For what it's worth, lot of work songs began life on stage during the 19th century.
Sarah, here's a list of sea-related songs:
He Played his Ukulele as the Ship went Down. -- Words are fun but it doesn't sing well. I found that it's better sung to the tune of, The White Cockade.
Island in the Sun
Twenty-six Miles (Santa Catalina) --Good uke progression.
Banana Boat Song
Sloop John B
Jamaica Farewell
South Australia
La Mer -- Beyond the Sea
The Mermaid.

Also, leaving the sea, using a Calypso beat (or not) these songs are fun on a uke:
Mango Walk
Yellow Bird.

All these songs are on Youtube.

Cheers, Joy