Printable Coloring Pages
Sea Shanty Coloring Pages: The Mermaid
Lyrics:
It was a Friday morn when we set sail
And we were not far from the land
When our captain, he spied a fishy mermaid
With a comb and a glass in her hand
Oh the ocean waves do roll
And the stormy winds do blow
And we poor sailors are skipping at the top
While the landlubbers lie down below, below, below
While the landlubbers lie down below
Up spoke the captain of our gallant ship
And a brave old skipper was he
"This fishy mermaid has warned me of our doom
We shall sink to the bottom of the sea"
Up spoke the first mate of our gallant ship
And a well-spoken man was he
"I have me a wife in Salem by the sea
And tonight she a widow will be"
Up spoke the bosun of our gallant ship
And a brave young man was he
"Well I've got a sweetheart at St. John's by the sea
And tonight she be weepin' for me"
Up spoke the cook of our gallant ship
And a greasy old butcher was he
"I care much more for my pots and my pans
Than I do for the bottom of the sea"
Then up spoke the cabinboy, of our gallant ship
And a nasty little lad was he
"I'm not quite sure I can spell mermaid
But I'm going to the bottom of the sea"
Then three times around spun our gallant ship
And three times around spun she
Three times around spun our gallant ship
And she sank to the bottom of the sea
About "The Mermaid" Sea Shanty
"The Mermaid" is a traditional sea shanty that tells the tale of sailors encountering a mermaid during their voyage. This song has been passed down through generations, capturing the blend of superstition, storytelling, and maritime culture that characterizes sea shanties.
Lyrics and Themes: The lyrics of "The Mermaid" describe a ship's crew sighting a mermaid, which was traditionally considered an ominous sign. The song details their fear and the ensuing storm that threatens their journey. Themes of fate, the supernatural, and the unpredictability of the sea are central to the shanty, reflecting the sailors' beliefs and experiences.
Musical Style: "The Mermaid" is typically performed in a lively and rhythmic style, making it suitable for coordinating work on board a ship. The chorus is often repetitive and easy to sing along with, which helped maintain the crew's morale and synchronization during laborious tasks.
Cultural Significance: This shanty is an excellent example of how folklore and maritime life intertwine. Mermaids, like other mythical sea creatures, feature prominently in sailors' tales, embodying both the allure and danger of the ocean. "The Mermaid" encapsulates these elements, making it a staple in the repertoire of traditional maritime music.
Notable Performances: Numerous folk artists and groups have performed and recorded "The Mermaid," each adding their unique touch to the traditional tune. Notable versions include those by The Kingston Trio and Great Big Sea, both of which have helped popularize the song beyond maritime communities.
Historical Context: Songs like "The Mermaid" played a crucial role in the daily life of sailors, serving not only as a means of entertainment but also as a way to preserve and transmit cultural beliefs and experiences. The mermaid, a common figure in maritime folklore, symbolized the mysterious and often perilous nature of the sea.