That whole first page of comments... oy.

"Meyer has pointed out that condition, that contradiction, which afflicts everyone who thinks at all: the more you strive to be sensible and serious and meaningful, the less chance you have of becoming so. The primary objective is to laugh." - Freefall in Crimson, John D. MacDonald

To Don Firth's 17 Dec 2012 post I would add:

entertain late Middle English: from French entretenir, based on Latin inter 'among' + tenere 'to hold.' The word originally meant 'maintain, continue,' later 'maintain in a certain condition, treat in a certain way,' also 'show hospitality' (late 15th century). - Webster's New World

entertainment is a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience, or gives pleasure and delight. - wiki

"An Old Testament Cantor, the chanteyman and Harry Belafonte all seek the same goal… enchantment. They want to harness the energies of the audience to get something done – Praise the Lord; haul the bowline; pay the rent." - Phil d'Conch to Gibb Sahib

I was being flip about Belafonte but one cannot seriously deny the man's ability to enchant and entertain a live audience. He still does.

The standard definition of "recreation" is based on "leisure" however this ignores the well documented history of the shanty, cadence &c as a form of recreation part & parcel to a work environment. They "recreate" and "renew" our "spirits" as we work. (see Capt Forrest's remarks on the celeusma & fatigued crew.)

It's as basic as sleep, water & food. Go too long without recreation and your brain will shut down. The "second wind" a shanty or cadence provides is something science still struggles to explain

Don't forget to breath... & laugh.