Decoding The Last Shanty! A Must Know Song for All Mariners!

The sailor's life is challenging, filled with unpredictable weather, long periods of isolation, and demanding physical labor. This song encompasses the beauty and, at the same time, the evolution of the sailor's life across generations.

The Last Shanty

by Nathan Evans

Well, me father often told me when I was just a lad
A sailor's life is very hard, the food is always bad
But now I've joined the navy, I'm aboard a man-o-war
And now I've found a sailor, ain't a sailor any more

Don't haul on the rope, don't climb up the mast
And if you see a sailing ship, it might be your last
Just get your civvies ready for another run-ashore
A sailor ain't a sailor, ain't a sailor anymore

Well, the killick of our mess he says we had it soft
It wasn't like that in his day when we were up aloft
We like our bunks and sleeping bags, but what's a hammock for?
Swinging from the deckhead, or lying on the floor?

Don't haul on the rope, don't climb up the mast
And if you see a sailing ship, it might be your last
Just get your civvies ready for another run-ashore
A sailor ain't a sailor, ain't a sailor anymore

They gave us an engine that first went up and down
And then with more technology, the engine went around
We know our steam and diesels but what's a mainyard for?
A stoker ain't a stoker with a shovel anymore

Don't haul on the rope, don't climb up the mast
And if you see a sailing ship, it might be your last
Just get your civvies ready for another run-ashore
A sailor ain't a sailor, ain't a sailor anymore

And two cans of beer a day and that's your bleeding lot
And now we've got an extra one because they stopped The Tot
So we'll put on our civvy-clothes and find a pub ashore
A sailor's just a sailor just like he was before

Don't haul on the rope, don't climb up the mast
And if you see a sailing ship, it might be your last
Just get your civvies ready for another run-ashore
A sailor ain't a sailor, ain't a sailor anymore

Don't haul on the rope, don't climb up the mast
And if you see a sailing ship, it might be your last
Just get your civvies ready for another run-ashore
A sailor ain't a sailor, ain't a sailor anymore

(Interesting fact: A shanty, also spelled as chantey or chanty, is a type of work song traditionally sung by sailors during tasks on board sailing ships. These songs served multiple purposes, such as coordinating labor-intensive tasks like hoisting sails or hauling ropes, boosting morale, and maintaining a sense of rhythm and unity among the crew.

Shanties often have a distinctive call-and-response structure, where one person (the shantyman or leader) sings a line or verse, and the rest of the crew joins in with a chorus or refrain. The repetitive nature of the songs helped synchronize the sailors' movements, making their work more efficient.

Shanties cover a wide range of topics, including shipboard duties, longing for home, tales of adventures at sea, and humorous anecdotes. They were an integral part of maritime culture and a means of expressing the unique experiences, challenges, and camaraderie of sailors during the age of sailing ships. Today, shanties continue to be sung and enjoyed as part of maritime heritage and folk music)

While the captures the sentiments of a sailor from the past, we can draw a parallel to the experiences of a modern-day mariner. Although the specific tasks and challenges may differ, the overarching themes of camaraderie, adaptation to changing technologies, and the longing for shore leave still resonate with modern mariners.

A stoker is a term commonly used in the context of ships and steam-powered vessels. A stoker is an individual responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's boiler or furnace, which generates steam to power the ship's engines. The job of a stoker involves tasks such as feeding the boiler with coal or fuel, regulating the fuel supply, ensuring proper combustion, and monitoring the steam pressure.

In the past, when steam propulsion was prevalent, stokers played a crucial role in the operation of steamships. Their physical labor was demanding and required strength and endurance to shovel coal into the boiler's firebox continuously. Stokers worked in the engine room or boiler room of the ship, where it could be hot, noisy, and challenging due to the intense heat and machinery.

With the advancement of technology and the use of more modern propulsion systems, such as diesel engines, the role of stokers has significantly diminished. However, the term "stoker" still retains historical significance and is often associated with the era of steam-powered ships and the arduous work of fueling and maintaining their boilers.

A modern-day mariner might find similarities in the evolution of their profession due to advancements in technology. For example, the use of computerized navigation systems, advanced communication devices, and automated machinery has transformed the way ships are operated. Just like the sailors in the song who had to adapt to engines and technology, modern mariners must continually learn and update their skills to work with these new systems.

Similarly, the concept of shore leave or time spent ashore is still significant to modern mariners. Even though the work environment and regulations have changed, the desire for a break from the rigors of life at sea remains. Mariners today still look forward to going ashore, exploring new places, and taking a break from the demands of their profession.

Overall, while the specific details and challenges may vary between eras, the experiences of sailors and mariners continue to share common themes of adaptation, camaraderie, and the need for respite.

"There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and enslaving than the life at sea"

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