Shanties

Aboard a sailing ship in the Skaugan Main, the most important role of the bard was that of shantyman, singing out the calls to which the crew would respond. Each shanty was suited to a particular task, which would be performed to the rhythm of the song. In addition to his own songs, Ka-Ess Lizardkin would have been familiar with many popular shanties and work songs of the period. Some of the most popular have been included in this index.

Capstan Shanties

A capstan

A capstan is a large, horizontal windlass, used on ships to raise and lower sails and anchors. As sailors marched around the capstan, they would sing these shanties to maintain a steady pace.

• The Drunken Sailor

Halyard Shanties

A halyard is a line used to hoist sails and yardarms. This was a slow and laborious task. The accented notes in halyard shanties indicate to the crew when to pull the line.

• Blow the Man Down

Pumping Shanties

Pumping shanties accompanied the operation of the bilge pumps - grueling and unpleasant work.

• Lowlands Away

Short Haul Shanties

Short haul shanties were sung for tasks that required short bursts of great strength, designed around accents in the same manner as halyard shanties.

• Haul Away the Bowline