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2023-03-21Hangin Johnny by Mick BroderickThis live performance of the popular shanty features the vocals of Mick Broderick, a Scottish singer who used to work as a boilermaker and plater in the famous Clydeside shipyards. Broderick, who died aged 68 in 2009, was described by The Herald newpaper obituary as "a folk song pioneer". The recording was provided by Raretunes.org under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 UK: Scotland licence. Some remastering was done by Marine Café Blog. (2.2 MiB, MP3, 1:24 minutes)1 file(s) 7 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-03-18Leave Her, Johnny by Roger McGuinn (for iPhones)This version of the popular shanty features the music and vocals of American folk singer Roger McGuinn. It has been converted by Marine Café Blog for playing on iPhones. The song is covered by McGuinn's original
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States licence. (2.5 MiB, m4a, 2:41 minutes)
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2023-03-16Steamboat Ringtone (for Android phones)This ringtone is the intro segment of 'Steamboat Bill', a song recorded in 1911 by American baritone Arthur Collins and remastered by Marine Café Blog. (353 KiB, MP3, 12 seconds).
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2023-03-14the piano of the old seaman (contemporary music in MP3)This musical piece conjures the image of an old salt reminiscing over his days at sea. It was composed and recorded by Russian musician Evgeny Grinko. The recording was shared by Grinko via the Free Music Archive under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 International licence. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 2:15 minutes)1 file(s) 71 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-03-11Ebb Tide (romantic music)Frank Chacksfield and His Orchestra perform the popular 1953 song 'Ebb Tide'. The recording from the same year was provided by the Internet Archive and remastered by Marine Café Blog. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 2:52 minutes)
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2023-03-11Old Folks at Home (Swanee River)This popular minstrel song, which happens to be the State song of Florida, was recorded in 1930 by Paul Robeson, the celebrated American singer, actor and black activist. The recording was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 3:18 minutes)
See also Paul Robeson's iconic 'Ol Man River'.
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2023-03-10New Mississippi River Blues (country song)This song features the York Brothers (George and Leslie York), an American country duo popular from the '30s through the '50s. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog from their 1947 recording. (4 MiB, MP3, 2:59 minutes)
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2023-03-06Knots, a Study of Marlinespike Seamanship Which Embraces Bends, Hitches, Ties, Fastenings and Splices and Their Practical ApplicationPublished in 1918, this illustrated book contains a trove of information about nautical knots. The author, A.F. Aldridge, notes in his Preface: "The study of knots is always fascinating. To twist ropes so that they will hold and not break is an art that comes natural to the sailor and the amateur will watch him in wonder as he does his work." (10.5 MiB, PDF, 163 pages)1 file(s) 25 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2023-03-04Blue Danube Waltz by Arthur Pryor’s BandAmerican band leader Arthur Pryor (1869–1942) and his Band perform Johann Strauss, Jr.'s great waltz in this vintage recording. The undated audio is from Florida Atlantic University's Recorded Sound Archives (RSA) with further remastering by Marine Café Blog. (3 MiB, MP3, 2:45 minutes)
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2023-03-02Haul on the Bowline (short-drag shanty)'Haul on the Bowline' is a rousing shanty featuring the combined singing talents of the Viking Chorale of Lawrence University and Larry's Privateers. This is a cut from a longer recording of their live performance published in the Internet Archive. The segment was remastered by Marine Café Blog and is published here for educational purposes. (3.6 MiB, MP3, 2:21 minutes)1 file(s) 22 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-02-27Song of the Volga Boatmen by Emilio de GogorzaThis version of the famous Russian folk song was recorded in 1921 under the Victrola label. It features the vocals of Emilio de Gogorza (1872–1949), an American baritone of Spanish parentage. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised recording. (3.3 MiB, MP3, 2:55 minutes)1 file(s) 14 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-03-05STEAMBOAT (Blow Your Whistle Again)John Gordy (1904-1961), an American dixieland jazz leader, recorded this song in 1952 together with the Hots Jackson & The Old-Timers band. The audio file from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 2:28 minutes)
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2023-02-15Swan Lake Op. 20 1.Scene 3.Dance of the Little SwansConsidered the greatest romantic ballet, Swan Lake was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky between 1875 and 1876. This segment of the ballet suite was recorded in 1933 under the His Master's Voice label and features the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the original recording. (4.3 MiB, MP3, 3:47 minutes)
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2023-02-13Steamboat by The DriftersFans of rhythm & blues music will love this song. It was recorded in 1955 by the American vocal group, The Drifters. The audio file is courtesy of the Internet Archive, with some remastering performed by Marine Café Blog. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 2:25 minutes)
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2023-02-08Bicentennial Ship Parade, souvenir programmeThe United States Bicentennial Ship Parade was held to celebrate the 200th anniversary (4th of July 1976) of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This souvenir programme contains some informative articles and dozens of historic photos of sailing ships. It is courtesy of the Columbia University Libraries via the Internet Archive. (6.4 MiB, PDF, 68 pages)1 file(s) 2 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2023-01-31The Fighting Temeraire by Edward FraserThis article looks into the glorious history of the HMS Temeraire and includes interesting information about how the British artist, J.M.W. Turner, came to immortalise the ship in his famous painting '‘The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838’. It is one of the chapters in the 1907 book Famous Fighters of the Fleet by Edward Fraser. (2.2 MiB, PDF, 76 pages)
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2023-01-26Venice by Beryl de Selincourt and May Sturge HendersonThe authors of 'Venice' were both accomplished British women -- Beryl de Selincourt (Zoete), a ballet dancer, and May Sturge Henderson, a historian and magistrate. Together, they take you on a rare tour of old Venice. A beautiful prose style and 30 splendid illustrations in colour make this 1907 book a literary and historial gem. (15 MiB, PDF, 255 pages)
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2023-01-22Drunken Sailor by the Rijsel Irish Boy’ZThis hard-edged version of the popular shanty is by the Rijsel Irish Boy'Z, a punk band from Rijsel, France. The recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported licence. (3.7 MiB, MP3, 3:46 minutes)1 file(s) 52 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-01-17Bells of the Sea by Wilfred GlennA sailor at sea sings of his undying love for a woman in 'Bells of the Sea'. Recorded in 1923 under the Victor label, the song features the vocals of American bass singer Wilfred Glenn (1881–1970). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio from the Library of Congress. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 3:14 minutes)1 file(s) 22 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-12-31Auld Lang Syne by Jean Redpath'Auld Lang Sang' is a great song for seafarers and landlubbers to remember friends by. It was recorded for a 1966 television show by the gifted Scottish folk singer, Jean Redpath (1937–2014). She was accompanied by American folk singer Peter Seeger (1919– 2014). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio file published on the Internet Archive. (1.5 MiB, MP3, 59 seconds)
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2022-12-29The Sea Captain'The Sea Captain' was performed by the Exceptional Edward, an indie-rock band from Columbus, Ohio. It is included in their 2008 album 'Lost at Sea'. This recording was provided by Jamendo Music under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported licence. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 3:49 minutes)
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2022-12-24Hawaiian Boat SongThis is a beautiful song with a lilting melody. The recording is included in the album 'Near and Far' released in 1962 by the University of Illinois Music Library. It was digitised by the Internet Archive and remastered by Marine Café Blog. (2.6 MiB, MP3, 1:10 minutes)1 file(s) 35 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-12-23Medley of Sea Songs (chorus and orchestra)Featured in this medley are seven sea songs: Sailing, Larboard watch, Rocked in the cradle of the deep, Life on the ocean wave, Asleep in the deep, Nancy Lee, and Anchored. The recording is from 1913 and is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio file from the US Library of Congress. (4.8 MiB, Mp3, 3:58 minutes)(4.8 MiB, Mp3, 3:58 minutes)
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2022-12-19The Seagull by Vitaliy Baldych (New Age music)'The Seagull' feaaures the New Age music of Russian composer-musician Vitaliy Baldych. The 2012 recording was released by United Studio Corporation (USC), Russian Federation, under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported licence. (11.3 MiB, MP3, 4:48 minutes) Click on the Download button to preview and download the file.1 file(s) 6 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-12-12I Saw Three Ships by various English singersThis version of the English Christmas carol was recorded in 1947. It features the vocals of British singers Margaret Field-Hyde (soprano), Marjorie Thomas (contralto), Heddle Nash (tenor), and Dennis Noble (baritone) with Harbert Dawson (classical organist). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio file from the Internet Archive. (3.2 MiB, MP3, 2:45 minutes)
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2022-12-08Salt Water Blues by Buster Ezell'Salt Water Blues' was recorded in 1941 by the US Library of Congress. Performing is Buster "Buzz" Ezell, a blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player. The song is a good example of blues, the secular folk music which originated in the South in the early 20th century among African Americans. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised recording. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 1:59 minutes)
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2022-12-04Remember Pearl Harbor (remastered)'Remember Pearl Harbor' is a march song recorded on 17 December 1941—just 10 days after the Japanese attack. It was composed by American bandleader Sammy Kaye (1910–1987) with lyrics by Don Reid. The recording features Kaye's Swing and Sway Band and The Glee Club, remastered by Marine Café Blog for the best playback quality. (4.5 MiB, MP3, 2:28 minutes)
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2022-11-28Viking Song (remastered)'Viking Song' features the vocals of American baritone Emilio de Gogorza (1872–1949). The song was composed by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a British composer and conductor. CLICK HERE for the lyrics. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of Gogorza's 1918 Victrola recording. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 2:32 minutes)
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2022-11-20Skye Boat Song (traditional Scottish song)The song is about Scotland's Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and his flight to the Isle of Skye following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. (Click here for more about the song and the lyrics.). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1952 recording featuring the vocals of Nicky Kidd with orchestra. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 3:29 minutes)
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2022-11-11Anchors Aweigh by the Mormon Tabernacle ChoirThis powerful, awe-inspiring version of 'Anchors Aweigh' features the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The recording is from the group's 2002 album 'Majesty of America'. It was provided by the Internet Archive and remastered by Marine Café Blog for best playback quality. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 2:16 minutes)1 file(s) 58 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-11-08Sewol Ferry Love by John Lopker'American singer-songwriter John Lopker wrote and recorded this song in remembrance of South Korea's 2014 Sewol ferry disaster that killed 304 persons, mostly high school students. Mr. Lopker has made the song available via the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) licence. (3.9 MiB, MP3, 2:35 minutes)1 file(s) 71 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-11-06Don’t Give Up the Ship (remastered)'Don't Give Up the Ship' is a naval song, but it has a universal message: Stand together and keep trying till you succeed. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1935 recording by American singer-actor Dick Powell with Victor Young and his Orchestra. (2 MiB, MP3, 2:25 minutes)
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2022-12-17An der schönen, blauen Donau (On the beautiful, blue Danube)This is an excellent version of the immortal Blue Danube waltz composed by Johann Strauss, Jr. The circa-1972 recording features the United States Marine Band under the baton of Albert F. Schoepper (1913–1997). (12.1 MiB, MP3, (9:09 minutes) Click on the Download button to preview and download the audio file.1 file(s) 40 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-10-29Sailing Down the Chesapeake Bay (for iPhones)Recorded in 1913, this historic song about Chesapeake Bay features the Premier Quartet (aka American Quartet). Marine Café Blog remastered and converted to iPhone audio format the recording provided by the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. (3.1 MiB, m4a, 3:20 minutes)
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2022-10-23A Frozen Crew (a tale of horror at sea)In 1775, the captain of a Greenland whaler and his crew come upon a ship that had been missing for 13 years and are shocked to find what's on board. 'A Frozen Crew' by an anonymous writer is from 'Wonderful Deeds and Adventures', an illustrated book published in 1893 by Cassell Publishing Company, New York. (391 KiB, PDF, 6 pages)
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2022-10-19The Mississippi Dippy Dip (MP3 version)Ragtime music and Mississippi history are rolled into one in 'The Mississippi Dippy Dip'. This song was recorded in 1911 and features the vocals of Arthur Collins (baritone) and Byron Harlan (tenor). The digitised recording is from the U.S. Library of Congress, with some remastering by Marine Café Blog. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 2:45 minutes)
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2022-10-15Ol’ Man River by Frank Sinatra (remastered)Ole 'Blue Eyes performs Ol' Man River, an iconic song from the 1927 American musical Show Boat. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of Frank Sinatra's 1945 recording published on the Internet Archive. (5.9 MiB, MP3, 4 minutes)
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2022-10-14Jamaica Farewell by Harry Belafonte (remastered)Listen and be captivated by Harry Belafonte's 1956 performance of 'Jamaica Farewell'. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio recording published on the Internet Archive. (2.9 MiB, MP3, 3:27 minutes)
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2022-10-12The Voyage of Columbus (poem)'The Voyage of Columbus' is a narrative poem written in 1810 by the English poet Samuel Rogers (1763–1855). This file was extracted by Marine Café Blog from the 1939 edition of Rogers' 'Poems' as digitised by Google. (948 KiB, PDF, 11 pages)
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2022-10-05Mississippi Sawyer (traditional fiddle tune)'Mississippi Sawyer' is an old American fiddle tune with an interesting title. The Library of Congress explains: "The title refers to a frightening phenomenon during floods on the Mississippi. Great trees would be wrenched from the bank by flood waters and would be dragged underwater in the raging torrent, only to impale themselves in the bottom and rise like monsters from the deep to threaten the paths of boats struggling to navigate the flood. This was the dread Mississippi sawyer." This 1967 recording is from the Library of Congress and was remastered by Marine Café Blog. it features American fiddler James Reed (1884–1968). (492 KiB, MP3, 1:27 minutes)1 file(s) 56 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-09-22The Wellerman by Alexander Nakarada (full version for iPhones)This is the best instrumental version of 'The Wellerman', converted by Marine Café Blog for the enjoyment of iPhone users. The recording is by Alexander Nakarada, a gifted musician from Norway. It is distributed on this website under Nakarada's original Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. (1.8 MiB, m4a, 1:56 minutes)
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2022-09-21Brave Pirates by fri.events OrchestraThis short orchestral piece evokes images of pirates scouring the seas on majestic sailing ships in search of adventure and treasures to plunder. It should appeal to adults and children alike. The recording was provided by the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States licence |
2022-09-17Sailor’s Hornpipe by the London Dance OrchestraThe swing band London Dance Orchestra performs a wonderful version of 'Sailor's Hornpipe', a traditional folk melody. The recording is from 1924 and was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (2 MiB, MP3, 1:33 minutes) See also 'Sailor's Hornpipe' by Charles D'Almaine .1 file(s) 61 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-09-14Sailor’s Hornpipe by Charles D’Almaine (for iPhones)Marine Café Blog has converted this traditional folk melody especially for iPhone users. The 1913 recording features the violin music of Charles D'Almaine (1871–1943) and was kindly provided by the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. (3.9 MiB, m4a, 4:11 minutes)
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2022-09-12Santa Lucia (Neopolitan boat song)This traditional Neopolitan song was arranged by Italian composer Teodoro Cottrau (1827–1879). It was recorded in 1917 with Fernando Guaneri singing it in Neopolitan [CLICK HERE for the Neopolitan and English lyrics]. Marine Café Blog remastered the audio that was kindly provided by the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. (3.6 MiB, MP3, 3:11 minutes)
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2022-09-11Rio Grande and Billy Boy (back to back shanties)British baritone singer John Goss (1891–1953) recorded these two sea shanties in 1929 together with the Cathedral Male Voice Quartet. The digitised recording from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.1 MiB, MP3) 2:40 minutes)
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2022-09-09Row, Row, Row Your Boat (ringtone for Android phones)This ringtone featuring the popular children's song should appeal to adults who love boats. It is a cut from a 1954 recording by The Elliot Brothers Orchestra. (399.8 KiB KiB, MP3, 18 seconds)
Click here for the iPhone version.
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2023-03-04Row, Row, Row Your Boat (ringtone for iPhone)This ringtone featuring the popular children's song should appeal to adults who love boats. It is a cut from a 1954 recording by The Elliot Brothers Orchestra. (316.9 KiB KiB, m4a, 18 seconds)
Click here for the Android phone version.
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2022-09-12Sailing Down the Chesapeake Bay (vintage song)This charming song will take you back to the good old days of Chesapeake Bay passenger shipping. It was recorded in 1913 by the Premier Quartet (aka American Quartet). The digitised recording comes from the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. ((3.1 MiB, MP3, 3:21 minutes) Click here for the song lyrics.1 file(s) 200 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-09-14Sailor’s Hornpipe by Charles D’Almaine (instrumental music)'Sailor's Hornpipe' is a folk melody that served in earlier centuries as music for sailors dancing aboard their ships (click here to learn more about its origins). This 1913 recording features American violinist Charles D'Almaine (1871–1943). It is courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 4:12 minutes) Get the iPhone version here.
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2022-09-05We Parted on the Shore by Sir Harry Lauder (song in MP3)Parting is a sad moment for a sailor and his sweetheart, but 'We Parted on the Shore' is humorous and entertaining. This song from 1908 features the vocals of Scottish singer and comedian Sir Harry Lauder (1870–1950). The digitised recording is courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. (2.1 MiB, MP3, 2:18 minutes)1 file(s) 64 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-09-05Banana Boat (Day-o) by Harry Belafonte: ringtone-2 (for Android phones)This ringtone is the intro segment of Belafonte's classic song as remastered by Marine Café Blog. (581 KiB, MP3, 24 seconds). See also Belafonte's Banana Boat: ringtone-1.
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2022-09-04When the Bell in the Lighthouse Rings (love song, MP3)A sailor who misses his bonnie Kate derives inspiration from a lighthouse: "When the bell in the lighthouse rings ding dong/ When it clangs its warning loud and long/ Then a sailor will think of his sweetheart so true/ And long for the day he'll come back to you." This 1910 recording features the impressive baritone voice of Frank C. Stanley (1868 – 1910). It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio from the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. ( 6 MiB, MP3, 4:12 minutes)
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2022-09-03Drunken Sailor (piano version) ringtoneThis ringtone for Android phones features the piano version of the popular sea shanty 'Drunken Sailor'. (463.7 KiB, MP3, 21 seconds).1 file(s) 69 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-31Le cygne (The swan) (classical music)The great Spanish cellist Pablo Casals (1876–1973) plays 'Le cygne' (The swan) in this 1926 recording. He is accompanied at the piano by Russian-born Nicolai Mednikoff. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of an audio file from the Internet Archive. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 2:45 minutes)
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2022-08-30Seaquest by Black Bones (pirate song)'Seaquest' is a mind-blowing pirate song by the Italian rock band Black Bones. It is part of the group's album 'Pirates of the Coast' released in 2009. This track is from the Free Music Archive and is redistributed by Marine Café Blog under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.. |
2022-08-28Smooth Sailing by Ella Fitzgerald (ringtone for Android phone)Jazz up your Android phone with this cool and classy ringtone featuring the vocals of American jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996). It is a cut from her 1951 recording and was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (630 KiB, MP3, 29 seconds) CLICK HERE to get the iPhone version of this ringtone.1 file(s) 39 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-28Smooth Sailing by Ella Fitzgerald (ringtone for iPhone)This cool and classy ringtone features the vocals of American jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996). It is a cut from her 1951 recording and was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (518.8 KiB, m4a, 30 seconds)
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2022-08-26Pirate Song (ringtone for Android phones)This is a ringtone true-blooded pirate fans will love. It is a cut from 'Pirate Song', a 1925 recording featuring the vocals of American baritone singer Reinald Werrenrath with lyrics adopted from Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel, 'Treasure Island'. (561 KiB, MP3, 17 seconds)1 file(s) 159 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-22Over the Summer Sea (song in MP3)'Over the Summer Sea' is an adaptation of the song 'La donna è mobile' (Woman is fickle) from Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Rigoletto'. It features the vocals of Raymond Dixon, pseudonym of American operatic tenor Harry Lambert Murphy (1885–1954). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1914 Victor recording. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 1:33 minutes)
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2022-08-16Lowlands Away by Emmie Ward (traditional ballad)'Lowlands Away' is about a sailor who dreams about his love who has passed away. The song has varying lyrics, some versions suggesting that the loved one died in a shipwreck. Read more here.This recording is courtesy of the English Folk Song & Dance Society and and features the beautiful vocals of British folk musician Emmie Ward. (2.8 MiB, MP3, 3:05 minutes)1 file(s) 75 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-13The Harbor of Love (old-time song in MP3)'The Harbor of Love' was recorded in 1911 under the Victor label by American tenor Walter J. Van Brunt (1892–1971). The song uses the harbor and the sea as metaphors for love. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised recording from the Library of Congress. (5 MiB, MP3, 3:19 minutes)
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2022-08-13Captain Blood (ringtone for iPhones)iPhone owners deserve more than a run-of-the-mill ringtone. This one is special indeed. It is a cut from the intro to 'Captain Blood' by The Black Bones musical band. The audio file is distributed by Marine Café Blog under the band's original licence: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States . |
2022-08-12Beautiful Bristol Bay by John Lopker (song in MP3)This original song by American singer-songwriter John Lopker is a tribute to Alaska's Bristol Bay. It is also a protest song against the controversial plan to build the Pebble Mine. Lopker shared the song via the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. (4.7 MiB, MP3, MP3, 2:38 minutes) A note from Lopker about 'Beautiful Bristol Bay': "Bristol Bay is the lifeblood of Alaska. Home to the world’s largest wild sockeye salmon run, the bay provides tens of thousands of Alaskan jobs and feeds Americans from coast to coast. Its pristine waters have sustained the Indigenous peoples of the region for millennia, and each year tens of thousands of anglers and visitors from around the world are drawn to its extraordinary beauty and abundance. The foreign-owned Pebble Mine would poison Bristol Bay, weaken Alaska’s economy, and threaten our way of life."1 file(s) 45 downloadsCategory: Environment & Climate Change, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-09Captain Blood (ringtone for Android phones)This thrilling ringtone is a cut from the intro to 'Captain Blood' by The Black Bones musical band. The audio file is distributed by Marine Café Blog under the band's original licence: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States . |
2023-01-25A Mariner’s Sketches by Nathaniel AmesPublished in 1830, this book is a personal account of life at sea and the early 19th-century maritime world by Nathaniel Ames (1796–1835), an American author of several books. Ames started his 12-year sea career at the age of 19 as a bluejacket (an enlisted man in the navy). This digital copy is courtesy of the University of California, San Diego. (8 MiB, PDF, 324 pages)
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2022-08-04The Blue Danube (classic ringtone for iPhones)This ringtone is a cut from Johann Strauss, Jr.'s famous waltz composition 'The Blue Danube' recorded by Bob Stanley and Orchestra in 1944. It is in a musical format that can be played by iPhones. (154.9 KiB KiB, m4a, 17 seconds)
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2022-08-03Barco Negro by Amália Rodrigues (Portuguese love song)'Barco Negro' is a moving song about a woman whose love for a sailor is so strong that she refuses to believe it when told that he will not return from sea. The 1954 recording features the vocals of the famous Portuguese singer, Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999). The audio file from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog. Click here for the lyrics in Portuguese with an English translation. (5.7 MiB, MP3, 3:29 minutes)1 file(s) 60 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-04Nautical Terms, Motor Boats, Marine Gasoline Engines,… (reference book)This illustrated volume offers a wealth of information: Nautical Terms, Motor Boats, Marine Gasoline Engines, Management of Marine Gasoline Engines, Motor Boat Navigation, and Motor Boat Rules and Signals. It was published in 1914 by Scranton, Pennsylvania-based International Textbook Co. for the International Correspondence Schools. The printed volume is from the University of Wisconsin and was digitised by Google. To reduce the file size, Marine Café Blog has removed the index, covers and blank pages. (24.4 MiB, PDF, 583 pages)
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2022-07-30Antonello, the Gondolier (short story)'Antonello, the Gondolier' is about a gondolier in old Venice who tells a fantastical tale that will surely entertain the reader. Originally written in German by Franz von Gaudy, a 19th-century German poet and novelist, it was published in the long-defunct British monthly, The Strand Magazine (July-December 1892 issue). The illustrations were done by English illustrator Paul Hardy (1862-1942). (14.9 MiB, PDF, 9 pages)
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2022-07-25Pilotage in Liverpool during the Second World War (article)This short article casts light on the especially challenging work of Liverpool pilots during Word War II. It was written by R.F. Youde (1936 -1975), a licensed Liverpool pilot. The piece was taken from the July 2004 issue of The Pilot, official organ of the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’Association. (434 KiB, PDF, single page)
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2022-07-20Pilotage Issues (article)This short article from the Standard Club highlights some pilotage issues faced by both pilots and ship masters and officers. It includes lessons learned from two case studies and notes on navigating in South American/African rivers, anchoring in congested anchorages, and fish farms. (1.1 MiB, PDF, 2 pages)
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2022-07-19Sailing to Byzantium by W. B. Yeats (oral reading in MP3)In 'Sailing to Byzantium', the Irish poet William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) uses a journey by sea to Byzantium (Constantinople) as a metaphor for his spiritual quest. Yeats gives poignant expression to his thoughts about ageing, youth, immortality, and art. The poem was read by Greg Bathon for Librivox. (2.1 MiB, MP3, 2:16 minutes)
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2022-07-23A Visit to the Eddystone Lighthouse by F. G. Kitton (a rare magazine article)In this vintage magazine article, a journalist pays a visit to England's famous Eddystone Lighthouse and talks about the history and romance surrounding it. Written by F. G. Kitton, the piece is taken from the July-December 1892 edition of the illustrated British monthly, The Strand Magazine. (26.9 MiB, PDF, 12 pages)
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2022-07-09The Sea by Anton Khoryukov (contemporary classical piano music)'The Sea' is an evocative piano piece. It was composed and played by Anton Khoryukov, who was born in Russia in 1979 but has lived in Germany since 2000. The recording was made available by the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence |
2022-07-01Planning and Execution of Blind Pilotage and AnchorageThis is a concise guide for pilots on navigating a ship through restricted waters with low visibility. It was prepared by Sivriu Georgiana and Georgescu Stefan of the Constanta Maritime University of Romania. The PDF file is from the CMU website (https://cmu-edu.eu/) and is for educational and non-commercial use. (435.9 KiB, PDF, 6 pages) See also 'Execution of Maritime Pilotage'
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2022-06-25The Drunken Sailor by Captain Richard MaitlandThis version of 'The Drunken Sailor' was recorded in the 1930s by Captain Richard Maitland. It begins with an interesting intro by Maitland, who says the shanty was usually sung by sailors to accompany the task of scrubbing the bottom of the ship's hull. The recording is from the U.S. Library of Congress album, American Sea Songs and Shanties (I), with some remastering by Marine Café Blog. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 2:54)
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2022-07-01Execution of Maritime PilotageThis short paper provides essential information for pilots on the limits within which the ship may be navigated in safety. It was co-authored by Georgescu Stefan, Sivriu Georgiana and Acomi Nicoleta of the prestigious Constanta Maritime University of Romania. Their concisely written article was published in Constanta Maritime University Annals (Year XI, Vol.14). The PDF file is from the CMU website (https://cmu-edu.eu/) and is for educational and non-commercial use only. (382.4 KiB, PDF, 4 pages)1 file(s) 119 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-07-24A Dictionary of Sea Terms for the Use of Yachtsmen, Amateur Boatmen, and BeginnersDespite its title, this illustrated dictionary from 1898 is really for anyone with a keen interest in ships and maritime history. There is much to learn from it. "True maritime terms," notes the author in his Preface, "may generally be traced back to very simple derivations. To understand the derivation of a word is to understand it in its fullest meaning. For this reason, wherever the origin of an expression is known, I have taken the opportunity of inserting it." (19.3 MiB, PDF, 352 pages)
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2022-06-16An Universal Dictionary of the Marine by William Falconer (PDF format)The scope of this historic dictionary from 1769 is suggested by its complete title: 'An Universal Dictionary of the Marine: Or, A Copious Explanation of the Technical Terms and Phrases Employed in the Construction, Equipment, Furniture, Machinery, Movements, and Military Operations of a Ship'. The e-book edition produced by Google in EPUB format was converted to PDF by Marine Café Blog. (5.8 MiB, PDF, 752 pages)1 file(s) 45 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-06-11‘She was Just a Sailor’s Sweetheart (old-time music)'She was Just a Sailor's Sweetheart (Era la Novia de un Marinero)' has the charm of old-time music. Recorded in 1926 under the Victor label, it features American singer Fran Frey (1903–1962) and the George Olsen and his Music band. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio file from the Internet Archive. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 3:13 minutes) See also 'By the Beautiful Sea' , a vintage song about love.1 file(s) 62 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-06-09Drunken Sailor by Roger McGuinnThis is a splendid version of 'Drunken Sailor' by Roger McGuinn, an American folk singer and former frontman of the rock music band The Byrds. It is part of McGuinn's Folk Den Project and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States.licence. |
2022-06-06The Salt of the Sea for Me (a ballad of the sea)'The Salt of the Sea for Me' is about a sailor's love for the life at sea. The song was written by American songwriter Arthur A. Penn (1875–1941) and features the bass vocals of Frank C. Stanley (1868-1910). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1904 Victor recording from the U.S. Library of Congress. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 2:55 minutes)1 file(s) 103 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-06-04A – roodle – tum – toodle – tum – too (old sea song)'A-roodle-tum-toodle-tum-too' is a delightful sea song. It was performed and recorded in 1939 by Captain Leighton Robinson, who heard the song when he first went to sea in 1888. The last line in the recording is incomplete and goes as follows: "Alas, that false deceitful maid, With a musical man she had flown." The audio file from the U.S. Library of Congress was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (7.1 MiB, MP3, 3:05 minutes)1 file(s) 89 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-06-01HEAVE HO! MY LADS, HEAVE HO! (remastered vintage recording)This is a vintage recording of Heave Ho! My Lads! Heave Ho!, the official song of the U.S. Maritime Service. It features the Sheepshead Bay Training Station Concert Band, USMS. The 78rpm recording from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 2:45 minutes)
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2022-05-28Anchors Aweigh by Perry and Harry Accordion DuetThis is a delightful performance of the classic march song composed in 1906 by Charles A. Zimmermann. The 78rpm recording (probably from the 1940s) is from the Internet Archive. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.9 MiB, MP3, 2:24 minutes)1 file(s) 70 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-05-20Ida Lewis: The Girl Who Kept Lime Rock Burning; a Heroic Live-SaverThis is a short but engaging account of the life of Ida Lewis, the heroic keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island. It is an extract from 'Ten American Girls from History', a book written by Kate Dickinson Sweetser and published in 1917. (1 MiB, PDF, 20 pages)
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2022-05-19Sailing by Christopher John Stephens"Sailing" speaks metaphorically of sailing through life and its "stormy waters". The song was composed by Scottish songwriter Gavin Sutherland in 1972 and popularised by Rod Stewart in 1975 with his international hit. This 2016 recording is by Christopher John Stephens, an American musician amd writer who has made it available to everyone via the Internet Archive. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 4:34 minutes) Click here for the complete lyrics.1 file(s) 73 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-05-27The Arraignment, Tryal, and Condemnation of Captain William Kidd, for Murther and Piracy, Upon Six Federal Indictments…This is the court transcript of the trial of the English privateer Captain Kidd. which led to his execution on 23rd May 1701. Aside from its historical signifance, the document is an interesting read for lawyers, law students, and those who like pirate history and literature. (5.2 MiB, PDF, 72 pages) See also The Real Captain Kidd: A Vindication.1 file(s) 5 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-05-27The Real Captain Kidd: A Vindication by Sir Cornelius Neale DaltonThis compelling book was written by Cornelius Neale Dalton, a Cambridge-educated barrister, civil servant and author. It starts with the unequivocal statement that "honest and well-meaning men have not infrequently incurred the odium of posterity, not so much by reason of any enormities of which they have themselves been guilty, as because it has been their misfortune to be set to impossible tasks by employers or comrades, to whom they have been only too faithful. Few, if any, of such men have less deserved their fate than Captain Kidd..." The digitised book is courtesy of Columbia University Libraries, New York City. (10.9 MiB, PDF, 341 pages) See the court transcipt of the trial and conviction of Captain Kidd.1 file(s) 8 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-05-02The Cone Collector 10 (collection of articles about cone shells)This is an informative and inspiring collection of articles about cone shells with colour photos to help the collector identify the different varieties. It is part of a series published by Seashell-collector.com. (2.7 MiB, PDF, 48 pages)1 file(s) 9 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2022-04-30Ol’ Man River by Tony Fontane (vintage song in MP3)This 1951 recording of Ol' Man River is by Tony Fontane (1925– 1974), an American recording artist in the 1940s and 1950s. Fontane's clear tenor voice and wide vocal range make it a pleasure to listen to. The audio file is courtesy of the Internet Archive and was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (5 MiB, MP3, 2:15 minutes) See also Ol' Man River by Paul Roberson (1936 recording).1 file(s) 57 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-27Dusky Stevedore by Louis Armstrong and his orchestraJazz legend Louis Armstrong performs with his orchestra the iconic song about a stevedore written by Andy Razaf and J. C. Johnson. This 1933 recording is courtesy of the Internet Archive. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog for the best sound quality possible. (6 MiB, MP3, 2:54 minutes)
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2022-04-26State Pilotage in America, second editionThis is the second edition of 'State Pilotage in America' published in 1979 by the American Pilots' Association. The book is arguably the most comprehensive historical account of pilotage in the United States. It includes information about legislation that left state pilotage to the individual states. (91.3 MiB, PDF, 187 pages)
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2022-04-24Dusky Stevedore by the New Yorkers orchestra'Dusky Stevedore' is an iconic song whch saw several different recordings in 1928. This version features the New Yorkers, a Carl Fentons orchestra, with vocal portions sung by Carl Mathieu. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog from an audio file published in the Internet Archive. Click here for the full text of the song. (4.8 MiB, MP3, 3:08 minutes
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2022-04-23Sea Songs and Other Verses by Lieut. Edward C. Cruttwell, R.N.The lover of poetry will find some gems in this collection of poems published in 1912. The author, Edward Clement Cruttwell (1888–1938), was a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy who saw action in World War I. (2.7 MiB, PDF, 100 pages including covers)
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2022-04-19Fall from the pilot ladder on the bulk carrier Atlantic Princess (safety report)On 3rd July 2013, a company representative was boarding the bulk carrier Atlantic Princess via the ship’s pilot ladder as it lay at anchor off Whyalla, South Australia. The man fell and landed on the deck of the pilot launch below. This report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) examines the safety issues involved and actions taken to address them. The ATSB has provided the document, which is copyrighted to the Commonwealth of Australia, under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. (1.8 MiB, PDF, 24 pages)1 file(s) 69 downloadsCategory: Marine Safety & Accidents, Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-04-18The True Account of Captain Kidd by Harriet Elizabeth Prescott SpoffordThis richly detailed narrative sheds light on the life and times of Captain Kidd, the controversial 17th-century privateer-turned-pirate. It is the first chapter of 'New England Legends' which was published in 1872. The book was written by Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford (1835–1921), a prolific American writer of romances, poems and detective stories.(716.8 KiB, PDF, 7 pages)
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2022-04-17Captain Kidd by Ella Mae Morse (remastered)'Captain Kidd' is about William Kidd (byname Captain Kidd), a 17th century English privateer and legendary pirate. This version of the traditional ballad features the vocals of American singer Ella Mae Morse (1924–1999), "whose 1940s and 1950s recordings mixing jazz, blues, and country styles influenced the development of rock and roll" (Wikipedia.org). It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1945 78rpm recording from the Internet Archive. (6.3 MiB, MP3, 2:50 minutes)
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2022-09-06Blue Danube by The Lutton Girls ChoirThis famous waltz was composed by Johann Strauss II in 1866. It features The Lutton Girls Choir, an English voice ensemble that performed between 1936 and 1977, with orchestra led by English composer/conductor George Melachrino (1909–1965). The undated 78rpm recording from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog for best playback quality. (6.1 MiB, MP3, 3:59 minutes)
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2022-04-14Old Ironsides by John Philip Sousa (march)John Philip Sousa, the American composer and conductor known for his marches, wrote 'Old Ironsides' in 1926. It was for a fund-raising event at Madison Square Garden to restore the historic frigate USS Constitution (nicknamed "Old Ironsides"). This 2020 recording features the "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. It is included in the album The Complete Marches of John Philip Sousa: Vol. 6 (1922-1928). (5.7 MiB, MP3, 2:29 minutes)1 file(s) 83 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-11Sailing by the Haydn Quartet'Sailng' (aka 'Sailing, Sailing Over the Bounding Main') was written in 1880 by British composer Godfrey Marks, pseudonym of James Frederick Swift (1847–1931). This version of the song was performed and recorded in 1907 by the Haydn Quartet. It is from the U.S. Library of Congress, remastered by Marine Café Blog to remove some of the noise and enhance the sound quality. (5.6 MiB, MP3, 2:25 minutes)1 file(s) 83 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-10By the Beautiful Sea (vintage song about love)This happy, carefree song about a couple in love was recorded in 1914. It features the vocals of American singers Ada Jones and Billy Watkins. The audio file comes from the Free Music Archive Freemusicarchive.org under a Public Domain / Sound Recording Common Law Protection License |
2022-04-10There is Somebody Waiting for Me by Sir Harry Lauder (sailor’s song)This vintage song should resonate with many of today's seafarers. It was composed and recorded in 1917 by Sir Harry Lauder (1870–1950), a British baritone singer and comedian. Sir Lauder dedicated it to "every sailor that sails the sea". The audio file from the U.S. Library of Congress was remastered by Marine Café Blog to reduce some of the noise. (5.2 MiB, MP3, 3:54 minutes)1 file(s) 74 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-09The Whale Road: Transitioning from Spiritual Links, to Whaling, to Whale Watching in Aotearoa New Zealand (article)This article by A. Asbjørn Jøn is a good backstory to the popular song, 'The Wellerman'. It delves into the central place of the whale in New culture and history, providing some interesting facts about the whaling station of the Weller brothers which inspired the 1830s song. Originally published in the Australian Folklore journal (29.2014), the article is courtesy of Open Journal Systems website. (645 KiB, PDF, 30 pages)1 file(s) 3 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-04-08Go to Sea Once More by Roger McGuinn'Go to Sea Once More' is about a sailor who gets very drunk in Liverpool and has his money and clothes stolen by a prostitute. Reluctantly, he goes back to sea and experiences a harsh life on board a whaling ship. Click here for the lyrics. The song is performed by American folk singer Roger Mcguinn and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2022-04-08Pay Me My Money Down by Roger McGuinn'Pay Me My Money Down' originated as a song of black stevedores working in the Sea Islands off the U.S. state of Georgia. Unscupulous ship captains would tell the dockers to load or unload their vessels, promising to pay them the next day. But on the night prior, they would leave harbour without paying. This version is by American folk singer Roger McGuinn, part of his Folk Den project. Mr. McGuinn has made the song available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2022-04-05Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Third EditionThis guidance, published in January 2022, was produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) in collaboration with industry partners. It is intended to remind seafarers and companies of the vital importance of adhering to established rules and procedures on safe boarding arrangements for pilots. (768 KiB, PDF, 8 pages)1 file(s) 78 downloadsCategory: Marine Safety & Accidents, Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-04-05Sea Songs (1913 recording by various artists)This is a medley of seven sea songs recorded in 1913 under the Victor label: 1) 'Sailing'; 2) 'Larboard watch'; 3) 'Rocked in the cradle of the deep'; 4) 'Life on the ocean wave'; 5) 'Asleep in the deep'; 6) 'Nancy Lee; 7) 'Anchored'. The audio file was provided by the U.S. Library of Congress and remastered by Marine Café Blog, (5.9 MiB, MP3, 4 minutes) See also "Medley of Sea Songs' (accordion music in MP3).1 file(s) 75 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-04Anchors Aweigh by the United States Navy Band'Anchors Aweigh' was composed in 1906 by Charles Zimmerman, then a lieutenant and the bandmaster of the United States Naval Academy Band. This 1993 recording features the U.S. Navy Band. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog from the Library of Congress audio file. (3.2 MiB, MP3, 2:43 minutes)
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2022-04-01WHOA SAILOR (a fun song from the 1940s)Swing to 'WHOA SAILOR' featuring the vocals of the popular American singers, Rosalie Allen and Billy Williams. The song was first recorded in 1947 and again in 1953. This audio file is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm record from the Internet Archive. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 2:24 minutes) See also 'Sailor Song' by the Peerless Quartet.1 file(s) 106 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-01Pilot Ladder Safety (set of colour posters)This is a collection in a single file of five printable posters: 1) Poor ladder condition; 2) Retrieval lines; 3) Combination ladder arrangements; 4) Securing pilot ladders at intermediate length; and 5) The cutting edge. It is courtesy of Maritimecyprus.com with colour photos and data from The American Club. (622 KiB, PDF, 10 pages)1 file(s) 25 downloadsCategory: Marine Safety & Accidents, Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-03-29The work practices of marine pilots: a reviewThis Australian study identifies the risk factors for pilots arising from long working hours, the uncertainty of pilotage work, and commercial pressures, amongst other things. Although the research covered pilots in the Queensland/Great Reefs area, the insights should be useful to pilots and pilotage authorities in general. The document has been made available by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. (352 KiB, PDF, 44 pages)1 file(s) 86 downloadsCategory: Marine Safety & Accidents, Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-03-27Directions to the light-keepers of the United States, 1852This historical document describes in detail the duties of a United States lighthouse keeper. The directions were issued by the Lighthouse Board in 1852. The transcription of the original document is courtesy of Lighthousefriends.com. (87 KiB, PDF, 5 pages)1 file(s) 3 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-03-25Pilot Ladder Safety by Herman Broers (illustrated article)'Pilot Ladder Safety' fills a big gap in the existing literature on the subject. As the author, an experienced pilot, notes in the Foreword: "I discovered there are many things a captain, an officer, or even a bosun, AB or OS has to keep in mind when rigging the ladder. The usability of the documentation in place regarding this matter is not very good. What can be found online are tales of colleagues showing the accidents, the mishaps and the errors they see on a daily basis." (15.5 MiB, PDF, 48 pages)
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2022-03-22Pilot Ladder ChecklistThis is a short checklist to ensure the safety of pilot ladders and minimise the risks associated with their use. It was published by Pilotladdersafety.com, an independent website and blog. (83.6, PDF, 1 page)1 file(s) 63 downloadsCategory: Marine Safety & AccidentsDownload |
2022-03-17IGP&I Report on P&I claims involving vessels under pilotage, 1999-2019This report from the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) is a big eye-opener. In the 20-year period covered, there were 1,046 incidents recorded that resulted in liabilities in excess of US$1.82bn. Although the figure is very small compared with the total number pilotage acts undertaken each year, the report notes that "the yearly average of 52 incidents equates to one incident per week, and the average value per incident is approximately US$1.74m." (9.4 MiB, PDF, 43 pages)1 file(s) 360 downloadsCategory: ShippingDownload |
2023-01-15Smooth Sailing by Ella Fitzgerald (jazz song)'Smooth Sailing' is a wonderful chill-out song, especially for those who love jazz music. It was recorded in 1951 by American jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) together with The Ray Charles Singers. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of an audio file from the Internet Archive. (5.1 MiB, MP3, 3:04 minutes)
See also Ella Fitzgrald's great rendition of 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' .
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2022-03-14International Best Practices for Maritime PilotageThe UK P&I Club says these recommended best practices "are for the guidance of masters, their supporting personnel and pilots in laying down the minimum standards to be expected of the pilotage service given on board ships in pilotage waters worldwide and aims to clarify the roles of the master and the pilot and the working relationship between them." The original Word file was converted to PDF by Marine Café Blog with the name "UK P&I Club" added to identify the source. (76.2 KiB, PDF, 6 pages)1 file(s) 152 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-03-18The Herring Fishery (illustrated brochure)This wonderfully illustrated brochure provides essential information about the Atlantic Herring — a "commercially important fish stock for over 5000 years" found throught British and Irish waters. It also spotlights The St Ives Herring Industry, The Irish Herring Season and The North Sea Herring Voyage. The brochure is courtesy of the Borlase Smart John Wells Trust based in St Ives, Cornwall, England. (3.2 MiB, PDF, 4 pages)1 file(s) 21 downloadsCategory: Fishermen, The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2022-03-13North Sea Fishers and Fighters by Walter Wood (non-fiction)'North Sea Fishers and Fighters' is a non-fictional work about trawler fishermen in the North Sea interspersed with stories of naval battles and sea adventures. Says the author In the Introduction to the 1911 illustrated book: "There is no harder, greyer weather than that of the North Sea; there are no harder Englishmen than deep North Sea men." This digitised volume is courtesy of the University of California Libraries, (80 MiB, PDF, 524 pages) For more about North Sea fishing, check out 'The Herring Fishery'.1 file(s) 8 downloadsCategory: Fishermen, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-03-10IMPA Guidance on the Master – Pilot Exchange (MPX)This pamphlet from the London-based International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) reminds pilots of the importance of proper coordination between master and pilot. Says the short intro: "Each Pilotage assignment should begin with an exchange of information between the master and the pilot. This exchange is a prelude to a successful passage under pilotage and is a key component of effective BRM during the passage." (888.4 KiB, PDF, 8 pages)1 file(s) 203 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-03-09“Calypso”—Harry Belafonte (1956) (article)Judith E. Smith provides some interesting insights into Harry Belafonte's life and his trendsetting 1956 album Calypso, which includes ' "Day-O (Banana Boat Song)". Ms. Smith is a book author and Professor of American Studies at University of Massachusetts Boston. This article is courtesy of the Library of Congress, USA. (234 KiB, PDF, 4 pages)1 file(s) 6 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-03-09The Banana Boat Song by Freddy QuinnThis version of the traditional Jamaican folk song was written by Erik Darling; Bob Carey and Alan Arkin. It was recorded in 1957 by Austrian singer and actor Freddy Quinn together with Horst Wende and his Rhythm Boys. The digitised 78rpm record from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.6 MiB, MP3, 2 minutes and 31 seconds)1 file(s) 66 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-01-25King’s Handbook of Boston Harbor by Moses Forster SweetserPublished in 1882, the book provides an intimate look at the goings-on in 19th-century Boston Harbor and the lives of the local folk. With more than 200 illustrations, it is a classic that those who love Boston Harbor and American maritime history would treasure. This digital edition is courtesy of Boston College Libraries. (24,5 MiB, PDF, 294 pages)
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2022-03-05The Embarkation & Disembarkation of Pilots Code of Safe PracticeThe transfer of a pilot between pilot boat and ship presents significant risks that need to be carefully managed. The Code gives guidance to improve the control of these risks. This version of the Code has been prepared jointly by the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) Technical and Training Committee, the UK Harbour Masters’ Association (UKHMA), Port Skills and Safety and the BPA/UKMPG Marine Pilotage Working Group. (498.5 KiB, PDF, 19 pages)1 file(s) 170 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-05-02All About Ships by Lieut. Taprell Dorling, R.N'All About Ships' provides a rich panorama of the history ships — from ancient wooden vessels and British naval ships to merchant clippers and steamships. It includes chapters on propulsion machinery, ship equipment, navigational aids and the like. Published in 1912, the illustrated book was written by Henry Taprell Dorling (1883–1968), a Royal Navy officer who served in World Wars I and II and had a flair for writing. The digitised volume is courtesy of the University of California Berkeley Library. (26 MiB, PDF, 454 pages)1 file(s) 28 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-03-03To Wear Or Not to Wear (article about pilot gear)Is it okay for harbour pilots to wear rucksacks or other bags when using the ladder? Kevin Vallance, a pilot, tackles this question in this article from the Spring 2020 edition of 'The Pilot', the magazine of the United Kingdom Pilots' Association. (1.8 MiB, PDF, 2 pages)1 file(s) 111 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and Training, ShippingDownload |
2022-06-10Illustrated Glossary of Ship and Boat TermsThis is a glossary which, says the explanatory note, "researchers might be required to apply or interpret in their studies of shipwrecks and archives" It is limited to ship and boat construction terminology. The educational material is courtesy of the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. (24.6 MiB, PDF, 30 pages)1 file(s) 60 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-03-01Pilotage Bulletin (overview of maritime pilotage in various countries)The Pilotage Bulletin was issued by the P&I insurer Standard Club in May 2016. It provides a good overview of pilotage in 11 maritime jurisdictions: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Norway, Panama, Singapore, UK, and the United States. The country summaries cover pilotage charges and liability/exemptions from liability, amongst other things.(6.4 MiB, PDF, 28 pages)1 file(s) 200 downloadsCategory: ShippingDownload |
2022-02-28Conchologia Iconica, Vol.1 by Lovell Augustus Reeve'Conchologia Iconica: Or, Illustrations of the Shells of Molluscous Animals' is a classic book for shell collectors. It is the magnum opus of Lovell Augustus Reeve (1814– 1865), an English conchologist and publisher. This first of 20 volumes was published in 1843 with colour illustrations that are a delight to the eye. (27.4 MiB, PDF, 569 pages)1 file(s) 4 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2022-05-27Twenty-four Hours of a Sailor’s Life at Sea (short nonfiction work read orally)'Twenty-four Hours of a Sailor's Life at Sea' is a short nonfiction work by an anonymous British writer. It paints an intimate picture of life and work on board a ship during the Age of Sail. As wonderful as the prose is the oral reading performed by Garth Burton for Librivox. Worth a listen for maritime writers and anyone who loves nautical history. (10 MiB, MP3, 16:12 minutes)
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2022-02-25From the Log of the Velsa by Arnold Bennett'From the Log of the Velsa' is an engaging novel about the meanderings through Europe of the English yacht Velsa and its crew. It opens a window to past maritime customs and the challenges of sailing on a yacht with a 72-foot mast. The book was written by British novelist Arnold Bennett (1867—1931) and published in 1914. This digitised edition is courtesy of Cornell University Library, New York. (5.6 MiB, PDF, 322 pages)1 file(s) 14 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2022-02-25An Arctic Whaling Sketchbook by William GilkersonPublished in 1983, this portfolio features the pencil drawings of William Gilkerson (1936–2015), an American-Canadian writer, editor and artist. Notable for their rawness and immediacy, they served as studies for the ink and wash watercolour drawings in Gilkerson's 1983 book, American Whalers in the Wastern Arctic. This digitised volume is courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. (34 MiB, PDF, 58 pages)1 file(s) 5 downloadsCategory: Marine ArtDownload |
2022-02-23NTSB Accident Report on Sinking of US Cargo Vessel SS El Faro on 1 October 2015The 2017 Accident Report from the US National Transport Safety Board provides a detailed analysis of the 2015 El Faro disaster which killed the ship's entire crew of 33. The NTSB came up with 59 findings. Amongst them: "The captain’s decision to depart Jacksonville was reasonable considering the availability of options to avoid Tropical Storm/Hurricane Joaquin." This is a valuable reference for maritime safety professionals, researchers and nautical students. (9.9 MiB, PDF, 299 pages)1 file(s) 5 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and Training, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2022-02-21Fore & Aft Craft and Their Story by E. Keble ChattertonThis book is a real treasure for sailing ship and yacht aficionados. It received rave reviews when it was published in 1922. "Mr Keble Chatterton's work is a labour of love. In this more than usually handsome volume he traces the history of the fore-and-aft in a most engaging manner. A sumptuous volume," wrote the Glasgow Citizen, for example. This is a reproduction of the book as scanned by the Internet Archive, minus the index. (18,1 MiB, PDF, 344 pages)1 file(s) 15 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-02-18The Pilots and Pilot Boats of New York (a rare Scientific American article)'The Pilots and Pilot Boats of New York' was published in the 22nd October 1898 edition of Scientific American, which was founded in New York City in 1845 as a weekly newspaper. An excerpt from the article: "The history of those early days of pilotage is full of disaster, and the long cruises to the eastward were as costly as they were unnecessary. This was well understood by the pilots, and it was only a question of time before some arrangement would be made by which the work could be carried on systematically and with less risk and expense." (3.6 MiB, PDF, 2 pages) See also 'Pilots and Pilot Boats of Boston Harbor'.1 file(s) 18 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, ShippingDownload |
2022-02-17The Longshoremen by Charles B. Barnes'The Longshoremen' is a compelling book about American longshoremen (dock workers) in the early 1900s. The Preface reads in part: "Mr. Barnes' study of longshoremen and their work was an initimate and careful one. Its aim is to give a picture of the men, of the conditions of labor which affect them, of the relations existing between them and their employers and bosses, and of their own efforts to co-operate with one another in trying to improve their lot in life.". (5.5 MiB, PDF, 335 pages)
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2022-02-14Atlantic Pilotage Authority Annual Report 2020The latest annual report of Canada's Atlantic Pilotage Authority provides interesting insights into its operations and the performance of Canadian maritime pilots. It includes statistics on, amongst other things, the number of licensed pilots on the Atlantic side of Canada; total pilotage assignments; types of vessels boarded; and frequency of accidents. (8.3 MiB, PDF, 42 pages)1 file(s) 10 downloadsCategory: ShippingDownload |
2022-02-13Nautical Dictionary by Arthur YoungArthur Young's authoritative 'Nautical Dictionary' blows similar 19th-century dictionaries out of the water. Richly illustrated, it contains a huge amount of terms related to sailing vessels and steamers, navigation, maritime law and commerce, and other martime affairs. In certain cases, the definition of a term is elaborated on. Mr. Young was an average adjuster from Dundee, Scotland. He was assisted in the preparation of the book by James Brisbane, a local shipyard superintendent. The digitised book is courtesy of Columbia University Libraries, New York, (67 MiB, PDF, 516 pages)
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2022-02-09The Sailor by Michael Earls (poetry reading in MP3)The Sailor' is a wonderful short poem written by Michael Earls (1875–1937), a Jesuit priest. writer, poet, and teacher. The narrator dreams of being a sailor in search of the Golden Fleece (a reference to the Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts). The poem was read by Ian King for Librivox. (909 KiB, MP3, 1:22 minutes)1 file(s) 90 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2022-02-25America’s Merchant Marine: A Presentation of Its History and Development to Date with Chapters on Related SubjectsPublished in 1920, this book is about the history of the U.S. merchant marine from its inception in the 1600s. "It is, as will be seen, an original work, and gives a compact history of our merchant marine...Every statement has been derived from official reports or from other trustworthy sources," says the Foreward by the publishers, Bankers Trust Company. The digitised book is courtesy of the University of Connecticut Libraries. Note: The index was removed by Marine Café Blog to reduce the file size. (11.9 MiB, PDF, 256 pages)
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2022-02-02Ships, Outfits, and Manner of Taking the Whale (illustrated article)This article gives a close-up view of American whale-hunting in the 19th century. It explains in detail the preparations made before the hunt, the equipment and tools used, and the actual killing of the whale. The article was excerpted from the 1874 book '‘The Marine Mammals of the North-western Coast of North American, Described and Illustrated Together with an Account of the American Whale-Fishery’ by Captain Charles M. Scammon. (1.5 MiB, PDF, 25 pages)1 file(s) 13 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2022-05-2718th-century ship of war diagram ( printable image)This enhanced image shows: 1) a diagram of a third-rate ship of war with rigging etc. at anchor; and 2) a cross-section of a first-rate ship of war. The original illustration is from the 1728 two-volume Cyclopaedia compiled and edited by Ephraim Chambers. (10.9 MiB, JPEG, 4270 x 3977 pixels, 300 dpi) Click here to learn more about the Royal Navy rating system for ships of war during the Age of Sail.1 file(s) 54 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-01-30List of EMSA STCW-related inspections in non-EU countries, 2005–2021This is a chronological list of inspections conducted by the European Maritime Safe Agency (EMSA) in non-EU countries that supply seafarers to EU-flag vessels. It covers the period 2005–2021. The inspections are done on behalf of the European Commission to ensure full compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). (139.6 KiB, PDF, 5 pages)1 file(s) 16 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-01-29The Shell Tribe (illustrated article about shells)'The Shell Tribe' is about seashells and other sea animals whose shell is not external but is imbedded in the skin (e.g., corals and starfishes). Featured are 12 colour illustrations. This article is included as Chapter I in the 1914 book, 'Nature Neighbours: Embracing Birds, Plants, Animals, Minerals' (Vol. V — Animals). The book is courtesy of the University of Illinois Library and was digitised by the Internet Archive. (1.4 MiB, PDF, 31 pages)1 file(s) 4 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2022-06-10Sailing Ship Diagrams (barque, brig, schooner)This is a useful reference material for sailing ship enthusiasts. It contains the schematic representations of three vessel types: barque, brig and schooner. The illustrations and accompanying texts are from the 1863 Nautical Dictionary written by Arthur Young. (10.9 MiB, PDF, 10 pages)
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2022-01-24Horatio Nelson and the Naval Supremacy of England by W. Clark RussellThis splendidly researched book details the life and career of Horatio Nelson, the famous British naval commander in the wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France. Published in 1890, it was written by William Clark Russell (1844–1911), an English writer best known for his nautical novels. The digitised volume is courtesy of the Cornell University Library, New York (the index and some non-essential pages were removed by Marine Café Blog to reduce the file size). (8.9 MiB, PDF, 399 pages)1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-01-21A-Roving by Leonard Warren (shanty in MP3)'A-Roving' is a delightful shanty about a sailor's romantic escapade in Amsterdam. It features the vocals of American baritone singer Leonard Warren (1911–1960) with orchestra and chorus. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1948 recording digitised by Kahle/Austin Foundation and published on the Internet Archive. (4.7 MiB, MP3, 2:48 minutes) Click here to learn more about the song.1 file(s) 89 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-14South: The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition 1914-1917 by Sir Ernest ShackletonIn this compelling book published in 1920, Ernest Shackleton recounts the feats of endurance of those who took part in his last expedition.The famous British explorer had attempted to make the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent, but the venture failed. Out of the 56 men who left for the South, three were killed and five wounded. The book contains photographs by the Australian photographer and adventurer, Frank Hurley. The digitised copy is courtesy of the Cornell University Library via the Internet Archive. (14.1 MiB, PDF, 490 pages) See some amazing Antarctic photos by Frank Hurley here .1 file(s) 25 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-01-16Little Tugboat (a ditty in MP3)'Little Tugboat is a short, simple song that will delight tugboat lovers, both young and old. The performer is unidentified. The original 78rpm recording from 1962 was digitised by the California-based Kahle Austin Foundation and published on the Internet Archive. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (1.8 MiB, MP3, 1:07 minutes) See also 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat', another delightful song.1 file(s) 88 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-30Pilots and Pilot Boats of Boston Harbor by Ralph M. Eastman'Pilots and Pilot Boats of Boston Harbor' is about the "men of stout hearts" who "with their trim, weatherly boats" played an important role in the maritime life of Boston. It was published in 1956 by the Second Bank-State Street Trust Company in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of its brochure series. The digital file is courtesy of The Genealogy Center - Allen County Public Library via the Internet Archive. Marine Café Blog understands that the copyright was not renewed, so the publication is in the public domain. (9.1 MiB, PDF, 105 pages)
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2022-01-13Alfred William Venn (article about a Bristol Channel pilot)This short article about Alfred William Venn, last known survivor of the Bristol Channel Sailing Pilots, was written by his son, G. Barrett Venn. More than a bio, it provides glimpses into an interesting chapter of British maritime pilotage. The article is from the July 2006 issue of The Pilot, official organ of the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association. (583 KiB, PDF, 3 pages) See also 'Pilots' by Alfred T. Story, a rare magazine article.1 file(s) 34 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-07-30Captains of Atlantic Liners by Alfred T. Story (a rare magazine article)'Captains of Atlantic Liners' is about 11 captains in the Atlantic liner service whose stories are both highly informative and inspiring. The magazine article was based on interviews by English journalist and author Alfred T. Story (1842–1934). It was published in two parts in the British monthly The Strand Magazine, January-June and July-December editions. (6.8 MiB, PDF, 16 pages) See also 'Pilots' by Alfred T. Story.1 file(s) 29 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-01-09Pilotage by Captain Michael R. Watson (magazine article)This short article is like a demitasse that provides a good overview and flavour of American pilotage. It was written by Captain Michael R. Watson, then president of the American Pilots Associaton (APA), and published in the US Coast Guard magazine 'Proceedings' (Spring 2011 edition). This file is courtesy of the APA. (290 KiB, PDF, 3 pages)1 file(s) 195 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-08-30Pilots by Alfred T. Story (a rare magazine article)'Pilots' takes a rare look at the world of 19th–century River Thames pilots: how pilots were chosen, how much they earned, etc. The two–part article was written by Alfred T. Story (1842–1934), an English journalist and author. It was published in the July–December 1894 edition of The Strand Magazine, a monthly magazine published in the UK from January 1891 to March 1950. (8.3 MiB, PDF, 19 pages)
See also 'PILOT LORE: From Sail to Steam' .
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2022-01-06Two Jolly Sailors (lighthearted song in MP3)'Two Jolly Sailors' is a fun song in which two ship captains tell stories of their adventures at sea. It features the vocals of American singers Byron G. Harlan (tenor) and Steve Porter (baritone) with orchestra. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the record released by Victor in 1913. (3.7 MiB, MP3, 3:33 minutes) See also 'I Love to be a Sailor', another lighthearted song.1 file(s) 90 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-01-06I Love to be a Sailor by Sir Harry Lauder (vintage song in MP3)'I Love to be a Sailor' is a delightful song sung from the point of view of an old salt. It features the vocals of Scottish singer and comedian Sir Harry Lauder (1870–1950) with orchestra. The 1917 Victor recording provided by the United States Library of Congress was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.1 MiB, MP3, 3:35 minutes) See also 'Two Jolly Sailors' .1 file(s) 162 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-01-03Steamboat Bill (old-time song in MP3)'Steamboat Bill' is a jolly old-time song about a Mississippi steamboat captain called Steamboat Bill. It features the vocals of American baritone singer Arthur Collins (1864 – 1933), who is backed by an orchestra. The 1911 recording under the Victor label was remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.2 MiB, MP3, 2:29 minutes)1 file(s) 120 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-24PILOT LORE: From Sail to Steam (historical book)'PILOT LORE: From Sail to Steam' is about the harbour pilots who played an important role in the making of New York and its maritime history. The book was published in 1922 by the United New York and New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Benevolent Associations. Aside from paying tribute to the heroic pilots, it provides historical sketches of the shipping lines and related companies that operated in one of the world's greatest ports. (22.9 MiB, PDF, 347 pages)
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2022-02-23Dog-watches at Sea by Stanton H. King'Dog-watches at Sea' is a personal account of life at sea by Stanton Henry King (1867–1939), an American sailor, author and shanty singer. King recounts his experiences as a young sailor on board a man-of-war with endearing candour. In the last chapter of this 1901 book, he writes: "Although so young, I had lived many years of recklessness and wrong-doing... I had no plans or ambitions, -- a mere animal; worse off than some animals, for they at least had some one who bestowed affection on them. Still I was not unhappy. Only when my mother's face came to my mind and I allowed myself to think of her, did a trace of good thought or a longing for something better enter my life." (10.7 MiB, PDF, 318 pages)1 file(s) 19 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2022-07-24The Seaman’s Friend by R.H. Dana, Jr. (book about ships and seamanship in the Age of Sail)This 1873 book by Richard Henry Dana, Jr., an American lawyer and one-time merchant sailor, is a slim volume (just over 230 pages). But it is rich in content and wide in scope as can be gleaned from the book's complete title: 'The Seaman's Friend: Containing A Treatise on Practical Seamanship, with Plates; A Dictionary of Sea Terms; Customs and Usages of the Merchant Service; Laws Relating to the Practical Duties of Masters and Mariners'. (7.7 MiB, PDF, 238 pages)1 file(s) 45 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-12-24La Mer by Charles Trenet (famous French love song, restored)'La Mer' (The Sea) is a well-known French song about the sea and love (click here for an English transation) This 1947 recording features the vocals of the French singer and composer, Charles Trenet. It was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation, with some remastering by Marine Café Blog. (3.1 MiB, MP3, 3:18 minutes)1 file(s) 118 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-07-24Ships of the Seven Seas by Hawthorne Daniel'Ships of the Seven Seas' provides a sweeping history of ships through many centuries. Published in 1925, it was authored by Hawthorne Daniel, an American maritime writer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate. The introduction is by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who would serve as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in1945. The digitised book is courtesy of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It has nearly 300 illustrations and an abridged nautical dictionary as an appendix. (19 MiB, PDF, 338 pages)1 file(s) 17 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-12-19I Saw Three Ships by Ben DeVries (a Christmas song in MP3)'I Saw Three Ships' is a traditional English Christmas carol. This version is by Ben DeVries, a British singer, musician and music producer.The recording is from the Free Music Archive and published by Marine Café Blog under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) International licence. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 5:14 minutes) See also Roger McGuinn's version of 'I Saw Three Ships'.1 file(s) 81 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-12-18Oda al marinero by Javier Gómez Bello (original Spanish song in MP3)'Oda al marinero' (Ode to the sailor) features the music of Javier Gómez Bello, an independent singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Málaga, Spain. Alternating with a female singer, he weaves a song that will captivate you. This recording was provided by Jamendo Music under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. (5.4 MiB, MP3, 4:13 minutes) See also 'Cantares de Marinero' by Alfredo González Vilela.1 file(s) 92 downloadsCategory: Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2022-02-26Whale Fishery of New England (maritime history book)'Whale Fishery of New England' is a detailed account of the rise and fall of whaling in the storied New England region of the United States. Published in 1915, this slim volume includes some interesting anecdotes and is illustrated with rare prints. It is a compelling read for all who are interested in American maritime history and whaling. (9.2 MiB, PDF, 66 pages including covers) See also 'The sailing ships of New England, 1607-1907' by John Robinson.1 file(s) 13 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2021-12-15USS Constitution: The Legendary Survivor (illustrated historical paper)'USS Constitution: The Legendary Survivor' is about the colourful story behind the famous American frigate. It details why and how the ship came into being and her war exploits, amongst other things. This highly informative paper is courtesy of Veteranresouces.org. (857 KiB, PDF, 15 pages) See also 'Overview of USS Constitution Restorations' (an authoritive paper).1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-12-15Overview of USS Constitution Restorations (an authoritive paper)This short paper summarises the restorations undergone by the historic frigate USS Constitution from 1803 (six years after her launch) to the present times. It was written by the Historian of the Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment in Boston. "Storms, battle, and accidents all contributed to the general deterioration of the ship, alongside the natural decay of her wooden structure, hemp rigging, and flax sails," the author points out. (264 KiB, PDF, 5 pages) See also 'USS Constitution: The Legendary Survivor' (illustrated historical paper).1 file(s) 3 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-12-13A Christmas at Sea edited by Edward Shippen (real life stories)'A Christmas at Sea' is a collection of stories on board a man-of-war contributed by American naval officers. It was edited by Edward Shippen (1826–1911), who was an admiral, naval surgeon and writer of naval history. This book is from the Cornell University Library, digitised under Microsoft's sponsorship. (3.7 MiB, PDF, 187 pages)1 file(s) 56 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-12-13Ship at Sea by Bob Wiseman (nautical song in MP3)'Ship at Sea' will appeal to modern ears with its blending of jazz, rock, and experimental pop elements. Released in 1989, this recording features the music of Bob Wiseman, a Canadian jazz pianist, singer-songwriter and music producer. The Free Music Archive has made it available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States licence |
2022-02-14The sailing ships of New England, 1607-1907 by John Robinson (with ship illustrations)'The Sailing Ships of New England, 1607–1907' is a worthwhile read for those with a passion for sailing ships and maritime history. It paints a detailed picture of New England's Age of Sail over the course of three centuries. This book is from the University of California and was digitised by Microsoft. (20.5 MiB, PDF, 432 pages) See also 'Sailing Ships: The Story of their Development from the Earliest Times to the Present Day' .1 file(s) 25 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-12-09Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Mister Jan (song in MP3)'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' is a modern take on a classic children's song that should appeal to adults. The recording was made available on the Free Music Archive under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence |
2021-12-08Great Lakes Shipping by Joan Chadde (PowerPoint presentation as PDF)'Great Lakes Shipping' provides an excellent overview of shipping in the chain of deep freshwater lakes in east-central North America (Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario). It was produced in 2007 by Joan Chadde of the Western U.P. Center for Science, Math & Environmental Education at the Michigan Technological University. Ms. Chadde makes use of photos, maps and graphs for a graphic, eye-catching presentation. (1.2 MiB, PDF, 41 pages) NOTE: This file is shared by Marine Café Blog only for educational and non-commercial use.1 file(s) 8 downloadsCategory: ShippingDownload |
2023-02-04Remember Pearl Harbor! by Blake Clark'Remember Pearl Harbor!' is a first-hand account of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941. Several stories about the people affected by the horrific event are woven into a single narrative. Published in 1942, the original from the University of California was ditigised by Google and compressed by Marine Café Blog to reduce the download size. (6.1 MiB, PDF, 125 pages)1 file(s) 20 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-12-03Blow, Boys, Blow (sea shanty in MP3)This is a short but wonderful version of the halyard shanty, 'Blow, Boys, Blow'. The 1962 recording published on the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog to enhance the sound quality. (1.4 MiB, MP3, 49 seconds) Click here for some interesting facts about 'Blow, Boys, Blow'.1 file(s) 160 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-25Ancient and Moden Ships. Part I. Wooden Sailing-Ships by Sir George C.V. Holmes'Ancient and Modern Ships. Part I' provides a sweeping history of wooden sailing vessels beginning with the ancient ships on the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Published in 1906, it was written by Sir George C.V. Holmes, long-time secretary of the Institution of Naval Architects. The book contains 75 illustrations. NOTE: The original file from the Internet Archive was compressed and thei index removed by Marine Café Blog to reduce its size. (10.2 MiB, PDF, 173 pages)1 file(s) 26 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-11-27Whiskey-O by Roger McGuinn (shanty in MP3)'Whiskey-O' is a halyard shanty also known as 'Whiskey Johnny' and 'Whiskey is the Life of Man'. The performer is American folk singer Roger McGuinn, who has made it available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-12-27Sea of Faith: Prayers for Mariners by Barista UnoThis illustrated pamphlet contains six beautiful prayers to inspire seafarers, whatever their faith, and give them the fresh courage to face the challenges of life. Included is a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns which is really a prayer. Feel free to redistribute the file for non-commercial purposes. (3.7 MiB, PDF, 10 pages)1 file(s) 72 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2021-11-23The Wanderer and The Seafarer by William Witherle Lawrence (short essay)'The Wanderer and The Seafarer' examines two of the finest specimens of extant Anglo-Saxon poetry for a better understanding and appreciation of the poems. The essay was first published in The Journal of Germanic Philology, Vol. 4, No. 4 (1902). This file is courtesy of JSTOR. (1.9 MiB, PDF, 21 pages)1 file(s) 7 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-11-23ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, latest version including 2018 amendments (MLC, 2006)All seafarers should spare time to read Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. It is a milestone in the protection of their rights -- spelling out the various regulations on wages, hours of work, shipboard accomodations, etc. This is the consolidated text of MLC, 2006, and includes the 2014, 2016 and 2018 amendments to the Code of the Convention. It is published here by Marine Café Blog with the permission of the International Labour Organization. IMPORTANT: You are free to download this file for your personal use. You cannot redistribute it without the ILO's express permission. (736 KiB, PDF, 116 pages)1 file(s) 30 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2022-02-27Home from the Sea by Arthur Rostron (a captain’s memoir)'Home from the Sea' is a compelling memoir by Sir Arthur Henry Rostron, best remembered as the captain of the RMS Carpathia that rescued hundreds of Titanic survivors. Describing the moment the Titanic went down, he wrote: "It was right under her stern and from this boy I heard a graphic account of how the Titanic up-ended herself and remained poised like some colossal nightmare of a fish, her tail high in the air, her nose deep in the water, until she dived finally from human sight." This must-read book is part of the Public Library of India collection on the Internet Archive. (9.4 MiB, PDF, 301 pages)
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2021-11-06What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor by the King’s Point Glee Club (shanty, MP3)Enjoy the sheer energy of this version of 'What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor' by the King's Point Glee Club of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The band accompaninent is just superb. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the recording published on the Internet Archive. (1.8 MiB, MP3, 1:10 minutes)1 file(s) 138 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-12-29Pebble Beach by Ed Askew (folk song in MP3)'Pebble Beach' is a nostalgic song about the beach featuring the unique vocals of New Yorker Ed Askew. It has great instrumentation and ambient sounds. This recording was made available on the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. (4.6 MiB, MP3, 3:18 minutes) See also The Beach by Yusuke Tsutsumi.1 file(s) 96 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-30On the Shore by Susan Coolidge (poem, oral reading)'On the Shore' is a poem about renewal and hope written by American poet Susan Coolidge (pen name of Sarah Chauncey Woolsey,1835 –1905). The penultimate stanza reads: "Then suddenly out of the mist-cloud dun,/ As touched and wooed by unseen sun,/ Again into sight bursts the rose of light/ And opens its petals one by one." The audio recording was made for Librivox by Noel Badrian. (1.8 MiB , MP3, 1:24 minutes)1 file(s) 87 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-10-28The Flying Dutchman (song based on the famous maritime legend, MP3)'The Flying Dutchman' is based on the old European legend about a ghost ship whose appearance before sailors is believed to signal imminent disaster. This 1950 recording features the vocals of American singer-songwriter Richard Hayes (1930–2014) with Mitch Miller's Orchestra. It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio file published on the Internet Archive. (3.7 MiB, MP3, 2:10 minutes) Click here for another wonderful version of 'The Flying Dutchman'.1 file(s) 106 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-25Pirates by Nick Green (punk rock pirate song )Rock music fans will love Nick Green's punk version of 'Pirates'. The 2009 recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music, made available to the public under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 1:57 minutes). CLICK HERE for a "tamer" version of this song.1 file(s) 70 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-25Pirates by Nick Green (pirate song in MP3)'Pirates' is a song that will captivate pirate fans with its melody and lyrics. The 2009 recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music, made available to the public under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 3:47 minutes)
Please consider giving a small donation to help us grow this download section.
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2021-10-23There Lies a Ship by Roger Watson (English folk song in MP3)'There Lies a Ship' is a charming folk song about the triumph of a woman's love for a sailor. It is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, which gives this synopsis: A girl loves a young man, but her father dislikes him and sends him away on a ship so they cannot be together. She waits for 7 years, when her sailor returns. They marry in secret, despite her father's wishes. This recording is provided for your personal, non-commercial use. (2.1 MiB, MP3, 3:38 minutes)1 file(s) 79 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-23Habit by William James (a paper on the principles of habit)'Habit' is a treatise written by renowned American philosopher and psychologist William James. Published in 1914, it is useful reading for today's maritime educators, safety experts and others interested in marine accident prevention. James' paper, which was digitised by the Internet Archive, is courtesy of the University of Toronto in Canada. (1.9 MiB, PDF, 70 pages) Read the Marine Café Blog article about the relevance of William James' principles of habit to maritime safety training: The force of habit and the culture of maritime safety1 file(s) 60 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2021-10-19Shenandoah by John Goss (traditional folk song, MP3)'Shenandoah' is thought by some as a sea shanty, but it's definitely one of America's most beloved folk songs. This recording from 1925 features the vocals of British baritone John Goss (1891–1953) together with the Cathedral Male Voice Quartet. It was remastered by Marine Café Blog to remove some of the noise. (6.5 MiB, MP3, 2:57 minutes) See also Roger McGuinn's lovely version of 'Shenandoah'.1 file(s) 74 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-17A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea by Allan Cunningham (sea song read aloud, MP3)'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea' is a sea song written by Scottish poet Allan Cunningham (1784 – 1842). The lyrics were read aloud for Librivox.org by Jason Mills. His delivery is so dramatic and convincing that you can imagine yourself on a sailing ship trekking the high seas. (523.7 KiB, MP3, 1:05 minutes) Click here for the complete lyrics of 'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea' (with music sheet and a brief note about the song's author).1 file(s) 94 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-17A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea, song by Allan Cunningham (4-page reference material)This resource material was put together by Marine Café Blog for a better appreciation of the sea song, 'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea'. It contains the complete lyrics of the song and a brief note on the author, Scottish poet Allan Cunningham. ((390 KiB, PDF, 4 pages) Click here to play and download an oral reading of 'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea'.1 file(s) 8 downloadsCategory: Download |
2021-10-17Medley of Sea Songs (accordion music in MP3)'Medley of Sea Songs' is a delightful medley of six songs — Sailing, Sailors Hornpipe, Blow the Man Down, Fishers' Hornpipe, Nancy Lee, and Tantalizing Tar. It was recorded in 1932 by American piano-accordionist and composer Charles Magnante (1905 –1986) and his accordion orchestra. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised recording from the Internet Archive. (7.9 MiB, MP3, 4:53 minutes)1 file(s) 112 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-15Canoe Song by Paul Robeson (song from a movie, MP3)'Canoe Song' features the vocals of American baritone Paul Robeson (1898 – 1976), who is known for his great rendition of 'Ol Man River, It is from the 1935 British film Sanders of the River and has a timeless social message: "For light is the burden of labor/ When each bends his back with his neighbor/ So each for all/ We stand or fall/ And all for each/ Until we reach/ The journey's end." The 1935 recording is courtesy of Bob Varney on the Internet Archive, remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at a higher quality 320kbps. (6.6 MiB, MP3, 2:53 minutes) Click here for the complete lyrics of 'Canoe Song'.1 file(s) 96 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-14Sally Brown, Hanging Johnny and Whisky Johnny (3-shanties-in-one, MP3)This 1928 recording of three popular shanties features the vocals of British baritone singer John Goss (1891–1953) backed by the Cathedral Male Voice Quartet. It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm record from the Internet Archive. (5.1 MiB, MP3, 2:58 minutes) See also American baritone Mordy Bauman's back-to-back recording of 'A-Roving & Drunken Sailor'.1 file(s) 85 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-10Guantanamera (a song about love for one’s native land and its people )'Guantanamera' is a famous Cuban song. It is not a maritime song but it will resonate with sailors and others who love the land of their birth and its people. "Con los pobres de la tierra/ Quiero yo mi suerte echar" (With the poor people of this earth, I want to share my fate), goes one verse. The song uses words from a poem by the great Cuban poet, José Martí. It was performed live in 1965 on a US television show by Pete Seeger, Rosa Valentin, and Rafael Martinez with some English translation by Seeger. The recording from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at a higher quality 320kbps. (8 MiB, MP3, 3:29 minutes)1 file(s) 90 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-09Boat’s Up the River by Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs (blues/country song in MP3)'Boat's Up the River' is about the narrator's fascination with the river. The opening lines will make you want to continue listening: "The boat's up the river and it won't come down,/ Then I believe to my soul, that I'm waterbound." The song was performed live in 2015 at radio station WFMU's Live Room by British singer-songwriter Holly Golightly and her longtime band mate Lawyer Dave (The Brokeoffs).The recording was made available on the Free Music Archive under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence |
2021-10-10My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean by Ella Fitzgerald (ringtone for Android phones)This ringtone will make you and others take notice when it goes off on your phone. It is a cut from 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' by legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald with its distinctive jazz and Latin upbeats. (801 KiB, MP3, 27 seconds) Click here for the full recording of Fitzgerald's song.1 file(s) 107 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-09My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean by Ella Fitzgerald (traditional Scottish song, MP3)American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) does a unique performance of 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' in this 1952 recording. Fitzgerald lends her sweet voice to the old Scottish song, accompanied by Bobby Orton's energetic Teen-Aces. The digitised 78rpm record from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at a higher quality 320Kbps. (5.0 MiB, MP3, 2:11 minutes)1 file(s) 120 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-15On Blue Water by Edmondo De Amicis (a narrative about life on an emigrant ship)On Blue Water' is an account of life on board an emigrant steamship travelling from Genoa, Italy, to Buenos Aires in Argentina. It was written by Edmondo De Amicis (1846–1908), an Italian novelist, journalist, poet and short-story writer. Jacob B. Brown noted in his Translator's Preface to De Amicis' 1897 book: "The writer's observant eye has singled out, his lively imagination has characterized, and his ready pen has described at least twenty different groups and characters taken from both ends of the vessel, all dramatic, saying and doing in every case just what such persons would say and do." This book is courtesy of the University of California Libraries on the Internet Archive. (27.1 MiB, PDF, 399 pages)1 file(s) 16 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-10-02pirates by Silent Johnny (rock song in MP3)Fans of pirates and rock/punk music will love 'pirates' by the Silent Johnny band. The drum playing is insane! The 2008 recording was made available by Jamendo Music under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. Some remastering was done by Marine Café Blog. (6.5 MiB, MP3, 3:58 minutes)1 file(s) 92 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-02‘Dead Horse’ aka ‘Poor Old Man’ (shanty in MP3)'Dead Horse' (also known as 'Poor Old Man') is a ceremonial shanty sung at the end of a sailor's first month at sea. It was to celebrate the end of the sailor's debt to the ship, when he started working for himself. This song is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1939 recording from the US Library of Congress. It features the unaccompanied vocals of Alex Barr, Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur. Sidney Robertson Cowell, Leighton McKenzie and Leighton Robinson. (4.8 MiB, MP3, 3:25 minutes) In a Library of Congress blog article, Stephen Winick says about this shanty: "The “Dead Horse” shanty refers to a particular tradition among sailors relating to the advance they typically drew on their wages. Usually, a sailor went to sea after his credit ran out ashore, so he used an advance on his wages to pay his creditor, who was usually the boarding house master where he lived. Because of this, for the first one to three months of his voyage he was just working off his debt—which was known as “paying for a dead horse.” CLICK HERE to read 'A Deep Dive Into Sea Shanties'.1 file(s) 94 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-30Drunken Sailor by the Jolly Tunesmiths (Irish dance music in MP3)This version of the popular shanty 'Drunken Sailor' is set to the music of a traditional Irish folk dance. It was recorded in 1947 under the Standard label of the defunct Standard Phono Corp, New York. The digitised recording was published on the Internet Archive and remastered by Marine Café to improve the sound quality. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 2:41 minutes)1 file(s) 98 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-29The Banana Boat Song by Shirley Bassey (traditional Jamaican song in MP3)Welsh singer Shirley Bassey (born 1937) was 20 years old when she recorded 'The Banana Boat Song' in 1957 together with Wally Scott's orchestra and chorus. It became her first hit. The song, written by Alan Arkin, Bob Carey and Erik Darling, is an adaptation of the traditional Jamaican song made popular by Harry Belafonte. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised vynyl record published on the Internet Archive. (5.1 MiB, MP3, 2:40 minutes)1 file(s) 138 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-28A Sailboat in the Moonlight by Billie Holiday (romantic song in MP3)'A Sailboat in the Moonlight" was recorded in 1937 by American jazz singer Billie Holiday (born 7 April 1915, Philadelphia — died 17 July 1959, New York City). In its obituary, The New York Times noted: "Miss Holiday set a pattern during her most fruitful years that has proved more influential than that of almost any other jazz singer, except the two who inspired her, Louis Armstrong and the late Bessie Smith." This is a remaster of the original recording. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 2:48 minutes)1 file(s) 134 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-27A Mainsail Haul by John Masefield (PDF format)'A Mainsail Haul' is a collection of 16 sea-related stories by John Masefield, an English writer and UK Poet Laureate from 1930 to 1967. First published in 1905, the book demonstrates Masefield's ability to tell a good yarn. Excerpt: "Gradually, however, the peace in my heart gave way to an eating melancholy, and I felt a sadness, such as has come to me but twice in my life. With the sadness there came a horror of the water and of the skies, till my presence in that ship, under the ghastly corpse-light of the moon, among that sea, was a terror to me past power of words to tell." This PDF file is courtesy of the Cornell University Library and was digitised by the Internet Archive. (2.6 MiB, PDF, 195 pages) Click here for the EPUB version of 'A Mainsail Haul'.1 file(s) 38 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-09-27A Mainsail Haul by John Masefield (EPUB format for smartphones and tablets)'A Mainsail Haul' is a collection of 16 sea-related stories by John Masefield, an English writer and UK Poet Laureate from 1930 to 1967. First published in 1905, the book demonstrates Masefield's ability to tell a good yarn. Excerpt: "Gradually, however, the peace in my heart gave way to an eating melancholy, and I felt a sadness, such as has come to me but twice in my life. With the sadness there came a horror of the water and of the skies, till my presence in that ship, under the ghastly corpse-light of the moon, among that sea, was a terror to me past power of words to tell." (364 KiB, EPUB)1 file(s) 25 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-09-26The Wellerman ringtone (instrumental, MP3)This is a remastered cut from the intrumental version of the famous whaling song 'The Wellerman' by Alexander Nakarada of Norway. Free to download and share under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. (685 KiB, MP3, 18 seconds)1 file(s) 221 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-28The Song of the Volga Boatmen by Pawel Prokopieni (traditional Russian folk song in MP3)'The Song of the Volga Boatmen' features the vocals of Polish bass-baritone opera singer Pawel Prokopieni (1910-1976) with Russian Ivan Basilevsky at the piano. The song (‘Eh, Ukhnem!’ to the Russians or ‘Yo, Heave Ho!’) pays tribute to the Volga River and the men who pulled barges against its current. This undated recording was made available via the Internet Archive by the Museum of Russian Culture, San Francisco. Licence: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). |
2021-09-18The Sailor’s Word-Book by W.H. Smith and Sir Edward Belcher (nautical dictionary)Published in 1867, 'The Sailor's Word-Book' contains a plethora of nautical terms that altogether provide a vivid picture of the old world of shipping. Many of the terms have become obsolete, but some are still in use today. At any rate, this book is a valuable resource for nautical writers, maritime researchers and anyone who has a deep interest in the history of shipping and seafaring. (4.3 MiB, PDF, 1,094 pages)1 file(s) 85 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-09-17The Death of Nelson by Hazel Askew (traditional song in MP3)'The Death of Nelson' is about the death of British naval hero Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805. It features the vocals of Hazel Askew, a London-based singer, musician and composer. The recording is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and is published by Marine Café Blog for your personal, non-commercial use. (2.3 MiB, MP3, 1:47 minutes) Read about the exemplary life and career of Horatio Nelson here.1 file(s) 73 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-14Three Galleons (pop song with choir and orchestra)'Three Galleons' is about Christopher Columbus' voyage of discovery to the Americas. It was recorded in 1955 by English conductor Johnny Douglas and his choir and orchestra. The song's title refers to the three ships of Columbus: the Pinta, the Niña and the Santa Maria. Technically, the flagship Santa Maria was a carrack and the other two ships were smaller caravels. This audio file is from the Internet Archive, remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at a higher quality 320kbps. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 2:20 minutes)1 file(s) 86 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-12An Introduction to English Sea Songs and Shanties (pamphlet)"An Introduction to English Sea Songs and Shanties" by David Atkinson was produced for the British Council by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). The pamphlet contains useful information about English shanties and sea ballads and seafaring customs and beliefs. Also provided are the lyrics of 15 songs, including the very popular 'Blow the Man Down', 'Hanging Johnny' and 'Lowlands'. (1 MiB, PDF, 34 pages) NOTE: Copyright © British Council and English Folk Dance and Song Society 2016. You are allowed to make copies of this material for non-commercial educational purposes. Permission must be sought from EFDSS for any other use of this material.1 file(s) 14 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-09When That Great Ship Went Down (folk song in MP3)'When That Great Ship Went Down' is about the sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15th April 1912. The song features William and Versey Smith, an American husband and wife duo who specialised in blues and gospel music. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the Smiths' 1927 recording. (4.7 MiB, MP3, 2:57 minutes) See also 'Titanic' by American singer–musician Roger McGuinn.1 file(s) 98 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-09-07Marine Art in Australia (newsletter, issue 2012 No. 63)The 'Marine Art in Australia' newsletter opens a window to the world of contemporary Australian marine art. It is published by the Australian Society of Marine Artists. This back issue from 2012 (No. 63) is one of only two issues available in the internet in PDF format (2.8 MiB, PDF, 23 pages) See also Marine Art in Australia (newsletter, issue 2014 No. 64)1 file(s) 2 downloadsCategory: Marine ArtDownload |
2021-09-05Tide Rising by Myndra (instrumental music in MP3)'Tide Rising' is a beautiful composition that captures the poetry of the rising tide. It was performed by Myndra, an Icelandic/Canadian trio active in 2014. The members were Linus Lárpera (vocals, guitars), Raziel C (violin, viola, piano), and Antoine Letberg (drums, percussion, clarinet, keyboards, synths, vocals). This recording was made available on the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence |
2021-09-03Across the Line by the Wellington Sea Shanty Society (traditional sea song in MP3)'Across the Line' describes a sailor's life during the age of wooden ships. It features the vocals of the Wellington Sea Shanty Society, a talented musical group from New Zealand. The song's title "Across the Line" refers to the equator (old or experienced sailors who have "crossed the line" are called 'shellbacks').The recording was made available on the Free Music Archive by W.S.S.S. under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States licence |
2021-08-30Back to Sea by Roger McGuinn (original song in MP3)A painting by French marine artist Roger Chapelet inspired American singer Roger McGuinn to compose 'Back to Sea'. The song is about the life of sailors as they travel around the world. It ends with the beautiful verse: "Pray that we ride a faithful tide/ Our topsail’s blowing free/ We’ll say hello to them Liverpool gals/ ‘Fore we head back to sea." The recording is part of McGuinn's Folk Den project and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-08-30Bow Mariner disaster: Final investigation report of the United States Coast GuardThe USCG 2005 investigation report is very interesting as it describes the shipboard culture on the chemical tanker Bow Mariner, which exploded and sank on 28th February 2004 in the Atlantic Ocean. The USCG could not determine if this culture contributed to the accident, but its findings are eye-popping. It noted that there was "a lack of cohesiveness between the three Greek officers and the Filipino crew"; that the Filipino officers "did not eat in the officers' mess and were given only menial tasking"; and that several survivors reported that the Greeks "treated them with disrespect and were constantly threatening them with being fired." Able Seaman Ronquillo stated that orders from the Greeks were like 'words from God.’ (2.6 MiB, PDF, 56 pages)1 file(s) 75 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and Training, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2021-08-25Blow, Ye Winds (song from the whaling era, remastered, MP3)'Blow, Ye Winds" by unidentified performers is about the travails of whaling sailors in the 19th century -- from the dangers of whale hunting to predators on land ("land sharks" and boarding house thieves). This 1962 recording is from the University of Illinois 78rpm Collection on the Internet Archive. It has been remastered by Marine Café Blog. (3.3 MiB, MP3, 1:27 minutes) Click here for the complete lyrics of 'Blow, Ye Winds' (the Pete Seeger version)1 file(s) 97 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-23The Music of the Waters by Laura Alexandrine Smith (book about sea songs)Pubished in 1888, 'The Music of the Waters' by English musicologist Laura Alexandrine Smith (1861–1902) is believed to be the first book to include the tunes of sea shanties and ballads with their lyrics. Scottish writer R.M. Ballantine noted in the Introductory Note:"With the courage of an original investigator, our authoress has ventured to 'beard the lion in his den.' She has personally gone straight to the 'fo'c'sle,' and interviewed the sailors not only of her own but of other lands, and thus has gathered from the men's own lips, and from their manly voices, the words and melodies which are most popular among them" (7.9 MiB, PDF, 393 pages)1 file(s) 21 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-21Titanic by Roger McGuinn (folk song in MP3)'Titanic' features the music and vocals of American singer Roger McGuinn, who wrote the lyrics based on the old folk song 'When That Great Ship Went Down'.Mr McGuinn has made this recording available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-08-19The Water Music, Suite VI – Allegro Deciso by Georg Friedrich Händel (MP3)'The Water Music' is a collection of orchestral movements by the German Baroque composer George Frideric Handel (1685–1759). This track is from the 1959 album 'The Royal Fireworks Suite / The Water Music Suite' featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy. It is courtesy of Joygen Odiongan on the Internet Archive, with some remastering by Marine Café Blog. (5.8 MiB, MP3, 3:14 minutes) See also the Marine Café Blog post, 'The wonder of water: A celebration in song and art' .1 file(s) 104 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-16Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis — Summary for PolicymakersThis Summary for Policymakers (SPM) presents key findings of the Working Group I (WGI) contribution to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). With some telling graphs, it recaps the current state of the climate, including how it is changing and the role of human influence; the state of knowledge about possible climate futures; climate information relevant to regions and sectors; and how human-induced climate change can be limited. (5.9 MiB, PDF, 42 pages)1 file(s) 2 downloadsCategory: Environment & Climate ChangeDownload |
2021-08-15IPCC press release on latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, 9 August 2021The full text of the IPCC press release is headlined 'Climate change widespread, rapid, and intensifying'. It warns that global temperature averaged over the next 20 years is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees celsius. Examples of foreseen changes are listed, including "more intense rainfall and flooding" and "contined sea level rise throughout the 21st century". (148 KiB, PDF, 6 pages)1 file(s) 1 downloadCategory: Environment & Climate ChangeDownload |
2021-08-15Ship Ahoy Polka (vintage recording in MP3)Recorded in 1949, 'Ship Ahoy Polka' is a merry song featuring the Merrie Musette Orchestra with vocal refrain by The Continental Capers. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (5.2 MiB, MP3, 2:21 minutes) See also 'Sailormen' by John Charles Thomas, another vintage song in MP3.1 file(s) 74 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-15Leave Her, Johnny by the King’s Point Glee Club (shanty, MP3)The call and response in this version of 'Leave Her, Johnny' are notable for their clarity and vigour. The shanty was performed by the King's Point Glee Club of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the undated recording published by Joygen Odiongan in the Internet Archive.(1.7 MiB, MP3, 46 seconds) See also 'Leave Her, Johnny' by American singer-musician Roger McGuinn.1 file(s) 124 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-12What’ll We Do with the Drunken Sailor by The Norman Luboff Choir (shanty, MP3)Enjoy this popular shanty by The Norman Luboff Choir conducted by Norman Luboff (1917–1987), a noted American music arranger and choir director. 'What'll We Do with the Drunken Sailor' was included in the group's 1959 album Songs of the British Isles. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised track published in the Internet Archive.(3.8 MiB, MP3, 1:46 minutes)1 file(s) 100 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-12Cantares de Marinero by Alfredo González Vilela (sea song in MP3)Sea songs in Spanish have a certain flavour that make them a delight to listen to. 'Cantares de Marinero' (Sailor songs) features the vocals and guitar music of Galician singer-songwriter Alfredo González Vilela (born 1951). This recording from 2009 is courtesy of Jamendo Music and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. The audio quality was further enhanced by Marine Café Blog to play at 320 kbps. (5.9 MiB, MP3, 2:44 minutes)1 file(s) 124 downloadsCategory: Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2021-08-11The Banana Boat Song by The Tarriers (Jamaican dock workers’ song, MP3)'The Banana Boat Song' by The Tarriers, an American vocal group, immediately became a hit when it was released in 1956. An adaptation of Harry Belafonte's 'Banana Boat' (Day-o), the song was written by Alan Arkin, Bob Carey and Erik Darling. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the original 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 2:58 minutes)1 file(s) 80 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-06-18The Wellerman by Alexander Nakarada (instrumental version in MP3)This is arguably the best instrumental version of the popular song 'Wellerman' (also called 'Soon May the Wellerman Come'). It is by Alexander Nakarada, a gifted musician from Norway. Nakarada released the recording in 2017, long before the whaling song went viral on Tiktok and other video/music sharing platforms. Nakarada has made it available to the general public under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. (2.6 MiB, MP3, 1:56 minutes)1 file(s) 816 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-04Ship Ahoy by Rose Marie (vintage pop song in MP3)'Ship Ahoy' is a light, wholesome song about the romantic relationship between a small town girl and a sailor named Jose. It was recorded in 1952 by actress-singer Rose Marie (born Rose Marie Mazzetta,1923–2017). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (3.8 Mib, MP3, 2:25 minutes)1 file(s) 77 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-02Haul Away Joe by Roger McGuinn (shanty in MP3)The popular shanty 'Haul Away Joe' gets a special musical treatment from American singer-musician Roger McGuinn. This recording is part of McGuinn's Folk Den project, He has kindly made it available for shanty lovers to enjoy under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-08-01The Banana Boat Song by The Fontane Sisters (traditional Jamaican song in MP3)'The Banana Boat Song' (Day-o) by The Fontane Sisters is a delightful adaptation of the traditional Jamaican song immortalised by Harry Belafonte. The Fontane Sisters were a trio from New Milford, New Jersey, made up of Bea,Geri and Marge Rosse. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1957 recording published in the Internet Archive. (3.6 MiB, MP3, 2:15 minutes) See also Sarah Vaughan's version of 'The Banana Boat Song'.1 file(s) 95 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-31Lowlands (Away) by Leonard Warren (remaster, MP3)'Lowlands (Away)' is considered by many as a sea shanty but some believe that it is a ballad. In the song, a dead lover comes to a sailor in a dream during a voyage to the "lowlands". This version features the powerful vocals of American operatic baritone singer Leonard Warren with orchestra conducted by Morris Levine. It is a remaster of the 1948 recording. (5.6 MiB, MP3, 3:19 minutes)1 file(s) 90 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-29El Marinero (The Sailor) ringtone for iPhonesSpice up your smartphone with some Dominican merengue music. This ringtone is a cut from 'El Marinero', a song that features the music of Ricardo Rico and his Los Tipicos Dominicanos band and the vocals of Florinda Sanchez. (355 KiB, m4r, 22 seconds) Get the version for Android phones here.1 file(s) 1 downloadCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-29El Marinero (The Sailor) ringtone for Android phonesSpice up your smartphone with some Dominican merengue music. This ringtone is a cut from 'El Marinero', a song that features the music of Ricardo Rico and his Los Tipicos Dominicanos band and the vocals of Florinda Sanchez. (659 KiB, MP3, 22 seconds) Get the iPhone version here.1 file(s) 75 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-28The Weary Whaling Grounds by Roger McGuinn (traditional song about whalers)'The Weary Whaling Grounds' is about the horrible shipboard conditions and low pay that 19th-century whaling ship crews had to endure while hunting for whales in Greenland. American singer-musician Roger McGuinn recorded the song as part of his Folk Den project. He has made it available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-07-27Still Sailor by The Inventors (Indie-Rock song)'Still Sailor' will appeal to those who love the sea and rock music. This Indie-Rock song was released in 2018 and features the Chicago rock band, The Inventors (Joe Mango - drums/vocals; Ray Skamay - guitar/backing vocals). It was made available on the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States licence. (6.6 MiB, MP3, 3:11 minutes)1 file(s) 81 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-23Pirate Song by Reinald Werrenrath (classic song in MP3)'Pirate Song' was written by American composer Henry F. Gilbert (1868–1928), who adopted words from Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel, Treasure Island. It features the rich vocals of American baritone opera singer Reinald Werrenrath (1883–1953). The recording is from1925 under the Victrola label. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 2:05 minutes) See also 'Pirate Song' by David S. Bispham.1 file(s) 86 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-22Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (classic adventure novel, PDF)'Treasure Island' by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) is not only an adventure tale. It is also, notes Cathy Lowne in a Britannica article, "an enduring coming-of-age story as Jim (the main character) both navigates life-and-death situations and encounters moral lessons." This 1911 edition of the novel is courtesy of Biblioteca Europea di Informazione e Cultura (BEIC, "European library of information and culture"). (14.1 MiB, PDF, 310 pages)1 file(s) 97 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-07-21Philippines Seafarer Statistics 2016-2020'Philippines Seafarer Statistics 2016-2020' contains 11 year-by-year statistical tables — from the no. of seamen's books issued to the no. of Filipino seafarers deployed by vessel type. The tables were taken as originally formatted from the Maritime Industry Authority's Statistical Report 2016-2020. Cover design by Marine Café Blog. (428.5 KiB, PDF, 13 pages)1 file(s) 138 downloadsCategory: Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2021-07-19Bring Back My Bonnie to Me by Alma Gluck (in honour of those who fought in World War I)This is a beautiful rendition of 'Bring Back My Bonnie to Me', a traditional Scottish folk song. It features the vocals of Romanian-born American soprano Alma Gluck (1884 – 1938). The song was recorded in 1919 following the end of World War I (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 3 minutes)1 file(s) 125 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-18The surf and the cliff (exquisite sea music in MP3)'The surf and the cliff' evokes images of the sea and the majestic cliffs that inspired Claude Monet's paintings of Étretat. It was composed and performed by electronic music artist David Bayon, part of his album EN LA MAR - IN THE SEA. The recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music. It is redistributed by Marine Café Blog under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. (8.8 MiB, MP3, 5:50 minutes)1 file(s) 86 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-16Lighthouse by Alice Mackay and Benfay (contemporary song in MP3)'Lighthouse' is a beautiful song for all those who love lighthouses and the sea. It features the vocals of Irish singer Alice Mackay and the electronic music of Benjamin Fay (Benfay) of Switzerland. This song is courtesy of the netlabel Thinner via the Internet Archive. It may be copied for private, non-commercial use under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) licence. (11.2 MiB, MP3, 8:08 minutes) See also 'Lighthouse' by Rusty Draper with the Jack Halloran Singers.1 file(s) 85 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-16SHIP AHOY, SHIP AHOY, SHIP AHOY (song in MP3)'SHIP AHOY, SHIP AHOY, SHIP AHOY' is about the stereotyical sailor who seeks out the girls when he comes on shore after a dreary time at sea. It features the delightful vocals of Jeroy Trio and The Highlanders singers. The original 78rpm record under the Spiro Records label was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. (4.4 MiB, MP3, 2:36 minutes) See also 'Sailormen' by John Charles Thomas, anoher vintage song in MP3.1 file(s) 80 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-13Claude Monet by R.J. Hughes (illustrated monograph)This illustrated monograph about the French Impressionist painter Claude Monet was written by American art educator Rebekah Hughes (known as "R.J. Hughes" in the publishing world) of Drawingdemystified.com. Ms. Hughes has packed essential information about the life and art of Claude Monet that is easy and delightful to read. She has included a short aricle about Blanche Hoschedé Monet (1865–1947), a French painter who was Claude Monet's stepdaughter. (2.6 MiB, PDF, 11 pages)1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: Marine ArtDownload |
2021-07-13Captain Cook by Walter Besant'Captain Cook' is an excellent book about the life and voyages of Captain James Cook (1728–1779, the great 18th-century explorer (CLICK HERE for more about him). It was written by the English novelist and historian, Sir Walter Besant (1836–1901). This edition was published in 1894. (4 MiB, PDF, 198 pages)1 file(s) 17 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-07-13AGUA by Alfredo Gonzalez Vilela (song in MP3)In 'AGUA', Galician singer-songwriter Alfredo González Vilela pays tribute to water, a precious resource most people take for granted. This 2009 recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music . It is redistributed by Marine Café Blog under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 3:47 minutes) Click here for the song lyrics in Spanish and English.1 file(s) 122 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea Shanties, Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2022-08-30Ferdinand Magellan by E.F. Benson'Ferdinand Magellan' is an oustanding book about the great Portuguese explorer. It was written by E.F. Benson (1867 – 1940), a British writer of fiction, reminiscences, and biographies. In his preface, the author underscores Magellan's place in history: "He was the first person in the world who demonstrated not by theory, but in terms of ships actually sailing on the sea, that this world is round (or thereabouts), and that by sailing out beyond the known ultimate of the West, a voyager will arrive at the known ultimate of the East." This book is from the library of York University in Canada and was digitised by the Internet Archive.(15 MiB, PDF, 282 pages)1 file(s) 33 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-07-08Safe Harbor by Ed Askew (sailor’s song about love, MP3)'Safe Harbor' is about a seafarer returning from the sea and finding safe harbour in his love. New York-based singer Ed Crane Askew performs the song with tenderness without sounding overly sentimental. Askew has made this recording available via the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. (8.3 MiB, MP3, 4:33 minutes)1 file(s) 95 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-07Alfred Wallis: Ships and Boats (monograph)This illustrated, 9-page monograph contains nuggets of information about the art and life of the Cornish fisherman and artist, Alfred Wallis (1855 – 1942). Published by Kettle's Yard art gallery, University of Cambridge, it was distributed at the 'Alfred Wallis: Ships and Boats' exhibit (7 April – 8 July 2012) as a teaching resource for educators and their students. (938 KiB, PDF, 9 pages) Learn more about Alfred Wallis' art in 'Windjammers and steamers: Alfred Wallis’ delightful art'.1 file(s) 16 downloadsCategory: Marine ArtDownload |
2021-07-06Ship Shape (orchestral and acoustic music in MP3)'Ship Shape' is an exhilarating piece of orchestral and acoustic music. It evokes images of the sea, sailing ships and cathedrals. The recording is courtesy of Jazzaria.com, which has not provided details as to the composer and performers. IMPORTANT: This is royalty-free music that can be redistributed. However, your usage.must be non-commercial and preserve the original work, and you must credit Jazzaria as your source. (6.3 MiB, MP3, 3:46 minutes)1 file(s) 88 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-04The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus (poetry reading in MP3)'The New Colossus' is a sonnet about the Statue of Liberty and America's welcoming spirit toward the poor and oppressed who seek refuge and freedom. It was written by the American Jewish poet and activist, Emma Lazarus (1849 – 1870). The poem of 14 lines was read by Barbara Baker for Librivox. Perhaps the most poignant and certainly the most quoted line reads: “Give me your tired, your poor,/ Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." (1 MiB, MP3, 1:14 minutes) See the full text of the poem and some old photos of the Statue of Liberty here.1 file(s) 109 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-07-03The Beach by Yusuke Tsutsumi (nautical music in MP3)'The Beach' will captivate you with its beautiful tapestry of tones and emotions. It was written and performed by Yusuke Tsutsumi, a young musician (born in 1991) who began composing when he was 14 years old. 'The Beach' can be categorised as ambient/ experimental music. Mr. Tsutumi has made the recording available via the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) licence |
2021-07-02A-Roving by Roger McGuinn (shanty in MP3)'A-Roving' is a capstan song about a sailor's tryst with a woman in Amsterdam who was "mistress of her trade'. The refrain "I’ll go no more a-roving with thee, fair maid" suggests that the adventurous chap contracted some disease as a result of the one-night stand. Click here for the lyrics and some notes about the song. This recording is part of the Folk Den project of American musician Roger McGuinn, who made it available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-06-30Wellerman (ringtone in MP3 for Android phones))This ringtone is a cut from the whaling song 'Wellerman' which went viral on TikTok and other social networking platforms. As a backgrounder, 'Wellerman' is a folk song, not a sea shanty as some have erroneously categorised it. The "wellerman" in the title refers to the boat/skipper that brought supplies to the shore whaling stations in New Zealand in the 1830s and 40s. (593 KiB, MP3, 21 seconds) See also 'Wellerman' by Nathan Evans (full version).1 file(s) 378 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-29Cape Cod by George Santayana (poem, oral reading in MP3)'Cape Cod' was written by George Santayana (1863 – 1952), a Spanish-American philosopher, poet and humanist. In the poem, the narrator describes his deep sense of isolation as he is stranded on a beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His thoughts eventually turn to the universal human condition. This audio recording is courtesy of Librivox. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 1:56 minutes) Click here to learn more about the poet.1 file(s) 102 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-06-28Venetian Boat Song Op. 19 No. 6 by Felix Mendelssohn (piano music, MP3)German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847) was enamoured with Venice. His first impressions of the city and its gondolas inpired him to compose 'Venetian Boat Song Op. 19 No. 6' for piano. This recording by an unidentified pianist is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the audio published by Netfocus Universal – Sweden on the Internet Archive. (6.5 MiB, MP3, 2:50 minutes) Read about Mendelssohn's love affair with Venetian gondolas here.1 file(s) 166 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-01-28Venice Aqua by Alvaro M. Rocha (poetic instrumental music in MP3)'Venice Aqua' will make you feel that you're in Venice on a gondola. It was created and performed by Alvaro M. Rocha (stage name: AMR), a musician and audio engineer from Lisbon, Portugal. The piano playing interwoven with string and electronic ambient music can be rightly described as poetic. Rocha has made this recording available to the public under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Portugal licence. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 4:37 minutes)1 file(s) 119 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-26Blow the Man Down (sea shanty, ringtone for iPhone)This is a wonderful ringtone for shanty-loving iPhone users. It is the intro to 'Blow the Man Down' recorded in 1941 by the legendary American folk singer Woody Guthrie (1912 – 1967). (253 KiB, m4r, 15 seconds) Click here to get the ringtone version for Android phones (MP3 format). You might also like American folk singer Roger McGuinn's version of 'Blow the Man Down'. Click here to play and download the complete shanty.1 file(s) 21 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-25Golden Vanity by Roger McGuinn (traditional sea ballad in MP3)This song is about a cabin boy on the ship Golden Vanity who swims alongside an enemy ship and sinks it. He undertook the mission after being promised the hand of the captain's daughter. Not wanting to see his daughter get married, the captain breaks his promise and refuses to let the lad return to the ship. The boy is saved from drowning by his shipmates but dies on the deck. American folk singer Roger McGuinn has kindly made the recording available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-07-13Si Mi Voz Muriera en Tierra (Spanish sea song in MP3)'Si Mi Voz Muriera en Tierra' (If My Voice Dies on Land) is a song in Spanish that is remarkable for its poignant lyrics and haunting melody. It features the vocals of Galician singer-songwriter Alfredo González Vilela (born 1951), who sang it to the text of a poem by the highly acclaimed Spanish poet, Rafael Alberti (1902 – 1999). This recording was provided by Jamendo Music and is redistributed by Marine Café Blog under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. ((3.4 MiB, MP3, 2:14 minutes) CLICK HERE for the original Spanish text of Rafael Alberti's poem with Englsh translation.1 file(s) 174 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea Shanties, Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2021-06-22Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold (oral reading in MP3)'Dover Beach' is a lyric poem by English Victorian poet Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888). It was read for Librivox by Squid Varilekova. Encyclopedia Britannica calls Arnold's poem "the most celebrated of the author’s works', noting that it "addresses the decline of religious faith in the modern world and offers the fidelity of affection as its successor." (1.6 MiB, MP3, 1:58 minutes)1 file(s) 97 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-06-21Shenandoah by the U.S. Air Force Band (traditional folk song, MP3)This is a breathtaking performance of the American folk song 'Shenandoah'. Recorded in 2017, it features the music and vocals of the United States Air Force Band. Click here for the origins and lyrics of the song. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 2:08 minutes) See also Harry Belafonte's version of Shenandoah'.1 file(s) 99 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-20The Rattling Bones of Gill McGee by The Black Bones (pirate song in MP3)'The Rattling Bones of Gill McGee' literally rocks.This pirate song is by The Black Bones, a talented rock band from Vienna, Austria. The group has kindly shared it via the Free Music Archive under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.. |
2021-07-13El Marinero (Dominican merengue song, MP3)'El Marinero' (The Sailor) exemplifies the beauty and liveliness of merengue, a type of music that originated in the Dominican Republic. Recorded in 1955, the song features the music of Ricardo Rico, merengue composer and orchestra leader, with his Los Tipicos Dominicanos band and the vocals of Florinda Sanchez. The digitised 78rpm recording is from the Internet Archive, with some remastering by Marine Café Blog to enhance the sound quality. (5.4 MiB, MP3, 3:08 minutes)1 file(s) 276 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea Shanties, Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2021-07-13El Mar, el Cielo y Tú (romantic instrumental music, MP3)'El Mar, el Cielo y Tú' (The Sea, the Sky and You) features the music of Agustín Lara and his Orchestra. Señor Lara (1900 – 1970) was a Mexican composer of popular songs who was well known in Latin America and Spain. This digitised copy of the 78rpm record from the 1950s is courtesy of the Internet Archive. (5.6 MiB, MP3, 3:22 minutes) See also the Spanish love song 'Prisionero del Mar' (Prisoner of the Sea).1 file(s) 108 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea Shanties, Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2021-06-18As I Sailed by Howard Mitchell and Ed Trickett (traditional ballad, MP3)'As I Sailed' is a traditional folk song about Captain William Kidd, a Scottish sea captain who was tried and executed in London in 1701 for murder and piracy. The performers are noted American folk singers Howard Mitchell and Ed Trickett. The recording is from 1962 and was made available in the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US) licence |
2021-06-17Haul Away Joe by Leonard Warren (shanty, MP3)This is a dramatic version of 'Haul Away Joe', a popular short-drag shanty that has many variations in lyrics and musical arrangement. It was recorded in 1948 by American opera singer Leonard Warren (1911 – 1960) with orchestra conducted by Maurice Levine and chorus. The audio file is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (4.6 MiB, MP3, 2:50 minutes) See also the version of 'Haul Away Joe' by American folk singer Howie Mitchell.1 file(s) 96 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-16Lighthouse by Ray Morton (ambient music in MP3)'Lighthouse' by Ray Morton is a fine example of ambient music. The rich tapestry of sounds will transport you to the world of the lighthouse and the sea. This recording is courtesy of Jamendo Music and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. (6.4 MiB, MP3, 3:44 minutes) You might also like 'Lighthouse' by Rusty Draper and the Jack Halloran Singers.1 file(s) 86 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-14Sloop John B by Pete Seeger (folk song in MP3)'Sloop John B' is a traditional folk song from the Bahamas, in particular its capital, Nassau. It was performed by American folk singer Pete Seeger (1919 – 2014) in 1966 on the television programme Rainbow Quest. This recording is courtesy of Internet Archive member Karl Blumenthal. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 2:52 minutes)1 file(s) 152 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-12Blue Danube (waltz music ringtone, MP3)A beautiful ringtone for your beloved smartphone. This is a cut from Johann Strauss, Jr.'s famous waltz composition 'The Blue Danube' recorded by Bob Stanley and Orchestra in 1944. (457.9 KiB, MP3, 17 seconds) See also 'The Blue Danube' by the Vienna Philharmonic (full version).1 file(s) 251 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-12Lighthouse Song (easy listening pop music, MP3)'Lighthouse Song' is a charming song about a lighthouse keeper's love story. It was recorded in 1951 by Burt Taylor with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (5.6 MiB, MP3, 2:43 minutes)1 file(s) 96 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-12The Blue Danube by the Vienna Philharmonic (waltz music, MP3)'The Blue Danube' was composed by Johann Strauss, Jr. in 1866 and is still the most beautiful waltz ever. It celebrates the joy of life and the majesty of the Danube, the second longest river in Europe after the Volga. This recording from 1934 features the great Vienna Philharmonic with Hungarian-born American conductor George Szell. It was provided by Internet Archive member Schwenk under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported licence. (12.2 MiB, MP3, 8:54 minutes) Read the interesting article, 'The Story Behind The Blue Danube'. CLICK HERE for a ringtone of 'The Blue Danube' in MP3 format.1 file(s) 1013 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-16Ol’ Man River by Paul Robeson (remastered 1936 recording, MP3)Ol' Man River' is a song from the 1927 American musical Show Boat about the toil and tribulation of African-Americans set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River. The narrative is told from the point of view of a black stevedore on a showboat, a floating theatre that travelled along the Mississippi (the "ol' man river") This version was performed by the baritone singer Paul Robeson (1898 – 1976), who was also a lawyer and civil rights activist. It is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the 1936 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (4.3 MiB, MP3, 2:31 minutes) Read ‘Ol Man River and the pain of being black in America, a review of the song.1 file(s) 388 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-04-07Anchors Aweigh by the Victor Military Band and The Four Clubmen (remastered 1942 recording, MP3)Perk up your day with this version of the classic naval song, 'Anchors Aweigh'. It was performed by the Victor Military Band and The Four Clubmen as part of the 1942 Songs of the Service album. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm track published in the Internet Archive. (4.1 MiB, MP3, 2:12 minutes). See also 'Anchors Aweigh' by Phil Spitalny.1 file(s) 58 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-04What will We Do with a Drunken Sailor? by the Irish Rovers (shanty, for iPhones)This is one of the most popular versions of 'What will We Do with a Drunken Sailor?' ('Drunken Sailor' for short). It is by The Irish Rovers, a group of Irish musicians formed in 1963 and renamed The Rovers in the 1980s. The audio file is in a format for use on iPhones (1.3 MiB, m4r, 2:38 minutes)1 file(s) 316 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-03‘Surfin’ USA’ by Christopher John Stephens (MP3)This is an interesting adaptation of 'Surfin' USA', the 1963 hit song of the American rock band, The Beach Boys. The performer is Christopher John Stephens, an American writer and musician. His version has the laid-back atmosphere of the tropics. This recording, believed to be from 2015, has been publicly shared by Stephens via the Internet Archive. (3.1 MiB, MP3, 3:20 minutes)1 file(s) 147 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-06-01I’m Popeye the Sailor Man (ringtone with vocals, MP3)This delightful ringtone features the vocals of Allen Swift (1924–2010), an American voice actor best known for voicing cartoon characters. It is a cut from 'I'm Popeye the Sailor Man' provided by the Internet Archive. The song was included in the 1957 78rpm Official Popeye TV Album. (839 KiB, MP3, 24 seconds)1 file(s) 181 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-23Pirate Song by David S. Bispham (song composed by Henry F. Gilbert, MP3)'Pirate Song" is the most famous work of American composer Henry F. Gilbert ((1868–1928). First published in 1902, it adopts words from Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' with additional stanzas by Alice H. Hyde. According to the Song of America website, the song "was immensely popular and was even performed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House." This 1911 recording features the voice of American operatic baritone David Scull Bispham (1857–1921). (3.7 MiB, MP3, 2:01 minutes)1 file(s) 116 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-29Day-o (Banana Boat) by the Grateful Dead (traditional Jamaican song in MP3Sheer calypso energy in this version of 'Day-o' (also known as 'Banana Boat'). The song was performed live in 1987 at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena by the Grateful Dead, an American rock band active from 1965 to 1995. The recording is courtesy of Jonathan Aizen, who shared it via the Internet Archive. (3.4 MiB, MP3, 2:30 minutes) Harry Belafonte's classic rendition of the song, which was recorded in 1955, can be played and downloaded here.1 file(s) 78 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-28Lorelei (Siren Singing) by Ned Pedersen (original song in MP3)'Lorelei (Siren Singing)' was written, arranged and performed by Ned Pedersen, a singer-musician from Texas. The song is based on the popular German legend of Lorelei, a beautiful young woman who threw herself into the River Rhine in despair over a faithless lover. She was then transformed into a siren whose haunting music lured fishermen and sailors to their destruction. Pedersen has kindly shared this recording under an Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Creative Commons Licence. (5.7 MiB, MP3, 4:11 minutes)1 file(s) 141 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-27Jonah and the Whale by Louis Armstrong (song in MP3)Jazz immortal Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1971) performs 'Jonah and the Whale' with the Decca Mixed Chorus. They are accompanied by two pianos, guitar, string bass, and drums.The song is based on the biblical story of the prophet Jonah and was composed by Robert MacGimsey. The performance was recorded in 1938 with composer/conductor Lynn Murray directing. This is a remaster of the original recording. (4.6 MiB, MP3, 2:4o minutes)1 file(s) 170 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-28Anchors Aweigh (ringtone for iPhones)This naval ringtone will grab your attention and that of your friends and colleagues. It features the intro to 'Anchors Aweigh' performed by Phil Spitalny (1890 – 1970), a Ukrainian-American musician, composer, and bandleader. (490.6 KiB, m4r, 30 seconds) CLICK HERE to download the MP3 version for Android phones.1 file(s) 67 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-27Anchors Aweigh (ringtone for Android phones, MP3)This naval ringtone will grab your attention and that of your friends and colleagues. It features the intro to 'Anchors Aweigh' performed by Phil Spitalny (1890 – 1970), a Ukrainian-American musician, composer, and bandleader. (253 KiB, MP3, 30 seconds) CLICK HERE to download the iPhone version of this ringtone.1 file(s) 337 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-07-02Anchors Aweigh by Phil Spitalny (remastered 1930 recording, MP3)'Anchors Aweigh' is the unofficial theme song of the United States Navy. It was composed in 1906 by Charles A. Zimmermann, an American composer of marches and popular music. The lyrics were written by American songwriter Alfred Hart Miles This remaster of a 1930 recording features the music of Phil Spitalny (1890 – 1970), a Ukrainian-American musician, composer, and bandleader. (1.2 MiB, MP3, 2:33 minutes)
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2021-05-23Sailormen by John Charles Thomas (vintage song in MP3)'Sailormen' is a song from the 1930s about the hard life at sea. But it is light and entertaining, and the ending will make the listener smile. The singer is American baritone John Charles Thomas (1891 – 1960,) accompanied at the piano by American classical pianist Carroll Hollister. The words were written by Herb Roth with Jacques Wolfe as composer. This recording was digitised and restored from the 1934 vinyl record. (3.1 MiB, MP3, 2:48 minutes)1 file(s) 114 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-22Port of Many Ships (song version of a John Masefield poem, MP3)This is a splendid musical version of 'Port of Many Ships', a poem written by British Poet Laureate John Masefield (1878.– 1967). It was recorded in 1928 by American baritone concert singer Keith Falkner with a symphony orchestra. The recording is courtesy of the Internet Archive. Masefield's 'Port of Many Ships' is included in his 'Salt-Water Poems and Ballads'. CLICK HERE to download the book. (1.5 MiB, MP3. 1:55 minutes) See also 'Trade Winds', another John Masefield poem sung by Keith Falkner.1 file(s) 115 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-21Trade Winds by Keith Falkner (song version of John Masefield’s poem in MP3)English opera singer Sir Donald Keith Falkner (1900 –1994) delivers the goods in this 1928 recording of John Masefield's poem 'Trade Winds'. Falkner had an "extensive, warmly resonant bass-baritone voice and superb diction," the British newspaper The Independent noted in its 1994 obituary of the man. This recording is courtesy of the Internet Archive. For the full text of the poem 'Trade Winds', click here. (2.0 MiB, MP3, 2:37 minutes)1 file(s) 106 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-06Salt-Water Poems and Ballads by John Masefield'Salt-Water Poems and Ballads" features the sea poetry of John Masefield (1878.– 1967), Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until 1967. First published in 1916, the book contains a total of 44 poems, including the well-known 'Sea-Fever'. It is wonderfully illustrated with paintings and drawings by the British artist, Charles Pears (1873 – 1958).1 file(s) 26 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-05-22South Australia by Roger McGuinn (sea shanty in MP3)'South Australia' is a capstan shanty sung by the wool traders (and later the wheat traders) who worked the clipper ships between Australian ports and London. The performer is American musician Roger McGuinn, who says about 'South Australia': "This is well known as a farewell song, sung at the docks as the big ships were leaving. The men grew a sentimental attachment to the song and were even known to request a rousing chorus on their death beds, so that they could die happy." This recording is provided by McGuinn under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States licence |
2021-10-15Prisionero del Mar (love song in Spanish, MP3)"Prisionero del Mar" (Prisoner of the Sea) was recorded in 1942 by well-known Mexican singer Dora Luz (1918–2018). The words are passionate: "Voy a la playa tu amor a buscar,/ A la luz de la luna a cantar/ Mi desesperación." (I'm going to the beach to find your love,/ In the light of the moon to sing/ My despair.). And even sensual: "Quiero llegarte a tener,/ En un atardecer,/ De inquietud tropical" (I want to have you/ In a sunset/ Of tropical restlessness). This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording from the Internet Archive. (7.1 MiB, MP3, 3:13 minutes)1 file(s) 170 downloadsCategory: Spanish Songs (sea-related)Download |
2021-05-19The Shanty Book by Richard Runciman Terry (Parts I and II in one PDF file)'The Shanty Book' by Sir Richard Runciman Terry is a classic in the literature of sea shanties. A noted English organist, choirmaster and music scholar, Terry collected and annotated a total of 65 shanties for this Curwen Edition published in two volumes in 1926. The collection includes pianoforte accompaniments and interesting notes on the origins of the songs and their use at sea. Parts I and II of 'The Shanty Book' are courtesy of the UR Resarch at the University of Rochester in New York. For the reader's convenience, Marine Café Blog has merged them into a single PDF file. (11.7 MiB, PDF, 157 pages)1 file(s) 116 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-16Bold Riley by Hazel Askew (traditional song in MP3)'Bold Riley' is sung by London singer-musician Hazel Askew with such sweet tenderness that you'll want to hear it more than once. The song is about a woman having to cope with the pain of being separated from her sailor-husband. This recording is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and made available on Marine Café Blog for your private non-commerical use..The Society has published a pamphlet that provides the lyrics and additional information for 'Bold Riley' and the related song 'Adieu, sweet lovely Nancy'. Click here to download it. (4.5 MiB, MP3, 3:17 minutes)1 file(s) 98 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-18A Sailor’s Life: Long Distance Love (pamphlet)This pamphlet from the English Folk Dance and Song Society spotlights long distance love involving the sailors of yore with focus on two traditional songs -- 'Adieu, sweet lovely Nancy' and 'Bold Riley'. An excerpt: "For the wives of low ranking sailors, they lived difficult lives at home in Britain. The sailors were only paid once their ship returned to Britain. Therefore, the wives and children often had to find work to earn money for food and shelter. Sometimes the wives and children would even resort to begging in the streets" The English Folk Dance and Song Society has allowed the copying of this copyrighted material for non-commercial educational purposes. (736 KiB, PDF, 11 pages)1 file(s) 27 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-15‘Leis a Lurrighan’ by Ceili Moss (traditional Scottish sea song in MP3)This version of 'Leis a Lurrighan' is by Ceili Moss, a Belgian band who describe their music as "acoustic folk-rock with guts and melodies, with a Northern European edge, not afraid of colouring a bit outside of the lines" The song is about a frightful voyage by sailors on a stormy sea at night. The title translates to "with the Lurrighan" (presumably the name of the ship). Click here for the lyrics. This recording is made available by Ceili Moss under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. (5.4 MiB, MP3, 2:47 minutes)1 file(s) 98 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-09Shenandoah by Harry Belafonte (classic ballad in MP3)Harry Belafonte's version of the classic American ballad 'Shenandoah' is poignant and absolutely beautiful. The song was recorded in 1952 by Belafonte with Millard Thomas at the guitar. The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. 'Shenandoah' has a colourful story behind it. CLICK HERE to learn more. (5.5 MiB, MP3, 3:17) minutes)1 file(s) 125 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-07Lighthouse Construction Types (illustrated article in PDF)This illustrated article describes the various types of U.S. lighthouses based on material and construction -- from the stone, brick and wood towers of the 1700s to the Texas Tower, aluminum-clad and fiberglass varieties introduced in the 1960s. It forms part of The Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook. The latter was the result of a cooperative effort between the National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Defense. (833 KiB, PDF, 8 pages)1 file(s) 35 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-04-24The Seafarer by Ezra Pound (poetry reading in MP3)This is a rare recording of American poet and critic Ezra Pound reading in 1939 at Harvard University his version of 'The Seafarer', an Anglo-Saxon poem. Click here to read the full text of the poem. It is being made available for noncommercial and educational use only. All rights to this recorded material belong to, and are © 2006 by, the heirs of Ezra Pound, Mary de Rachewiltz and Omar S. Pound, and New Directions Publishing Corp, agent for the heirs. (9.8 MiB, MP3, 7:08 minutes)1 file(s) 183 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-05-04Historically Famous Lighthouses (illustrated booklet, for smartphones & tablets)This United States Coast Guard booklet features 56 lighthouses located in 20 states. Backstories are provided with black & white photos to explain the historical significance of each lighthouse. (3.5 MiB, EPUB format) NOTE: You will need an e-book reader to open the file on your smartphone or tablet. One of the most popular is FBReader, a multi-platform e-book reader. Click here to get it. FBReader for iPhone and iPad is downloadable on the AppStore.1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-07-03Lighthouse (pop and country song in MP3)'Lighthouse' has a vigorous tempo and an interesting narrative told from the point of view of a lighthouse. The song was written by American singer-songwriter Jim Lowe (1923 – 2016). It was performed and recorded in 1953 by American pop and country singer Rusty Draper (1923 – 2003) with the Jack Halloran Singers. The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation.(3.9 MiB, MP3, 2:48 minutes)1 file(s) 100 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-04-29Leaving of Liverpool by Roger McGuinn (traditional folk song in MP3)American singer-musician Roger McGuinn does a sweet version of 'Leaving of Liverpool'. The song is about a sailor bidding farewell to a woman and expressing his hope that they would soon be reunited. This recording is part of McGuinn's Folk Den project and is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-04-27Young Susan (traditional English folk song in MP3)'Young Susan' is about a young woman who dresses up as a man to join the crew of a British man-of-war. It was taboo then for women to join the navy or even board a naval ship. The belief was that their presence would create mischief and disorder on board. The song has an interesting narrative and is performed by Hazel Askew, a singer, musician and composer from London. It is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. (4.1MiB,MP3, 2:58 minutes)1 file(s) 314 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-04-25The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (oral reading in MP3)This short poem was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the most popular American poet in the 19th century. It is about the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. The refrain "the tide rises, the tide falls" implies that life is a cycle — an idea that somehow offers a ray of hope. 'The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls' was read for Librivox by Rosemarie DeSapio. (998.6 KiB, MP3, 1:22 minutes)1 file(s) 289 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-04-29Rio Grande by Mordy Bauman with instrumental accompaniment (shanty in MP3)This wonderful version of the outward-bound shanty 'Rio Grande' (also known as 'Away Rio') was performed by American baritone Mordy Bauman (1912–2007). The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. Note that the song refers to the Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, not the Rio Grande between Texas and Mexico. (4.8 MiB, MP3, 3:03 minutes)1 file(s) 164 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-04-24Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (oral reading in MP3)Part Four of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's classic poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' is hauntingly read aloud by Lynne Hand (aka Teacher). Ms. Hand, who offers free English language training (see her website here), holds the copyright to the recording. She has kindly made the audio file available through the Internet Archive. Marine Café Blog is sharing it for your personal, non-commerical use (1.7 MiB, MP3, 3:10 minutes) In Coleridge's 7-part poem, an old mariner stops one of three young men on their way to a wedding party and mesmerises him with the tale of how he killed an albatross and brought bad luck to himself and his fellow sailors. It is a story of sin, suffering and redemption.CLICK HERE to download an illustrated edition of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.1 file(s) 186 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-04-14A-Roving & Drunken Sailor by Mordy Bauman (back to back shanties in MP3)These back to back shanties by American baritone Mordy Bauman (1912–2007) are full of exuberance. 'A-roving' is about a sailor's escapade in Amsterdam's redlight district. It is followed by the equally bouncy 'Drunken Sailor'. The original 78rpm record containing the two songs was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. (4.8 MiB, MP3, 2:53 minutes)1 file(s) 226 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-04-10Drunken Sailor by Flatbed (live performance, MP3)This version of the well-known shanty 'Drunken Sailor' has the energy and ambience of a live tavern performance. It was performed by the American musical band Flatbed in June 2011 at the Sportsmen's Tavern in Buffalo, New York. The audio file is courtesy of the Internet Archive. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 3:47 minutes) CLICK HERE to see other versions of 'Drunken Sailor'.1 file(s) 97 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-11-25Wellerman by Nathan Evans, for iPhonesThe popular whaling song 'Wellerman' by Nathan Evans is widely available in MP3 format. Marine Café Blog has converted it for the use of iPhone owners. (2.4 MiB, M4A, 2:33 minutes)1 file(s) 110 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-03-25Wellerman by Nathan Evans (whaling song in MP3)'Wellerman' is a New Zealand whaling song dating back to the 1830s. It is a folk song, not a sea shanty as some have erroneously categorised it. The "wellerman" in the title refers to the boat/skipper that brought supplies to the shore whaling stations in New Zealand in the 1830s and 40s. The performer is Nathan Evans, a Scottish singer (born 1994) known for singing and popularising sea shanties. This audio file is from the Internet Archive. (5.9 MiB, MP3, 2;34 minutes)
Check out this informative article!: The Wellerman song: Putting the lyrics in context
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2021-03-17Whiskey Johnny by Mordy Bauman (shanty, baritone with instrumental accompaniment)This version of the popular shanty 'Whiskey Johnny' has a bouncy tune and very funny lyrics. The song was perforned by American baritone Mordy Bauman (1912–2007) with instrumental accompaniment. It is part of a collection called 'Songs of American Sailormen'. The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. Another version of 'Whiskey Johnny' is available here.1 file(s) 108 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-03-16Home Dearie Home (song of a homesick sailor, MP3)'Home Dearie Home' is an old ballad in which the narrator, a sailor, longs to be back home (Boston, Massachusetts, in this version). The song was perforned by American baritone Mordy Bauman (1912–2007), part of a collection called 'Songs of American Sailormen'. The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 2:05 minutes) See also the homeward-bound shanty,'Rolling Home'.1 file(s) 112 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-12-17The Constitution and Guerrière by Mordy Bauman (remastered, traditional song in MP3)'The Constitution and Guerriere' is a patriotic song about the victory of the U.S.S. Constitution against the British H.M.S. Guerrière in the War of 1812. This version is by the American baritone, Mordy Bauman (1912–2007). The recording from the Internet Archive was remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at 320kbps. (6.9 MiB, MP3, 3:05 minutes). Click here to learn more about the song and the battle between the Constitution and the Guerrière.1 file(s) 122 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-03-11Song of the Seagull by Howard M. Branson (song in MP3)'Song of the Seagull' is from the 2004 album of Howard M. Branson, an English singer-musician who was born in 1959 in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire. The singer identifies with the roving spirit of the seagull. His thoughts turn to his own self-searching and his hometown: "But there must be a reason a seagull never settles down,/ perhaps he wonders if he's seen the last of this old town/ like I do/ I'm wondering too." This song is provided by Jamendo Music under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. (3.2 MiB, MP3, 2:43 minutes)1 file(s) 123 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-02-28Greenland Whale Fisheries by Three Jolly Rogues (sea song in MP3)'Greenland Whale Fisheries' is an old whaling song that dates back to at least the 18th century (click here to learn more about the song). This version is a one-off recording in 1963 of three American musican friends: Ginny Dildine, Ann Hurt, Howie Mitchell (the 'Three Jolly Rogues'). It is courtesy of the Free Music Archive and comes with a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States licence.. (3.3 MiB, MP3, 4:05 minutes)1 file(s) 102 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-02-24To the Lighthouse by Memoryhouse (song in MP3)'To the Lighthouse' is by Memoryhouse, the Guleph, Ontario-based duo of photogapher Denise Nouvion (vocals) and neo-classical composer Evan Abeele (instruments / production). Released as a single in 2009, the song is representative of experimental pop and shoegaze (sometimes called 'dream pop'). Memoryhouse has made it available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence |
2021-02-23The Impressionists at Argenteuil by Paul Hayes Tucker'The Impressionists at Argenteuil' takes a look at Argenteuil, a town on the bank of the Seine River northwest of Paris, and the artists it inspired. Amongst them: Calude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Alfred Sisley, Eugène Boudin, and Gustave Caillebott. This brochure was published in 2000 by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC to accompany the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the Impressionists' time in Argenteuil. (69.6 MiB, PDF, 180 pages)1 file(s) 11 downloadsCategory: Marine ArtDownload |
2022-09-29The Fish in the Sea by Three Jolly Rogues (fishermen’s song in MP3)'The Fish in the Sea' is a traditional fishermen's song that celebrates the bounty of the sea and the joy of fishing. There are various lyrics and arrangements of the song, which has also been documented as a sea shanty. This version is a one-off recording in 1963 of three American musican friends: Ginny Dildine, Ann Hurt, Howie Mitchell (the 'Three Jolly Rogues'). It is courtesy of the Free Music Archive and comes with a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States licence.(2.5 MiB, MP3, 3:11 minutes) Click here for more about 'The Fish in the Sea'1 file(s) 232 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-02-13The Bold Fisherman by Allister Thompson (English folk song in MP3)The Bold Fisherman is a traditional English folk song that tells a charming love story involving a young woman and a fisherman. Click here for the complete lyrics and some intersting background info. It is performed by Allister Thompson, a Canadian guitarist and songwriter. The recording is covered by a Creative Commons |
2022-02-14Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain'Life on the Mississippi' was written by Mark Twain, one of America's most beloved writers. Published in 1883 with more than 300 illustrations, it is the author's memoir of the steamboat era on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War. Mark Twain was a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi (read his short biography here). His familiarity with the river and navigation and his skills as a raconteur make this book a must-read for literature and American history buffs. (40.4 MiB, PDF, 610 pages) NOTE: The scanned book is courtesy of the Boston Public Library. For the convenience of readers, the file was compressed by Marine Café Blog minus unnecessary blank pages and the front and back covers.1 file(s) 105 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-02-05Blow the Man Down by Leonard Warren with orchestra & chorus (shanty in MP3)'Blow the Man Down' remains one of the most popular shanties. This rousing version was recorded in 1949 by American baritone Leonard Warren (1911 – 1960) with orchestra and chorus. The original 78rpm record was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. (3.0 M, MP3, 2:16 minutes) What does the expression 'blow the man down' mean? Click here for some answers.1 file(s) 156 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-02-02The Coast of High Barbary by Pete Seeger and trio (ballad in MP3)The Coast of High Barbary is a traditional song popular among British and American sailors of yore. This version is by American folk singer Pete Seeger (1919–2014) and trio, accompanied by a five-string banjo and guitar. It was included in a 1941 album which was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle-Austin Foundation. (3.1 MiB, MP3, 2:29 minutes) .Click here for the complete lyrics of the song as it was sung by English mariners.1 file(s) 146 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-31A Long Time Ago (aka ‘Noah’s Ark’) by Roger McGuinn (shanty in MP3)A Long Time Ago is a halyard shanty that gives the story of Noah's ark a humourous twist. The lead singer is American musician Roger McGuinn, who has made this shanty available as part of his Folk Den project. The song is covered by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-01-30Drunken Sailor (piano version, ringtone in MP3)Your beloved mobile phone deserves a special ringtone. This is an abbreviated piano version of the highly popular sea shanty, Drunken Sailor. (548.6 KiB, MP3, 23 seconds)1 file(s) 278 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-26Song of the Volga Boatmen (orchestra with male chorus, restored, MP3)The Song of the Volga Boatmen is a well-known Russian traditional song. It was originally sung by burlaks, men who pulled barges against the current on the Volga River during the time of the Russian Empire. This version was restored from a 1926 vinyl record featuring the Brunswick Concert Orchestra with a male chorus. (3.5 MiB, MP3, 3:12 minutes)Read the Marine Café Blog review of this famous song: 'The Song of the Volga Boatmen: Hail to the human spirit'. 1 file(s) 149 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-24Blow the Man Down by Mordy Bauman (sea shanty in MP3)This is one of many variations of the 19th-century sea shanty, 'Blow the Man Down'. Performing is American baritone Mordy Bauman (1912–2007). The original 78rpm record from 1948 was digitised for the Internet Archive by the California-based Kahle/Austin Foundation. (3.7 MiB, MP3, 3 minutes) See also 'Blow the Man Down' by Woody Guthrie, the legendary American folk singer.1 file(s) 301 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-15Song of the Volga Boatmen by Feodor Chaliapin (traditional Russian song, MP3)Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873–1938) is credited with making the 'Song of the Volga Boatmen' ('Eh, Ukhnem' or 'Yo, Heave Ho!') famous throughout the world. His powerful and expressive basso profundo voice shines through in this early 20th century recording. (5.2 MiB, MP3, 3:15 minutes) Click here to find out more about Feodor Chaliapin's life and musical career.1 file(s) 201 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-14‘Recollections of a Sea Wanderer’s Life: An Autobiography of an Old-time Seaman…’ by George DavisDon't be put off by the book's lengthy title: 'Recollections of a Sea Wanderer's Life: An Autobiography of an Old-time Seaman Who has Sailed in Almost Every Capacity Before and Abaft the Mast, in Nearly Every Quarter of the Globe, and Under the Flags of Four of the Principal Maritime Nations'. Published in 1887, this autobiography is worth reading from beginning to end. It is not only about the life of an old salt but about a bygone age -- when, as author George Davis puts it in his Dedication, "wooden ships were manned and sailed by MEN of iron, and not as now, when iron ships are run by wooden men". Numerous illustrations and a glossary of nautical terms add richness to what is an engaging narrative. (27.6 MiB, PDF, 432 pages)1 file(s) 64 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2021-01-12Pushboat by Roger McGuinn (traditional ballad in MP3)Working with boats is no picnic as the lyrics of 'Pushboat' suggest. Performing the ballad is American folk singer Roger McGuinn, who writes: "This Mississippi River song speaks of the hard life spent by the boatmen who piloted pushboats. These narrow craft traveled downstream, being steered by a long pole, pushed against the bank. This was a very labor intensive occupation. There were long hours of slow going, and songs like this made the time seem to pass a little more quickly." The recording has been provided by McGuinn under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States licence |
2021-08-07The Banana Boat Song (Day-o) by Sarah Vaughan (Jamaican dock workers’ song, MP3)'The Banana Boat Song' (Day-o) is by Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990), an American jazz singer who won four Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.The song was written by Alan Arkin, Bob Carey and Erik Darling and is an adaptation of the traditional Jamaican song made popular by Harry Belafonte. This is a Marine Café Blog remaster of the digitised 78rpm recording published in the Internet Archive. (3.9 MiB, MP3, 2:21 minutes)1 file(s) 252 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-08What Will We Do with a Drunken Sailor by the Irish Rovers (ringtone in MP3)A bouncy ringtone for your beloved smartphone! This is a cut from the popular Irish Rovers version of 'What Will We Do with a Drunken Sailor' or 'Drunken Sailor' for short. (374.8 KiB, MP3, 17 seconds)1 file(s) 243 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-06Henry Martyn by Burl Ives (sea ballad in MP3)'Henry Martyn' (also spelled 'Henry Martin") is a traditional ballad about a Scottish lad who becomes a pirate to support himself and his two elder brothers. This haunting version was performed by American singer Burl Ives (1909–1995), part of his 1944 album 'The Wayfaring Stranger'. Licence: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0). (3.2 MiB, MP3, 3:03 minutes) Cick here for the complete lyrics and some historical notes about 'Henry Martyn'. See also 'Henry Martin' by Howie Mitchell.1 file(s) 111 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-06The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (illustrated, Kindle edition)The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a poem in seven parts by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) illustrated with 38 works by the great French printmaker, Gustave Doré (1832–1883). This jewel of English literature is a story of sin, suffering and redemption.The title character stops one of three young men on their way to a wedding party and mesmerises him with the tale of his youthful saga at sea — how he killed an albatross and brought bad luck to himself and his fellow sailors. (5.4 MiB, azw3 format for Kinde) Click here for the PDF edition of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.1 file(s) 15 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2021-01-04The Flying Dutchman (vocals and orchestra in MP3)"The Flying Dutchman" is about the legendary phantom ship doomed to sail forever, its appearance to seamen said to portend imminent disaster. The song was written by Ervin Drake and Jimmy Shirl and performed by American arranger and composer Hugo Winterhalter (1909–1973) and his orchestra. It was digitised from the original 1950 78rpm record by the California-based Kahle-Austin Foundation for the Internet Archive. (4.0 MiB, MP3, 3:04 minutes) Click here to read some legends surrounding the Flying Dutchman.1 file(s) 170 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-01-05Leave Her, Johnny by Hazel Askew (shanty in MP3)'Leave Her, Johnny' was traditionally sung when the ship was docked and the crew looked forward to leaving her after their last voyage. It speaks of the hardships of seafaring: "Oh the work was hard and the voyage was long,/ The sea was high and the gales were strong./ The food was bad and the ship was slow,/ But now ashore again we'll go." Performing is Hazel Askew, a London-based singer, musician and composer. The recording is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and is published by Marine Café Blog for your personal, non-commercial use. (5.9 MiB, MP3, 4:18 minutes)1 file(s) 211 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-12-31Deep Blue Sea by Roger McGuinn (ballad in MP3)American folk singer-musician Roger McGuinn does a beautiful and poigant version of 'Deep Blue Sea'. He notes about the song's lyrcs: "These lyrics can be found in many traditional songs. They may be from an old English ballad. The tune suggests West Indian origin. In any case it’s a woman who has lost her loved one to the sea and hopes he will return." This recording is courtesy of McGuinn and is published by Marine Café Blog under his Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2020-12-30Auld Lang Syne by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band (traditional song in MP3)Sing along to 'Auld Lang Syne' wonderfully performed by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band. Although 'Auld Lang Syne' is not a nautical song, seafarers can sing this tradiional Scottish ballad on New Year's Eve or any special occasion as a toast to old friends and shipmates. (1004.1 KiB, MP3, 1:04 minutes) See also 'Auld Lang Syne' by American folk singer-musician Roger McGuinn.1 file(s) 160 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-12-30Talcahuano Gals by Roger McGuinn (alternative version of ‘Spanish Ladies’, MP3)'Talcahuano Gals' is an alternative version by American folk singer and musician Roger McGuinn of the English sea shanty 'Spanish Ladies'. Talcahuano is a port city in Chile. McGuinn has made the song available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence |
2021-01-04Sea-Fever by John Masefield (an oral reading in MP3)This is an excellent oral reading by Jemma Blythe of 'Sea-Fever', which was written by Engish poet John Masefield (1878 —1967) and continues to be loved by millions of poetry lovers. The recording is courtesy of LibriVox. (1000.8 KiB, MP3, 1:20 minutes) Click here for a song version 'Sea-Fever' with piano accompaniment.1 file(s) 137 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2020-12-23Auld Lang Syne by Roger McGuinn (Scottish song in MP3)'Auld Lang Syne' ("old long since" in standard English) is not a nautical song but it is one that seafarers would love. It is a traditional Scottish song that is usually sung to toast old friends and bid farewell to the old year at midnight of New Year's Eve. The lyrics also make reference to the sea. This version is by Roger McGuinn, an American folk singer and the man behind the Folk Den Project.It has been made available by McGuinn under a Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2020-12-20Rolling Home by Pinniped (folk song in MP3)'Rolling Home' by Pinniped is a folk song version of the popular homeward-bound shanty. Pinniped is a folk music trio made up of Erik Correia (guitar, vocals), Sarah Kellington (violin, vocals), and Bill Kellington (bodhran, guitar, voice). They play traditional Celtic inspired music. This song is from the Free Music Archive and comes with an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) licence |
2020-12-19Deep Blue Sea by Howie Mitchell w/ Jean Ritchie (folk song in MP3)'Deep Blue Sea' is a sad but beautiful song that somehow calms the spirit. It was performed by American folk singer Howie Mitchell backed up by Jean Ritchie, who recorded it in 1956. Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence |
2021-12-19I Saw Three Ships by Roger McGuinn (a Christmas song in MP3)'I Saw Three Ships' is a traditional English Christmas carol that uses the "three ships" as a metaphor. Performing is Roger McGuinn, an American singer who was the frontman for the musical band The Byrds. The song is courtesy of McGuinn's Folk Den Project and is published by Marine Café Blog under a Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2020-12-17Island in the Sun by Harry Belafonte (song in MP3)"Island in the Sun" is a celebration of the simple life on a tropical isle. The song was written by Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie (Lord Burgess) and performed by Belafonte for the 1957 film 'Island in the Sun' in which he appeared. This audio is from a 1957 television performance by Belafonte. (1.6 MiB, MP3, 1:39 minutes)1 file(s) 550 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-12-16Drunken Sailor (shanty, choral rendition, MP3)An awesome version of the popular shanty 'Drunken Sailor' by The Roger Wagner Chorale. Founded in 1946, the Chorale was one of the first professional choral ensembles in the United States. This song was included in the group's 1955 album 'Folk Songs Of The New World' and is courtesy of the Internet Archive. (2.1 MiB, MP3, 1:40 minutes)1 file(s) 105 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-12-15Haul Away Joe (ringtone in MP3 for Android phones)Pep up your smartphone with 'Haul Away Joe'. This fun ringtone is a cut from the sea shanty popular with British sailors in the 18th century and later with American seamen. (185.1 KiB, MP3, 17 seconds)1 file(s) 103 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-01-25Island Stories Retold from St. Nicholas (collection of stories, PDF)Published in 1907, 'Island Stories Retold from St. Nicholas' makes for light and entertaining reading. It is a collection of non-fictional stories reprinted from St. Nicholas Magazine, a popular American monthly for young readers which ran from 1873 to 1943. The articles include Robinson Crusoe's Island (Two hundred years later), Impressions of the Hawaiian Islands' and A Tale of the Cannibal Islands (a true story). (30.9 MiB, PDF, 195 pages)1 file(s) 22 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-12-09Haul Away Joe by Howie Mitchell (sea shanty, MP3)This charming version of the popular shanty 'Haul Away Joe' is by American folk singer Howie Mitchell. Recorded in 1956 by fellow folk singer Jean Ritchie, the song is courtesy of Mr. Mitchell and comes with an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence |
2020-12-04Henry Martin by Howie Mitchell (traditional Scottish folk song, MP3)'Henry Martin' is about Henry Martin, the youngest of three brothers who becomes a pirate to support his siblings. Howard Mitchell's version was recorded by fellow American folk singer Jean Ritchie in 1956. It is published by Marine Café Blog under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence |
2020-12-02Drunken Sailor by the Blaggards (Celtic rock version, MP3)This rock version of the popular shanty 'Drunken Sailor' was performed live by the four-man band Blaggards at Southern Star Brewery "Loading Dock" on 28th March 2015 in Conroe, Texas. The live recording is courtesy of the Blaggards via the Internet Archive. Visit the official Blaggards website to find out more about this Celtic rock band. (5.3 MiB, MP3, 3:43 minutes)1 file(s) 170 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-26Sails by Forget the Whale (song in MP3)'Sails' is a wonderful song with elements of pop rock, blues and alternative music. Performing is the American pop rock band, Forget the Whale. This song is provided by this talented group of musicians under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) licence (16 MiB, MP3, 6:39 minutes)1 file(s) 128 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-19Song of the Volga Boatmen (orchestral music, MP3)'Song of the Volga Boatmen' is a well-known traditional Russian song. It was originally sung by burlaks (barge haulers) on the Volga River, the longest river in Europe. This version by an unidentified orchestra is part of a collection of classical tracks recorded by American composer and musician Kevin MacLeod under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence. (2.2 MiB, MP3, 1 minute) NOTE: The audio file was remastered by Marine Café Blog to play at a higher quality 320 kbps.1 file(s) 327 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-20Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy (traditional song in MP3)'Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy' is a traditional English song featuring the beautiful voice of Hazel Askew,a London-based singer, musician and workshop leader. It is sung from the point of a sailor who bids farewell to his beloved Nancy before going to sea. Although it references the navy and war, the song should appeal to all seafarers. The audio file is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and published in Marine Café Blog to be used for non-commercial purposes only. (3.9 MiB, MP3, 2:51 minutes)1 file(s) 186 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-17Yeave Ho by Roots Acappella (shanty in MP3)Enjoy this beautiful version of the pulling shanty, 'Yeave Ho', by Roots Acapella, a youth choir from Devon, England. The audio file is courtesy of the London-based English Folk Dance & Song Society. (1.0 MiB, MP3, 1:06 minutes)1 file(s) 114 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-20Pirates of the Coast by The Black Bones (song in MP3)A wonderful song for all pirate fans. 'Pirates of the Coast' by The Black Bones is courtesy of Freemusicarchive.org and published on the Marine Café Blog website under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.. |
2021-06-20Drink Up Me Mateys by The Black Bones (pirate song in MP3)'Drink Up Me Mateys' by The Black Bones is a heady song celebrating the pirate's life of adventure and danger. It is courtesy of Freemusicarchive.org and distributed by Marine Café Blog under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License . |
2020-11-13Coast Guard History (magazine about the United States Coast Guard, PDF)'Coast Guard History' is a slim magazine that opens a window to the glorious past of the United States Coast Guard. Published in 1958 by the USCG Public Information Division, it features several articles starting with how the first cutter fleet was launched. The succeeding articles examine the role of the Coast Guard in peacetime and war (War of 1812, American Civil War and World Wars I and II). 'Coast Guard History' is courtesy of The Biodiversity Heritage Library. (3.6 MiB, PDF, 36 pages)1 file(s) 20 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-12Sailor Song by the Peerless Quartet (vintage song in MP3)'Sailor Song' was recorded in 1915 by The Peerless Quartet, an American vocal group that recorded in the early years of the 20th century. The audio file comes from the Freemusicarchive.org under a Public Domain / Sound Recording Common Law Protection License |
2021-06-29Bring Back My Bonnie to Me (traditional folk song in MP3)This vintage version of 'Bring Back My Bonnie to Me' (alternate title, 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean') features the complete lyrics of the traditional Scottish folk song. Recorded in 1906, it was peformed by the orchestra-backed Haydn Quartet, one of the most popular quartets in the early part of the 20th century. (5.4 MiB, MP3, 2:20 minutes)1 file(s) 628 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-11Captain Blood by The Black Bones (buccaneer sailing song in MP3)'Captain Blood' is an exuberant pirate song by The Black Bones music band, part of their 2010 album, Pirates of the Coast. This recording was made available by The Black Bones under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.. |
2020-11-07Drunken Sailor (acoustic version) by the Rijsel Irish Boy’Z (sea shanty in MP3)This version of 'Drunken Sailor' may well be playing at a rock concert or a drinking party. The audio file is courtesy of American archivist Jason Scott on Archive.org and licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) licence. (4 MiB, MP3, 3:59 minutes)1 file(s) 298 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-03-12Seagull by The Mind Orchestra (a New Age song in MP3)'Seagull' is a New Age song from The Mind Orchestra, whose music is designed to inspire and heal. This audio file is from Freemusicarchive.org. It is licensed under a Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) licence |
2020-11-07The Pirate Song by David Rovics (pop song in MP3)'The Pirate Song' is a jolly tune by David Rovics (b. 1967), an American songwriter, blogger and podcaster. It is courtesy of Freemusicarchive.org and licensed under an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States licence. (4 MiB, MP3, 1:50 minutes)1 file(s) 116 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-26My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean (ringtone for iPhone)A lovely ringtone of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, a traditional Scottish folk song popular in Western culture. This audio file features the voice of UK folk singer Carolyn Robson and is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. (190.1 KiB, M4R, 31 seconds)1 file(s) 24 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Heave Away by Roger McGuinn (sea shanty in MP3)This version of 'Heave Away' is by Roger Mcguinn, an American folk singer and former frontman of the rock music band The Byrds. Licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States.
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2020-10-29Healthy eating and depression: How diet helps protect your mental healthDepression is fairly common amongst seafarers. This small booklet explains how proper nutrition can contribute to one's mental health and fight depression. It was written by Dr Lynn Harbottle, Consultant in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Health and Social Services Department in Guernsey. The booklet is courtesy of the Mental Health Foundation, New Zealand. (190.4 KiB, PDF, 15 pages) N.B: Those suffering from clinical depression should seek professional help.1 file(s) 19 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2021-05-27Drunken Sailor (iPhone ringtone, instrumental)A merry ringtone for your iPhone! This is the instrumental intro to the very popular sea shanty, 'Drunken Sailor'. (258.7 KiB, M4R, 16 seconds) See also the rock-style ringtone of 'Drunken Sailor' for iPhones (CLICK HERE)1 file(s) 27 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Away, Rio (sea shanty recorded in 1939)'Away, Rio' (also known as 'Rio Grande') is an outward-bound shanty sung by sailors at the capstan or windlass whilst lifting anchor. This 1939 recording has a certain raw charm and features the unaccompanied vocals of Captain Leighton Robinson, Alex Barr, Arthur Brodeur, and Leighton McKenzie. It is courtesy of the Library of Congress, W.P.A. California Folk Music Project collection. (3.0 MiB, MP3, 4 minutes) CLICK HERE for a contemporary version of 'Away Rio' by Roger McGuinn.1 file(s) 179 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-08-02Island in the Sun (Harry Belafonte – MP3 ringtone)This charming ringtone features the opening stanza of 'Island in the Sun', which Jamaican-American singer and songwriter Harry Belafonte performed for the 1957 film Island in the Sun. The song talks about the simple life on a Caribbean island. It was co-written by Belafonte with American songwriter-musician Irving Burgie. (706 KiB, MP3, 26 seconds)1 file(s) 208 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-10-26Lighthouses by David Stevenson'Lighthouses' was written by David Stevenson (1815–1886), a Scottish civil engineer and lighthouse designer, and published in 1864. Stevenson describes in detail the construction, illumination and management of the early lighthouses. In the Introduction, he pays tribute to their beauty: "Tall and graceful as the minar of an Eastern mosque, they possess far more solidity and beauty of construction; and, in addition to this, their form is as appropriate to the purpose for which it was designed as anythinig ever done by the Greeks..." (1.4 MiB, PDF, 127 pages)1 file(s) 24 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-07Her Sweet Sailor Boy (old American folk song in MP3)'Her Sweet Sailor Boy' tells the poignant story of a woman who dies for love after learning that her sweetheart has perished at sea. The song is said to have been sung by the early settlers in California. This 1938 recording is part of 'California Gold: Northern California Folk Music from the Thirties Collected by Sidney Robertson Cowell' of the Library of Congress. (728.1 KiB, MP3, 1:33 minutes)1 file(s) 137 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Sally Brown (sea shanty in MP3)'Sally Brown' is a capstan shanty with varying lyrics. This version was recorded in 1939 and forms part of the Library of Congress' W.P.A. California Folk Music Project collection. It features the unaccompanied vocals of Alex Barr, Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, Leighton McKenzie, and Leighton Robinson. (6.6 MiB, MP3, 2:53 minutes) The Sally Brown in the song title is a Creole lady (woman from the Caribbean of mixed European and black descent). An interesting note on the song can be found here.1 file(s) 138 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07The Mermaid (a comic sea song in MP3)'The Mermaid' (also known as 'Down in the Diving Bell') is about a young sailor who falls in love with a mermaid and marries her. This 1938 recording features the unaccompanied vocals of Warde H. Ford. It is courtesy of the Library of Congress, W.P.A. California Folk Music Project collection. (1.6 MiB, MP3, 2:01 minutes) For more about mermaids in music, click here.1 file(s) 145 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-26Banana Boat (Day-o) by Harry Belafonte (for iPhones)This is a digitised verion of Belafonte's original recording of 'Banana Boat (Day-o)', a traditional Jamaican song. It has been converted for use on iPhones (3.1 MiB, M4R, 3:01 minutes)1 file(s) 108 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-03-03The Old Skipper (folk song in MP3)'The Old Skipper' was sung and recorded in 1937 by Captain Pearl R. Nye. who was born in 1872 and raised on a canal boat on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The singing is laid-back and the narrative, colourful and charming. This field recording is from the US Library of Congress with some remastering done by Marine Café Blog. (6.8 MiB, MP3, 4:19 minutes) See also Captain Nye's 'In a Storm at Sea'.1 file(s) 351 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Drunken Sailor (ringtone in MP3, chorus)Liven up your smartphone with this ringtone. It is a cut from the popular sea shanty 'Drunken Sailor' performed by the 80-member Midshipmen Glee Club of the U.S. Naval Academy. (436.4 KiB, MP3, 18 seconds)1 file(s) 264 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-12-23In a Storm at Sea (old folk song in MP3)'In a Storm at Sea" is a charming song about the importance of having faith. A ship is battered by a storm, and everyone on board fears for the worst except the captain's little daughter. She reminds her father that one must believe in God's benevolence at sea as well as on land. The weather eventually clears up the next day,, and the ship and its crew find safety in a harbour. This song was recorded in 1937 by Captain Pearl R. Nye (1872-1950). It is courtesy of the U.S. Library of Congress, for which Captain Nye transcribed the lyrics of hundreds of songs. (1.8 MiB, MP3, 1:07 minutes) See 'Sea of Faith: Prayers for Mariners' by Barista Uno (free illustrated pamphlet of prayers).1 file(s) 234 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Leaving of Liverpool (traditional folk song in MP3)'(The) Leaving of Liverpool' is a traditional folk song about a 19th-century mariner bidding farewell to his beloved before he sails from the town of Liverpool, England, to Californa, USA. It is also known as 'Fare Thee Well, My Own True Love', This lively version is courtesy of the Maritime Museum of San Diego in California, part of its Gold Rush Sea Chanteys collection. (2.1 MiB, MP3, 2:37 minutes) For more about 'The Leaving of Liverpool', see American folklorist Stephen D. Winick's article. (Click here)1 file(s) 148 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07“Sung With Gusto by the Men”: A Unique Recording of “The Leaving of Liverpool” (article by Stephen D. Winick)American folklorist Stephen D. Winick tracks the history and various recordings of the traditional folk song, 'The Leaving of Liverpool'. His highly informative article appeared in the Summer/Fall 2008 edition of the Folklife Center News, edited by Winick and published by The American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. (1.1 MiB, PDF, 12 pages)1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-27Drunken Sailor (ringtone for iPhones)Enjoy hearing one of the most popular sea shanties every time your iPhone rings. The ringtone is based on a Glamrock Brothers remix in rock style of Drunken Sailor. (457.2 KiB, M4R, 28 seconds)1 file(s) 69 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-06-26Blow the Man Down (sea shanty, ringtone in MP3)This jaunty ringtone for Android phones freatures the intro to Blow the Man Down, a popular sea shanty. (319.7 KiB, MP3, 15 seconds) Click here for the iPhone version of this ringtone.1 file(s) 238 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Drunken Sailor (ringtone for smartphones – instrumental)A delightful instrumental ringtone of the very popular shanty, Drunken Sailor, for Android phones. (274.6 KiB, MP3, 16 seconds)1 file(s) 370 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar (traditional folk song in MP3)This is a beatiful version of We'll Rant and We'll Roar, a folk song which is an offshoot of the traditional British naval song 'Spanish Ladies'. The performer is Hazel Askew, a singer, musician and composer from London. The audio file is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. (2.7 MiB, MP3, 1:59 minutes)1 file(s) 195 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean (ringtone for smartphones)Get this sweet ringtone for your Android phone. My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean is a traditional Scottish folk song popular in Western culture. This audio clip features the voice of UK folk singer Carolyn Robson and is courtesy of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. (241.3 KiB, MP3, 31 seconds)1 file(s) 189 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-07-15Columbus Day by Charles Hervey Townshend'Columbus Day' throws light on the real origin of the name 'America'. Published in 1893, the paper was authored by Captain Charles H. Townshend (1833–1904), an American merchant ship officer. He boldly states: "The whole world has been led into the error that America was named for Vesputius, a Florentine map-maker, who enlightened Europe on the discoveries of Columbus." (544.6 KiB, PDF, 6 pages)1 file(s) 33 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-07Rio Grande (shanty, ringtone for smartphones)Liven up your smartphone with this zesty ringtone. This is a cut from the popular shanty, Rio Grande, also known by its alternative title 'Away Rio'. (540.1 KiB, MP3, 26 seconds) The full version can be downloaded from here.1 file(s) 148 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Away Rio by Roger McGuinn (shanty in MP3)A beautiful renditon by American musician Roger McGuinn of Away Rio, a capstan or windlass shanty usually sung by sailors for taking in the anchor. This audio file is made available by Marine Café Blog under Mr. McGuinn's Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2021-08-27What Seafarers Should Know About RemittancesThis free guide from Marine Café Blog contains essential information about seafarer remittances -- what ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, says on the subject; the remittance rules of the Philippines and India; and some steps seafarers can take to protect their hard-earned money. It is free to copy, share and distribute. (476.1 KiB, PDF, 7 pages)1 file(s) 123 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2020-09-29Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour) Rules, 2016, of IndiaThis is the full text in Hindi and English of India's Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour) Rules, 2016. The rules were published in the Official Gazette on 29th February 2016 and reflect India's compliance with ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which came into force on 20th August 2013. This file is courtesy of the Directorate General of Shipping. (446.1 KiB, PDF, 45 pages)1 file(s) 53 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & Welfare, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2021-05-29Popeye the Sailor (ringtone for iPhones)A fun ringtone for iPhones based on the theme song 'I'm Popeye the Sailor Man' composed by Sammy Lemer in 1933. Popeye has become something of a cultural icon and folk hero for millions of people. Says Encyclopedia Britannica of Popeye: "a pugnacious, wisecracking cartoon sailor who possesses superhuman strength after ingesting an always-handy can of spinach." (460.9 KiB, M4R, 29 seconds)1 file(s) 34 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-29Popeye the Sailor (ringtone for Android phones)A fun ringtone based on the theme song 'I'm Popeye the Sailor Man' composed by Sammy Lemer in 1933. Popeye has become something of a cultural icon and folk hero for millions of people. Says Encyclopedia Britannica of Popeye: "a pugnacious, wisecracking cartoon sailor who possesses superhuman strength after ingesting an always-handy can of spinach." (464.6 KiB, MP3, 29 seconds) Download the iPhone version here.1 file(s) 387 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-10-20Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) 2013 resultsThis document is from 2013, but it still provides a good perspective on the state of Philippine maritime education. The statistics include the number of 2nd year cadets who passed the 2013 MSAP written exams and school rankings based on the exam results. (341.3 KiB, PDF, 6 pages)1 file(s) 39 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and TrainingDownload |
2022-02-25Patterson’s Illustrated Nautical Dictionary, UnabridgedThis dictionary written by American maritime author and educator Captain Howard Patterson (1856-1916) can be rightly called a gem of nautical literature. First published in 1891, it contains at least 5,000 nautical terms and hundreds of engravings. (21.6 MiB, PDF, 391 pages)1 file(s) 800 downloadsCategory: Maritime Education and Training, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2021-01-31Blow the Man Down (sea shanty) by Roger McGuinnThis version of Blow the Man Down by American singer Roger McGuinn should captivate all those who love sea shanties. The audio file is made available by Marine Café Blog under the original Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2020-11-07Blow the Man Down (sea shanty) by Woody GuthrieEnjoy this popular halyard shanty performed by the legendary American folk singer, Woody Guthrie (1912 – 1967), together with a trio. It was originally recorded in 1941. Click here to learn more about 'Blow the Man Down' and its origins. (2.5 MiB, MP3, 2:42 minutes)1 file(s) 360 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-09-10Whales and WhalingThis illustrated monograph has a wealth of information about whales and whaling with focus on Japan. Particularly interesting are the sections on Japan's whale research in the Atlantic and Western North Pacific and whales in Japanese food culture . This document is courtesy of the Japan Fisheries Agency and The Institute of Cetacean Research. (4.8 MiB, PDF, 26 pages)1 file(s) 12 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2020-09-02Tale of Two Female Pirates: Mary Read and Anne BonnyMary Read and Anne Bonny broke the social and even sexual conventions of the 18th century. Both were pirates who rivalled their male counterparts in courage and ruthlessness. This monograph contains two chapters about Mary and Anne, respectively, which were extracted from Captain Charles Johnson's 1724 book, A General History of the Pyrates, from their First Rise and Settlement in the Island of Providence, to the Present Time. (509 KiB, PDF, 13 pages)1 file(s) 16 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-08-28The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an important key to understanding present-day disputes in the South China Sea and other maritime areas. In force since 16th November 1994, UNCLOS sets out the rights and responsibilities of nations with regard to their use of the world's oceans. (957.3 KiB, PDF, 202 pages)1 file(s) 36 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2020-08-28Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of RefugeesThe United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (also known as the 1951 Refugee Convention) defines who qualifies as a refugee, the rights of those granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations who grant the asylum. Relevant to seafarers is Article 11 (Refugee Seamen) of Chapter I:"In the case of refugees regularly serving as crew members on board a ship flying the flag of a Contracting State, that State shall give sympathetic consideration to their establishment on its territory and the issue of travel documents to them or their temporary admission to its territory particularly with a view to facilitating their establishment in another country." This document includes the 1967 Protocol which amends certain parts of the Convention. (476 KiB, PDF, 56 pages)1 file(s) 9 downloadsCategory: HumanitarianismDownload |
2022-07-24A Cadet of the Black Star Line by Ralph D. PaineDavid Downes, a 17-year-old cadet on the Black Star liner Roanoke, struggles with self-doubts and the hardships of life at sea. But he eventually comes to the realisation that the world of seafaring, with all its trials and tribulations, is where he belongs. 'A Cadet of the Black Star Line' was written by American journalist and author Ralph Delahaye Paine (1871 – 1925). It was first published in 1922 but should appeal to the modern reader who is interested in the world of ships and sailors. (7.0 MiB, PDF, 208 pages)1 file(s) 63 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2020-08-10Rescue at Sea: A Guide to Principles and Practice as Applied to Refugees and MigrantsThis leaflet is useful reading for ship masters who may find themselves in a situation where they have to rescue people in distress at sea. It explains briefly the legal framework for such rescues and the obligations of the master, governments as well as rescue coordination centres (RCCs). The guide was prepared jointly by the International Maritime Organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the O?ce of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2.1 MiB, PDF, 16 pages)1 file(s) 10 downloadsCategory: HumanitarianismDownload |
2021-06-28Banana Boat (Day-o) by Harry Belafonte (iPhone ringtone)This ringtone for iPhones features Harry Belfonte's classic Banana Boat (Day-o) -- a traditional Jamaican song about dock workers who load bananas at night and wait for daylight to come so the Tallyman can take inventory and they can go home. It's delightful and refreshing to hear every time your phone rings. (249.8 KiB, M4R, 31 seconds)1 file(s) 107 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-09-05Banana Boat (Day-o) by Harry Belafonte: ringtone-1 (for Android phones)This ringtone of Harry Belfonte singing his classic Banana Boat (Day-o) will surely delight you and others every time your phone rings. (668.6 KiB, MP3, 27 seconds) See also Belafonte's original recording of Banana Boat (Day-o) in MP3.1 file(s) 2662 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-05-26Drunken Sailor (ringtone for Android phones)Enjoy hearing one of the most popular sea shanties every time your smartphone rings. The ringtone is based on a Glamrock Brothers remix in rock style of Drunken Sailor. (1.1 MiB, MP3, 28 seconds)1 file(s) 1084 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-05-29Ships & Ways of Other Days by E. Keble ChattertonIn the Introduction to Ships & Ways of Other Days, British maritime writer Edward Keble Chatterton (1878 – 1944) writes: "I can promise the reader that if he loves ships, if he has a sympathetic interest in that curious composite creature the seaman—who throughout history has been compelled to endure the greatest hardships and deprivations for the benefit of those whose happy fortune it is to live on shore—he will find in the ensuing pages much that will both surprise him and entertain him." Chatterton delivers big time on that promise. The book is well-reserarched and well-written. More than a historical account, it gives an intimate picture of the life lived on the sailing ships of yore. (22.1 MiB, PDF, 420 pages) See also Chatterton's Sailing Ships: The Story of their Development from the Earliest Times to the Present Day1 file(s) 409 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-08-08Seashells: The Plainness and Beauty of Their Mathematical Description by Jorge PicadoThis short paper takes a look at the mysterious beauty of seashells using a simple mathematical model. It was written by Jorge Picado, mathematics professor at the Universidade de Coimbra in Portugal. According to Picado, "one might at frst tend to think that the growth of plants and animals, because of their elaborate forms, are ruled by highly complex laws.. However, this is surprisingly not always true: many aspects of the growth of plants and animals may be described by remarkably simple mathematical laws. An obvious example of this are the seashells and snails..." (1.6 MiB, PDF, 18 pages)1 file(s) 26 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2020-07-19Small Guide of Venice: Sites Not to Miss and Unconventional OnesThis small, 10-page guide from the La Porta d'Oriente hotel is a handy reference for those visiting Venice. It includes pointers on how visitors should conduct themselves; the main tourist sites to visit; a restaurant guide; and curiosities and legends about Venice. (2.5 MiB, PDF, 10 pages)1 file(s) 13 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, TravelDownload |
2022-05-01Venice by Gustav PauliThis is a must-read book for anyone who has fallen in love with the famed city. Published in 1904, Venice was written by Gustav Pauli (1866 – 1938), a German art historian who served as museum director of Kunsthalle Bremen and Kunsthalle Hamburg. Pauli starts off with a history of Venice and then zooms in on its rich heritage of architecture, sculpture and painting. Photos fill the pages to take the reader on a wonderful voyage through time. (14.6 MiB, PDF, 170 pages)1 file(s) 28 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, TravelDownload |
2021-01-04Sea-Fever by John Masefield (song version of the poem in MP3)Listen to John Masefield's famous poem 'Sea-Fever' sung with piano accompaniment. The song was composed by English composer John Ireland (1879 – 1962) to the text of the poem. It was performed in 2016 by Peter Mellalieu at a house concert of the Auckland Lieder Group, Inc. This file is published on this website under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence |
2022-02-24The Youth Guide to the Ocean (1st Edition)The Youth Guide to the Ocean is copiously illustrated and packed with essential information about the ocean and marine life. Although written and produced for young people, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ocean. This guide is from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the copyright holder. (32.9 MiB, PDF, 262 pages)1 file(s) 45 downloadsCategory: The Ocean & Marine LifeDownload |
2020-07-08Sea Lanes and Other PoemsSea Lanes and Other Poems should resonate with all those who have worked at sea. This collection of sea poems, first published in 1921, was written by Burt Franklin Jenness, who served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during World War I (CLICK HERE for more about the author). In the title poem, Jenness compares the sea to a lonely road that beckons with its mysterious beauty: "With never a milestone on the way, / Or friendly tavern to greet the sight; / With only the sun to guide by day. / And a single star, perhaps, at night. / It stretches away to meet the sky, / This road that never ends at all. / And up where the meteors blaze and die / It catches the dust when they fall." (3.4 MiB, PDF, 95 pages)1 file(s) 46 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2020-11-07Singing Histories – PlymouthSinging Histories - Plymouth is an illustrated booklet featuring 10 songs, mostly with a sea theme, which are part of the history and culture of the English port city of Plymouth. It contains the lyrics and a brief note for each of the songs. This is part of the Singing Histories project of Sing London, the arts organisation whose mission is to unite the nation in song. (1.3 MiB , PDF, 15 pages)1 file(s) 17 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Hanging Johnny (shanty in MP3)Hanging Johnny is a popular halyard shanty said to have been sung by sailors on Great Lakes vessels. This is a digitised version of the 1939 recording from the US Library of Congress featuring the unaccompanied vocals of Leighton Robinson, Alex Barr, Arthur Brodeur, and Leighton McKenzie. An interesting article about the song and its intriguing title can be found here. (4.9 MiB, MP3, 2:08 minutes)1 file(s) 151 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-30Sailing Ships: The Story of their Development from the Earliest Times to the Present Day'Sailing Ships: The Story of their Development from the Earliest Times to the Present Day' was first published in 1909 but it remains one of the most comprehensive and well-researched books on the subject. British maritime writer Edward Keble Chatterton (1878 – 1944) provides a huge trove of information plus 130 illustrations. He concludes the book with a beautiful tribute to the sailing ship: "Now that we have shown...her noble and illustrious pedigree, her ancestry reaching back through the centuries into the first blush of the dawn of the world's creation, perhaps we shall regard her with an interest, a respect and affection at once greater and deeper because we have become better acquainted with the reasons that have caused each of these developments." (13.6 MiB, PDF, 438 pages) See also E. Keble Chatterton's 'Ships & Ways of Other Days' .1 file(s) 364 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-07The Sailor’s Alphabet (sea song in MP3)The Sailor's Alphabet is a delightful song from the Age of Sail. It was sung by sailors when they were relaxing in the forecastle or on shore. This is a digitised version of the original 1939 recording by Alex Barr, Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, Leighton McKenzie and Leighton Robinson. (11.4 MiB, MP3, 4:59 minutes)1 file(s) 171 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07Drunken Sailor by Midshipmen Glee Club, USNA (sea shanty in MP3)Listen to the popular Drunken Sailor performed robustly by the 80-member Midshipmen Glee Club of the U.S. Naval Academy. This shanty was part of the album 'Anchors Aweigh! Songs of the U.S. Navy' released in 1977. (4 MiB, MP3, 2:42 minutes)1 file(s) 244 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2021-10-19Shenandoah by Roger McGuinn (traditional folk song in MP3)This beloved American folk song is sung by Roger Mcguinn of the popular Folk Den Project. Shenandoah dates back to at least the early 19th century. American folklorist Alan Lomax suggested that it was a sea-shanty that originated with French-Canadian voyageurs. The US Library of Congress notes: "As unclear as is the song’s origin, so is the definitive interpretation of its text. Some believe that the song refers to the river of the same name. Others suggest that it is of Native American origin, for it tells the tale of Sally, the daughter of the Indian Chief Shenandoah, who is courted for seven years by a white Missouri river trader. Regardless of these textual discrepancies, 'Shenandoah' remains an American classic." This song is published here under Mr. McGuinn's Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2022-08-06Starboard Lights: Salt Water Tales by A.B. Hawser, MasterStarboard Lights: Salt Water Tales was written by A.B. Hawser, pseudonym of Julius Washington Muller (1867 – 1930). Published in 1901, the book is remarkable for its easy, down-to-earth language, and engaging wit. Consider this first paragraph from the first chapter, "What Happened at Sea': "Never mind where this ship was bound. She belonged to a firm of fine, jovial Englishmen?most agreeable persons, with an amiable weakness for overloading and undermanning their vessels. It's easy enough. The Plimsoll's mark that the Lloyds people put on a ship can't talk, and a little thing like jamming cargo in till the mark is way under water doesn't make the craft look particularly bad when she's lying at her berth in a slip where there are no waves." (14.2 MiB, PDF, 223 pages)1 file(s) 39 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2020-11-07Goodby, fare you well, or Homeward bound (shanty in MP3)This is a digitised version of the original 1939 recording of Goodby, fare you well (or Homeward bound), a capstan shanty that ends with the triumphant cry "Vast heavin!". It features the unaccompanied vocals of Leighton Robinson, Alex Barr, Arthur Brodeur, and Leighton McKenzie. This file is from the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. (3.8 MiB, MP3, 4:50 minutes)1 file(s) 209 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-11-07The Shanty Book Part I: Sailor Shanties (EPUB format for smartphones and tablets)First published in 1921, The Shanty Book Part I: Sailor Shanties is a great read for those who want to increase their understanding and appreciation of shanties (old sailors' work songs). The 30 shanties in this book were collected by Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1865 – 1938), English organist, choir director and music scholar. They are accompanied by sheet music for piano and some interesting notes on each shanty. (1.4 MiB, EPUB)1 file(s) 54 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and Culture, Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2020-06-11Moby Dick by Herman Melville (comics version)Entertain yourself with this comics version of Herman Melville's great 1851 sea classic. Moby Dick (complete title: Moby-Dick; or, The Whale) is not just an adventure novel but an epic story about man's struggle with nature and his inner self. (2.0 MiB, PDF, 52 pages)1 file(s) 126 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2020-06-15Coping with DepressionCoping with Depression is a very informative booklet for seafarers and others who suffer from this medical condition and those whose work involves helping the depressed. It is published by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. In an easy-to-read format, it discusses the symptoms and causes of depression, the myths surrounding it, and the steps to tackle depression. (1.1 MiB, PDF, 39 pages)1 file(s) 22 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2020-11-07Drunken Sailor, The by Leonard Warren (shanty in MP3)Sing along to this popular sea shanty sung by American baritone Leonard Warren (1911 – 1960) with orchestra and chorus. Warren's version of The Drunken Sailor with arrangement by Tom Scott might even make you want to dance.This is a digitised version of the original 78rpm record released in 1949. (4.2 MiB, MP3, 2:42 minutes)1 file(s) 534 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2023-01-26The Shanty Book Part I: Sailor Shanties (PDF)First published in 1921, The Shanty Book Part I: Sailor Shanties is a great read for those who want to increase their understanding and appreciation of shanties (old sailors' work songs). The 30 shanties in this book were collected by Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1865 – 1938), English organist, choir director and music scholar. They are accompanied by sheet music for piano and some interesting notes on each shanty. (7.1 MiB, PDF, 75 pages) See also the EPUB edition of this book (for smartphones and tablets)1 file(s) 365 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-12-17Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for Filipino seafarers, as amended in 2010This official Philippine document stipulates the standard terms and conditions for the overseas employment of Filipinos on ocean-going vessels as amended in 2010. A must-have reference for foreign employers and especially for Filipino seafarers. (8.6 MiB, PDF, 39 pages).1 file(s) 103 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2021-01-11A Short Guide: How to Protect Your Rights as a Seafarer by Barista UnoThis is not your usual how-to guide on seafarers' rights. It contains a number of practical tips that you won't find elsewhere. The booklet is published by Marine Café Blog in appreciation of the men and women who work at sea and keep the global trade going. It is free to copy and share under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives 4.0 International License |
2020-11-07Rio Grande – Sailors Hornpipe (shanty in MP3)Enjoy this bouncy shanty which was sung by British and American sailors of old. Rio Grande - Sailors Hornpipe (also known as 'Away Rio' or 'Rio Grande') is courtesy of the San Diego Maritime Museum in California, part of its Gold Rush Sea Chanteys collection. The title refers to the Rio Grande do Sul, a state in the southernmost part of Brazil. (3.2 MiB, MP3, 3:48 minutes) See also Away Rio by Roger McGuinn.1 file(s) 254 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-02-17An Ocean Tramp by Philip D. HeywoodPublished in 1888, An Ocean Tramp is the kind of book that you will not want to put down once you've started reading the first few paragraphs. It is about the adventures of a young lad who was inspired to go to sea after being fascinated by the stories told by the family neighbour, an old, down-and-out English mariner. Very little is known about the author, Philip D. Heywood, but this short novel attests to his gift as a storyteller. (18 MiB, PDF, 232 pages)1 file(s) 222 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2020-11-07Erie Canal by Roger McGuinn (a bouncy song in MP3)You will love the bouncy tune of Erie Canal. It tells a comic story about a tragic boat journey down the historic Erie Canal. The latter was built in the 19th century to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. This song is part of American singer Roger McGuinn's Folk Den project. It being shared by Marine Café Blog under the original Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2020-05-25Principal Parts and Sails of 19th-Century Sailing ShipsThis is a valuable reference material for sailing enthusiasts, maritime historians, writers and teachers. It describes the principal parts of a sailing ship in the British or American fleets of the 19th century, as well as the locations and naming protocol of masts, yards, gaffs, stays and booms and the sails they spread. (942 KiB, PDF, 8 pages) See also Introduction to Sail and Rigging Types by Martin Hendry (illustrated)1 file(s) 181 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-07The Times are Hard (sea shanty in MP3)Many seafarers will be able identify with the lyrics of The Times are Hard: The times are hard and the wages low/ O leave her Johnnie leave her/ O the times are hard and the wages low/ It's time for us to leave her. This sea shanty is performed by Roots A Capella, a youth choir in Devon, England. The audio file is courtesy of the London-based English Folk Dance & Song Society. (1.6 MiB, MP3, 1:42 minutes)1 file(s) 441 downloadsCategory: Maritime Songs & Sea ShantiesDownload |
2022-08-06Lost Ships and Lonely SeasEnjoy these 17 true stories of shipwrecks and other unfortunate incidents at sea. Published in 1921, Lost Ships and Lonely Seas reads like an adventure book. The author, American journalist Ralph Delahaye Paine, throws light on the perils of 19th century seafaring. An excerpt from Chapter 1: The wild gale smote them in the darkness of night. They tried to heave the vessel to, but she was battered and wrenched without mercy. Stout canvas was whirled away in fragments. The seams of the hull opened as she labored, and six feet of water flooded the hold. Leaking like a sieve, the Polly would never see port again. (9.3 MiB, PDF, 450 pages)1 file(s) 63 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-05-17US Coast Guard circular on implementation of ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006The United States is not a signatory to ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. However, the US Coast Guard has a voluntary inspection programme for vessel owners/operators who wish to have their compliance with the Convention documented. For this purpose, the USCG issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 02-13 for the guidance of Coast Guard marne inspectors and Recognized Classification Societies or RCS. (837 KiB, PDF, 62 pages)1 file(s) 20 downloadsCategory: Seafarers' Rights & WelfareDownload |
2020-05-17A Wanderer’s Songs of the SeaA Wanderer's Songs of the Sea is a book of poems written by American author Charles Augustus Keeler (1871 – July 31, 1937). The 20 poems are set in different locales around the world. Keeler's style of poetric writing is exemplified by the last stanza of the last poem, 'Leaving Honolulu': Aloha, fair Oahu, slowly palng o'er the tide,/ Your peaks may fade but in my heart your vision shall abide;/ Still the flame of your hibiscus, still those wistful tropic eyes/ Shall entrall me to your palm-groves, shall endear your azure skies! (2.4 MiB, PDF, 68 pages)1 file(s) 44 downloadsCategory: Literary WorksDownload |
2023-01-26The Old Merchant Marine: A Chronicle of American Ships and SailorsPublished in 1919, The Old Merchant Marine: A Chronicle of American Ships and Sailors describes the glory days of American merchant shipping. It was written by the noted American journalist and author, Ralph Delahaye Paine (1871 – 1925). The first two sentences will make you want to continue reading till the end of the book: The story of American ships and sailors is an epic of blue water which seems regularly remote, almost unreal, to the later generations. A people with a native genius for seafaring won and held a brilliant supremacy through two centuries and then forsook this heritage of theirs. (6.8 MiB, PDF, 230 pages)1 file(s) 67 downloadsCategory: Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2020-11-07Day-O (Day Dah Light) by Roger McGuinn (MP3)American musician Roger McGuinn interprets an old Jamaican song which was sung by men as they loaded ships with bananas. This song is part of McGuinn's Folk Den project. It is shared here by Marine Café Blog under the Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US. |
2022-02-14The Buccaneers and Marooners of America: Being an Account of the Famous Adventures and Daring Deeds of Certain Notorious Freebooters of the Spanish Main (edited by Howard Pyle)This book chronicles the exploits of several 17th-century pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. It should appeal to anyone who is fascinated with pirates.As American illustrator and author Howard Pyle (1853 –1911) notes in the Introduction: Courage and daring, no matter how mad and ungodly, have always a redundancy of vim and life to recommend them to the nether man that lies within us, and no doubt his desperate courage, his battle against the tremendous odds of all the civilized world of law and order had had much to do in making a popular hero of our friend of the black flag. (20.7 MiB, PDF, 400 pages)1 file(s) 38 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Maritime History and CultureDownload |
2022-08-06The Mirror of the Sea by Joseph ConradFirst published in 1906, The Mirror of the Sea is a collection of autobiographical essays by Polish-British writer Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) based on his life as a merchant sailor for almost 20 years. Commenting on the book, Conrad wrote: Within these pages I make a full confession not of my sins but of my emotions. It is the best tribute my piety can offer to the ultimate shapers of my character, convictions, and, in a sense, destiny--to the imperishable sea, to the ships that are no more and to the simple men who have had their day. (13.3 MiB, PDF, 336 pages)1 file(s) 36 downloadsCategory: Literary Works, Seafaring and ManningDownload |
2020-06-05A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe (PDF edition)A Journal of the Plague Year by English novelist Daniel Defoe (1660–1731) is about the Great Plague of London in 1664–65. The story is narrated by one "H.F.", a purported eyewitness. Although fictionalised, Defoe's historical reconstruction of this grim chapter in London's |
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