Printable Coloring Pages
Sea Shanty Coloring Pages: Whistling Lad
Lyrics:
A whistling lad came calling to his sweetheart
To tell her he was sailing off to sea
A whistling lad became this lassie's sorrow
For a whistling lad and she would never be
Waves crash upon the bough
The wind she blows and moans and howls
Her cries stretch across the sea
While she listens for the lad
Who was whistling
Now whistling lads be sure ye not disturb her
She sleeps amongst the fair and gentle breeze
Awake she comes reminded of her lover
If not be him she'll keel your ship into the sea
Waves crash upon the bough
The wind she blows and moans and howls
Her cries stretch across the sea
While she listens for the lad
Who was whistling
Who was whistling? (Who was whistling?)
Who was whistling? (Who was whistling?)
Who was whistling, if not my sailor? (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Who was whistling? (Who was whistling?)
Who was whistling? (Who was whistling?)
Who was whistling, he's not my sailor (oh-oh-oh)
A whistling lad was calling to his sweetheart
To tell her he was sailing off to sea
A whistling lad became this lassie's sorrow
For a whistling lad and she would never be
Waves crash upon the bough
The wind she blows and moans and howls
Her cries stretch across the sea
While she listens for the lad (while she listens-)
(While she listens for the lad)
While she listens for the lad
Who was whistling
About "Whistling Lad"
"Whistling Lad" is a traditional sea shanty steeped in maritime superstition. The song narrates the tale of a young sailor whose habit of whistling brings misfortune to his ship and crew. The song reflects the long-held superstition that whistling on a ship is considered bad luck, as it is believed to summon strong winds and storms, potentially endangering the vessel and its crew.
Lyrics and Themes: The song's lyrics revolve around the consequences faced by the crew due to the young sailor's whistling. It captures the tension between youthful exuberance and the seasoned wisdom of older sailors who adhere to these superstitions. The refrain often highlights the repeated warnings given to the lad and the subsequent troubles faced by the ship.
Maritime Superstition: Whistling on a ship is historically regarded as bad luck because it was believed to control the wind. Sailors were a superstitious group, and various behaviors were thought to influence their fate at sea. Whistling was seen as a way to tempt fate, inviting storms and turbulent weather.
Cultural Impact: "Whistling Lad (Bad Luck!)" serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that shaped the lives of sailors. It is an example of how folklore and practical experience intertwined in maritime culture, influencing behavior and reinforcing communal norms.
Musical Style: The song is typically performed in a traditional sea shanty style, featuring a strong rhythm suitable for coordinating work on deck. The call-and-response format, common in shanties, helps to emphasize the collective experience of the crew and the consequences of ignoring age-old wisdom.
I love sharing this song with the true story of Black Sam Bellamy and Maria Hallett.