Joe,

The important thing is not to offend your audience. Clever choice of the correct material for the correct situation is difficult. With salty songs like this it is difficult and I rarely get the chance to sing this but I love having it as part of my repertoire when the (rare) occasion allows.

All shanties were raucous and most extremely bawdy. These men were without women's company for weeks on end and it is understandable that they would sing this type of song.