subject: RE: Shanties as work songs, question
There's a lot of discussion here on that topic. You might review one of Gibb Sahib's threads for something recent.
Halyard shanties were structured generally for one long pull.
Other shanties for raising light sails had many quick pulls.
Capstan shanties were basically continuous work in rhythm as the crew marched around.
Windlass shanties were similar but people did their work in place, heaving up and down.
Pumping shanties varied, depending on the type of pump. Some involved heaving and hauling, as with the shanty "South Australia."
Charley Noble