Songs chanted for the hard work aboard ships. The form of the chantey is usually a verse containing one or two "call and response" lines, with a chorus often coinciding with a pull or heave. A chanter would shout out words, with an emphasis on one word or syllable to pace the work. The men would call out the chorus in rhythm to their work (raising the anchors, hauling ropes, lowering sails, etc.).

Nowadays best sung in large groups, as loud as possible, while slightly drunk.

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