May 2024 “Haul Away Joe”

This song is one of the more well known shanties out there! It's a "short-drag" or "short-haul" shanty, meaning that it was used to coordinate quick pulls over a relatively short time. Think about unfurling sails or raising the masthead! The actions were lighter, shorter, and could mostly be done hand-over-hand on the word "Joe".

Haul Away Joe can traced back to the 18th century! It was reported to have been sung on both Yankee and British ships between 1812 and the Civil War.

Haul, another word for "pull", is the main focus of the lyrics. In one of the verses the Second Mate is said to not be able to tie a bowline. This is a simple and very common knot that creates a fixed loop in a rope! Talk about questioning abilities as a sailor!

Come learn how to sing “Running Down to Cuba” at our next Shanty Night!