Printable Coloring Pages
Sea Shanty Coloring Pages: Fish in the Sea
Lyrics:
Come all you young sailor men, listen to me
I'll sing you a song of the fish in the sea
And it's windy weather, boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows, we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes
Up jumps the eel with his slippery tail
Climbs up aloft and reefs the topsail
And it's windy weather, boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows, we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes
And then up jumps the shark with his nine rows of teeth
Saying, "You eat the dough boys, and I'll eat the beef!"
And it's windy weather, boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows, we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes
Up jumps the whale, the largest of all
"If you want any wind, well, I'll blow ye a squall"
And it's windy weather, boys, stormy weather, boys
When the wind blows, we're all together, boys
Blow ye winds westerly, blow ye winds, blow
Jolly sou'wester, boys, steady she goes
About "Fish in the Sea"
"Fish in the Sea" is a traditional sea shanty that has been sung by sailors for generations. Like many shanties, it was used to coordinate the work on ships, providing rhythm for tasks such as hauling lines and hoisting sails. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the song made it ideal for keeping sailors in sync during their laborious duties.
Lyrics and Themes: The lyrics of "Fish in the Sea" celebrate the bounty of the ocean and the maritime lifestyle. The song often mentions various types of sea creatures and the activities of sailors, capturing the essence of life at sea. The recurring chorus and verses reflect the sailors' relationship with the ocean, highlighting both the abundance and the challenges they face.
Musical Style: "Fish in the Sea" has a lively and upbeat tempo, typical of sea shanties designed to boost morale and maintain a steady work pace. The call-and-response format allows for easy participation, with a lead singer calling out lines and the crew responding in unison.
Cultural Impact: This shanty, like many others, is an important part of maritime heritage, preserving the stories and traditions of sailors from centuries past. It has been recorded by various folk artists and continues to be performed at maritime festivals and folk music gatherings, ensuring its place in the cultural memory of seafaring communities.
Notable Recordings: "Fish in the Sea" has been covered by numerous folk and maritime music groups, each bringing their own interpretation to the classic tune. Notable versions include those by The Fisherman's Friends, a British shanty group known for their robust and authentic renditions of traditional sea songs.