Boston Evening Transcript (Apr. 13, 1892), in ref. to "American ships" in "the old days." The writer, "J.F.H.," appears to be personally familiar with operating a windlass and the rhythm of chanteys.


"Another [shanty], evidently of Southern origin, ran --

    Cararjo [sic], punetara!
    Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara!
    Arenzo, Arenzo, a-a-a !"

Punatera = "Damn it!"

Carajo = "Fuck it!"

Bayou Sara, La., was once a major Mississippi River port, especially before the Civil War. By 1927, the town had been abandoned due to repeated flooding.

It was about 30 miles northwest of the state capital at Baton Rouge.