Ewan MacColl talks about work songs, and sea shanties in par...
Contributors
Fieldworkers
Unknown Person
Date
October 1953
Track ID
61808
Part 1
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1953.242.A1a
Original Tape ID
Summary
Ewan MacColl talks about work songs, and sea shanties in particular.
Ewan MacColl notes that there are many British songs about work, but not many which are actually used while working, such as Gaelic waulking songs, and sea shanties. Nineteenth century collectors often 'cleaned up' the bawdier sea shanties, removing not only references to sex, but also to hard work. The result contrasted with the rough and dangerous life led by real sailors. There were shanties for all types of work aboard ship. Some also mentioned the sexual exploits of various crew members.
Recording Location
County - Midlothian
Parish - Edinburgh
Village/Place - Edinburgh
Language
English
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good