Shanty, or chanty, is derived from the French word chanter, which means to chatter or sing. Sea shanties were sung on board sea faring vessels and quite a number were collected from the early 19th Century to the age of steam ships in the 20th Century.
The shanty had one purpose, during the days when muscle was needed to work the rigging of a ship, the shanty served as a rhythm to which the job could be done easier. They synchronized the movements of the sailors as they worked tedious tasks. Despite this, the Royal Navy banned singing on board as it was believed the men wouldn’t be able to hear commands. Music was still allowed on board, as the captain was often serenaded by the bosun’s pipe or had a fiddler. Singing was allowed when the anchor was raised and shanty’s were sung as a call to other ships. Off duty hours, singing was allowed, and many of the regular crew and officers enjoyed such moments.
The shantyman was the crewmember who lead the others in singing. The title was almost always self-appointed, as no one would sign on to be a shantyman, but take up the role along with other duties. Sailors who were reputed to be good shantymen were well liked and respected.
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