Hanging Johnny [283-285] (207-210)

In time for Halloween, a rather macabre chantey for the t'gallant halyards! Is that a ghost looming in the upper right side?

Hugill: "Sentimental verses...were never sung--Sailor John hanged any person or thing he would think about without a qualm!"

Abrahams puts the origin of this chantey in the Caribbean. There, whalers have been noted to call it "Hangman Jolly."

Incidentally, this chantey was used, with a different tune, in the opening scene of the 1962 film adaptation of Melville's "Billy Budd." Set in 1797, they call it a "song," and they are singing it without working really :)

Views are of Cape Cod Bay, Fisherman's Wharf and the marina in Provincetown, Mass.

Also found in:
Sharp 1914, Doerflinger 1951

Please check out the whole chanteys project playlist, at http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=58B55DD66F22060C

Category:

Music

Tags:

• halloween
• macabre
• hangman
• chantey
• sea
• shanty
• halyard

[vizigothe]

Great stuff man! Seen a few of these videos! Keep on singing! I love these songs!

[hultonclint]

much appreciated! They really are great songs, that fill a certain niche that you don't get as often in other kinds of music.

[chengloki]

My God, hult. You sing them the way they are supposed to be sung. We should not let this part of our history die. I see that you are not!!(You'll probably get tired of hearing from me in a short bit). =Stefan=

[hultonclint]

That really means a lot, Stefan. My sincere thanks. I am trying my best. I am often frustrated that my talent and singing ability limits me, but I have no lack in interest, so that is enough to sustain me.

[philipsmovies]

He hung all his family but it's still a jolly song! Excellent rendition. Thanks Ranzo.

[erroneousapostrophe]

We did a rock cover to this when I was a kid.

[chengloki]

Hey, hult, what do think those old sailors sounded like?? They were not proffesional singers. But, did that stop them?? Obviously not!!!!!You have a darned good voice. (I hate cussing). =Stefan=

[cloudsoup]

I sang this in school when I was about 8. On reflection a peculiar choice for kids. Nice to hear it again

[raymondcrooke]

Another enjoyable shanty. Keep them coming.