A shanty (also spelled "chantey," "chanty") is a type of work song that was once commonly sung to accompany labor on board large merchant sailing vessels. The term shanty most accurately refers to a specific style of work song belonging to this historical repertoire, however in recent, popular usage, the scope of its definition is sometimes expanded to admit a wider range of repertoire and characteristics, or to refer to a “maritime work song” in general.
While not exactly historically accurate in some instances, the sea shanty has always been tied to time at sea as something to coordinate sailors and ease the burden of labor. Being able to at least carry a tune used to be as important to sailors as knowing your way around the rigging or being strong enough to haul cargo. The shanties helped sailors pass the time with grim or humorous tales and coordinate efforts that required their collective strength. They ran the gamut from incredibly raunchy to cautionary tales to songs of longing for the comforts of shore.
Seeing as how Golarion is mostly based on western history, it would not be unreasonable to assume that some sort of maritime tradition similar to real world sea shanties would crop up. With bards and the Ensemble feat, sea shanties could very well have specific mechanical benefits as well. Dealing with terrible weather and difficult maneuvers could actually be eased by having the ship's bard lead the crew in a rousing chorus.
Of course, this would not exactly be the Pirates of Penzance. Some of the best songs feature prostitution, maimings, and hangings to say the least.
So, I figure what we need is some good ol'sea shanties for Golarion. I'll kick it off with my adaptation of a shanty, but I'd like to see more. Extra points if you generate a completely new song.
Farewell and adieu, to ye sweet Erinyes;
For we've received orders to sail for ol' Cassomir,
But we hope in a short time, to see you again.
[Chorus}:
We will rant and we'll roar like true Taldane sailors,
We'll rant and we'll rave across the salt sea.
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old
Taldor;
From Kortos to Star Bay is thirty five leagues.
We hove our ship to, with the wind at sou'west, boys
We hove our ship to, for it takes soundings clear;
At fifty-five fathoms, with a fine sandy bottom,
We filled our main topsail up channel did steer.
[Chorus]
The the signal was made for the grand fleet to anchor,
We put up our topsail and struck tacks and sheets;
We stood by our stoppers and bridled and spankered,
And anchored ahead of the noblest fleet.
[Chorus]
Let every man here drink up his full bumper,
Let every man here drink up his full bow;
And we will be jolly and drown melancholy,
Drink a health to each jovial of each true-hearted
Soul.
[Chorus]
"What shall we do with the drunken sailor" works everywhere.
There is also this one, as it had been tailor-made to be sung in the taverns of Riddleport.
Sail away where no ball and chain
Can keep us from the roarin' waves,
Together undivided but forever we'll be free.
So sail away aboard our rig
The moon is full and so are we,
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
So the years rolled by and several died
And left us somewhat reelin'.
Johnny strummed his Tommy gun
Left blastin' through the ceiling.
What became of rebels
Who sang for you and me?
Grapplin' with their demons
In the search for liberty.
Sufferers who suffer all
Can swim upon the desert.
Avarice has ravaged all
In spite of good intentions.
Don't fill your mouth with gluttony,
For pride will surely swell.
But nothing's unforgiven in the four corners of Hell. So,
Sail away where no ball and chain
Can keep us from the roarin' waves,
Together undivided but forever we'll be free.
Sail away aboard our rig
The moon is full and so are we,
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins!
Envy and its evil twin
It crept in bed with slander.
Idiots they gave advice
But sloth it gave no answer.
Anger kills the human soul
With bitter tales of lust.
While Pavlov's dogs keep chewin'
On the legs they never trust.
Sail away where no ball and chain
Can keep us from the roarin' waves,
Together undivided but forever we'll be free.
Sail away aboard our rig
The moon is full and so are we,
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins,
We're seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
But it's the only life we'll know,
Blaggards to the bone!
So don't wreck yourself
Take an honest grip,
For there's more tales beyond the shore!
Ah the years rolled by and several died
And left us somewhat reelin'.
In and out came crawlin' out
And spewed upon the ceiling.
What became of rebels
Who sang for you and me?
Grapplin' with their demons
In the search for liberty!
Sail away where no ball and chain
Can keep us from the roarin' waves,
Together undivided but forever we'll be free.
Sail away aboard our rig
The moon is full and so are we,
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
Sail away where no ball and chain
Can keep us from the roarin' waves,
Together undivided but forever we'll be free.
Sail away aboard our rig
The moon is full and so are we,
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins.
Seven drunken pirates
We're the seven deadly sins!