Join Shorewords! host, Lesley Ewing, in conversation with Gerry Smyth, talking about his book Sailor Song. Explore the world of sea shanties that provided the on-board rhythm for many of the sailing clippers that would ply the oceans. For a period of 30 or 40 years, clippers were the main vessels for water-borne transportation and sailors were constantly trimming sails and hoisting lines in groups. Songs were used to get everyone to push or pull in unison, so the work would be more efficient. Shanties arose during the clipper era and have stayed firmly entrenched in seafaring lore. Gerry Smith, literature professor and shanty singer has combined his two interests in Sailor Song, in which he delves into the origins and variations of many of the shanties that are still sung today. As a Shorewords! first, he even entertains us with a song.

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