A form of
singing, rarely used these days. Originally used by
sailors to
sync and
time an action on a sea
vessel, such as the raising of the
main sail (An effort that demands everyone pulling the
rope at the same time for maximum effect). In this way the chanty can relate to
blues music, originating from work-related songs to the more advanced singing and recording. The chanties tell the tales of the sailors from all over the world, and exists in every sea-fareing nations. Often, the chanties are basis from
childrens songs.
A more modern spelling variety would be shanty.
A note on the spelling: The varieties are chantey, chanty and shanty. According to dictionary.com, a shanty is more likely to mean a shabby house, while chantey / chanty refers to the song style.
An example:
Stand Navy down the field,
Sails set to the sky.
We'll never change our course,
So Army you steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll up the score, Navy,
Anchors Aweigh.
Sail Navy down the field
And sink the Army, sink the Army Grey.
Get underway, Navy,
Decks cleared for the fray,
We'll hoist true Navy Blue
So Army down your Grey-y-y-y.
Full speed ahead, Navy;
Army heave to,
Furl Black and Grey and Gold
And hoist the Navy, hoist the Navy Blue
Blue of the Seven Seas;
Gold of God's great sun
Let these our colors be Till
All of time be done-n-n-ne,
By Severn shore we learn
Navy's stern call:
Faith, courage, service true
With honor over, honor over all.
(Copyright 1906 (expired): Lt. Charles A. Zimmermann)