The Shanty Man

(Verse 1)
Our barque is tight, the wind is right, the spirits high and bold,
We’re hauling up a heavy crate of spices and of gold!
But then he opens up his trap and lets a holler fly,
Like a walrus with a toothache or a banshee in the sky!
(Chorus)
Oh, shut your mouth, you scoundrel, and put down the lyric sheet,
Your pitch is like a cannonball a-rolling down the street!
You’re flat as a stale biscuit and you’re sharper than a tack,
We’d trade you for a barrel if the devil’d take you back!
(Verse 2)
The whales all dive for cover when he tries to hit a C,
The dolphins start to vomit as they’re swimming in the sea!
The Captain’s ears are bleeding and the Master’s gone stone deaf,
He couldn't find a melody if he sat upon the clef!
(Chorus)
Oh, shut your mouth, you scoundrel, and put down the lyric sheet,
Your pitch is like a cannonball a-rolling down the street!
You’re flat as a stale biscuit and you’re sharper than a tack,
We’d trade you for a barrel if the devil’d take you back!
(Verse 3)
He tried a sentimental song about a girl in port,
The rats all jumped the gunwale for a death of any sort!
His rhythm is a cluster and his tone is pure despair,
Like a rusty winch a-grinding through a mess of matted hair!
(Chorus)
Oh, shut your mouth, you scoundrel, and put down the lyric sheet,
Your pitch is like a cannonball a-rolling down the street!
You’re flat as a stale biscuit and you’re sharper than a tack,
We’d trade you for a barrel if the devil’d take you back! life

Traditional sea shanty, group of male voices, rhythmic stomps and claps, raw and unpolished, deep bass vocals