Types of Shanties
There are two main kinds of songs from the era of sail.
First are the worksongs, shanties, that are divided into short drag (short haul), long drag (halyard), windlass, and capstan songs.
Second are the forebitters, forecastle or fo'c'sle shanties. These are often ballads or tell of some historical event and take their name from the part of the ship where the singing usually took place, the fore bitts or the forecastle, which was the crew's quarters.
Short Drag Shanty
Short drag or short haul shanties were for tasks that required quick pulls over a relatively short time, such as shortening or unfurling sails. When working in rough weather these songs kept the sailors in a rhythm that got the job done safely and efficiently.
Long Drag Shanty
Long drag or halyard shanties were for work that required more setup time between pulls. It was used for heavy labour that went on for a long time, for example, raising or lowering a heavy sail. This type of shanty gave the sailors a rest in between the hauls, a chance to get a breath and a better grip, and coordinated their efforts to make the most of the group’s strength for the next pull. This type of shanty usually has a chorus at the end of each line.
Capstan Shanty
Capstan (or windlass) shanties were used for long or repetitive tasks that simply need a sustained rhythm. Raising or lowering the anchor by winding up the heavy anchor chain was their prime use. This winding was done by walking round and round pushing at the capstan bars, a long and continuous effort. These are the most developed of the work shanties.
Forebitters or forecastle songs
In the evening, when the work was done, it was time to relax. Singing was a favoured method of entertainment. These songs came from places visited, reminding the sailors of home or foreign lands. Naturally the sailors loved to sing songs of love, adventure, pathos, famous men and battles. Of course after all the hard work just plain funny songs topped their list.
Whaling Shanties
Life on a whaler was worse than on any other type of vessel; your life might be shorter on a pirate’s ship, but the work wouldn't be so hard! Voyages typically lasted from two to three years, and sailor’s lives were filled with unrelenting, dangerous work and the ever-present stench of whale oil. Whalers risked maiming and death when giving chase in small boats that were often overturned or even smashed by the whale’s tail in the fight! Songs helped give these men the will to go on in the face of their dreadful circumstances.