Alexandra Coghlan

From ancient Greece to TikTok: a short history of the sea shanty

Sea shanties are a symbol of the temporary, fragmented world they come from: the Atlantic

issue 06 February 2021

Many things are now normal that would have seemed unlikely a year ago. But even in this strange new world the sudden rise of the sea shanty is, perhaps, strangest of all.

It all started in December when Nathan Evans, a postman from North Lanarkshire, posted a video of himself online — a lone figure filmed in no-frills close-up, hoodie high under the chin, beanie pulled down to the eyes — singing the 19th-century whaling song ‘Wellerman’. A trickle of views became a storm, thousands turning to millions (now billions) and just like that sea shanties went from kitsch, Last Night of the Proms novelty to global phenomenon. The song went viral — the centre of a new internet craze: #ShantyTok.

Fast forward a few months and Evans, whose song went to No.1 in the UK charts this week, has signed a three-album deal with Polydor, while Bristol-based folk group the Longest Johns (whose arrangement Evans covered) have a record deal with Decca.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in