But there is something to be said about why a sea shanty, a tune from a time most people know or think little about, happened to become a viral phenomena overnight Sea shanties and ballads have long been a way to bring people together.

Their simplicity of tune and rhythm means anyone can partake, so long as you can remember the words - or not, that's fine too. You can always just mumble along.

But the words to sea shanties are often very simple, allowing people of many languages, backgrounds, and cultures to be able to understand and participate in the communal activity of song.

While shanties were used for working - and exclusively so, ballads, like the Wellerman were used to entertain and tell stories.

The sailors saw them as a way to pass the time, vent through a creative outlet, tell stories, and bring the crew together and ease into a form of peace, in whatever situation they may find themselves.

[:39] Scottish Postman Sings Sea Shanty on TikTok

[1:35] Why Sailors and Modern Society in a Pandemic Love Sea Shanties

[3:00] When and Why Sea Shanties Were Sung

[3:35] Why Sea Shanties Were Important

[4:00] The Three Types of Shanties

[4:10 ] Hauling Shanties

[4:20] Earlie in the Mornin'

[5:00] The Shantyman

[6:10]Blow the Man Down

[7:10] Heaving Shanties

[8:25] Pump Shanties

[8:40] Shanty Superstitions

[9:40] Forecastle Shanties / Ditties /Forebitters

[10:34] Decline of the Sea Shanty

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