"Hurrah for the Black Ball Line"
This blog is for the edification of seacurious individuals like myself, but the words can only go so far. I know what a capstan looks like. I know the particular words and rhythms I’m supposed to move on while singing a shanty. But I don’t own a boat—yet, at least—nor do I have a crew to sail with, and so I don’t really know what it’s really like.
That’s why videos such as the one I’ve embedded in this post are helpful. Instead of just talking about it, the tour guide gives us a proper demonstration of what you’d be doing while singing. Sure, it might look like a bunch of schlubby white guys doing something very simple but it’s better than nothing. (Editor’s Note: You can contribute to my Patreon to help for more original content. I could definitely use a schooner and mates with which to sail the high seas.)
“Hurrah for the Black Ball Line” is a halyard or long-haul shanty. It’s meant for long repetitive tasks. The halyard is a rope used to raise things like sails and the ship’s flag—or jolly roger if that’s how you choose to live your life.
Watch and see for yourself.