Recordings from last Shanty Session

The recordings taken at the last Shanty Session on 16th April are now available on the lyrics page. At the end of each song you will find a 'Listen Here' option. Click on the link and it should take you to the recordings. If you experience any issues with the links please let me know. We are using dropbox and you may only be able to access via the full website page rather than via Mobile/Tablet option.

More recordings will be added from future shanty sessions.

Mother Carey

A poem by John Masefield,  the Poet Laureate (1930 to1967) called Mother Carey is contained in his book called Salt Water Ballads (1902). Mother Carey is a supernatural figure personifying the cruel and threatening sea in the imagination of 18th and 19th century English-speaking sailors.

A copy of the book was recently found by Barbara  in a local bookshop. She brought a copy along to a recent session so we could view the Ballad/Poem.

Emily is hoping to read it through at tomorrow's Shanty session. Just in case the opportunity does not arise please find below a copy of the poem.


Mother Carey

Mother Carey? She's the mother o' the witches
'N' all them sort o'rips,
She's a fine gell to look at, but the hitch is,
She's a sight too fond of ships
She lives upon a iceberg to the norred,
'N' her man he's Davy Jones.
'N' she combs the weeds upon her forred
With pore drowned sailors' bones.


She's the mother o' the wrecks, 'n' the mother,
Of all big winds as blows,
She's up to some deviltry or other
When it storms, or sleets, or snows.
The noise of the wind's her screamin',
"I'm arter a plump, young, fine,
Brass-buttoned, beefy-ribbed young seam'n,
So as me 'n' my mate kin dine."


She's a hungry old rip 'n' in a cruel,
For sailor-men like we,
She's give a many mariners the gruel
' N' a long sleep under sea.
She's the blood o' many a crew upon her
'N' the bones of many a wreck,
'N' she's barnacles a-growin' on her
'N' shark's teeth round her neck.


I ain't never had no schoolin'
Nor read no books like you,
But I knows 't ain't healthy to be foolin'
With that there gristly two,
You're young, you thinks, 'n' you're lairy,
But if you're to make old bones,
Steer clear, I says, o' Mother Carey,
'N' that there Davy Jones.

Tuesday 26th March - Secret Shore Singer Session Meeting Report

Ye Old House at Home

We had a good turnout for this month's shanty gathering at the Ye Old House at Home. The evening was kicked off by an impromptu song from the floor, Mike setting us in the mood for a rendition of 'Mingulay Boat Song'. This gave Emily a chance to catch her breath and plan the evening. The first thing that was raised was a potential invitation to perform at the Newhaven festival. Emily had been approached about us performing at their festival in the Summer. She had planned to meet with the organisers shortly to understand more about the festival and what they would like us to do. Once further details were known they would be populated. The question was opened to the floor if we may be interested in attending. There was sufficient interest from those attending for her to investigate.

That out of the way enable us to start the singing. The first song we go underway was the 'Bonnie Ship the Diamond' which was sung with gusto and enthusiasm. Emily then introduced harmony parts into the song for some of the group to grasp. We then proceeded onto one of the new songs which we learnt at the last session called 'It's Time to Go Now', a very infection, roaring song that we easily picked up. Only then were we introduced into the 2 part harmonies by Emily. A few attempts and it started to sound the business. At this point it was time for refreshments which we were all ready for.

During the break we were introduced to the aspects of the new website, which met with approval. There were still areas under build but which was anticipated to be completed by the end of April. It was suggested that any modifications or errors to the website should be reported so they could be correct.

After the break the other new song was practiced, 'The Loyal Lover' which was one of the Belloc and Broadwood songs which members thought would make a good addition to the Secret Shore songbook. The song really sounded good in the lounge of the pub and even brought some additional spectators through from the other bar to listen to it. It was suggested by Dave G that we should have a go at the 'Northwest Passage'. The song started off ok but by the time we go to the second verse it led to some amusement by some members of the group; especially Emily !!. However we persevered until it sounded something like it should do. To finish of the night it was decided to sing 'Here's a Health to the Company', a good rousing song which lifted the rafters of the pub. A good song to finish off the evening.