Haul Away Joe is classified as a “halyard shanty,” which refers to songs sailors used to sing while hauling on the ropes used to raise or lower the sails of a ship. These shanties were often sung in call-and-response style, with a lead singer calling out a line and the crew responding in unison. This helped set the rhythm for the laborious tasks involved in sailing, making it easier for sailors to work together and maintain a steady pace.
Sea shanties like Haul Away Joe often have fluid lyrics, with variations depending on the region, ship, or singer. The version performed by O’McPub Band keeps the traditional call-and-response structure while incorporating humorous and historical elements that make it an engaging pub favorite. Let’s break down the lyrics and their meaning.
The chorus is a rallying cry, reinforcing the communal spirit of sailors working in unison. The phrase “haul away” refers to pulling on ropes, essential for adjusting sails on a ship. “We’ll hope for better weather,” introduces the idea of resilience—sailors often face unpredictable and harsh conditions. “Joe” is likely a reference to a generic sailor or a character who embodies the everyday working man’s struggles.
The opening verse is a playful take on the odd stories the older generation tells young people to share wisdom. The warning that not kissing girls would cause one’s lips to “grow all mouldy” emphasizes the importance of love, romance, or simply enjoying life. We wouldn’t recommend using this as a pick up line for the cute girl at the pub however.
The 2nd verse follows the long tradition of sailor songs commentary on romantic relationships. As a sailor’s life often meant moving from different ports throughout the world, it could also lead to different relationships in each port. The contrast between the two women in the narrator’s life adds to the humor—first, an Irish partner who sits around “lazy,” then a new American one who drives him mad. It’s a classic case of “the grass is always greener,” reflecting the ups and downs of love.
The 3rd verse of the version O’McPub Band performs takes a humorous approach to a serious historical event—the execution of King Louis XVI during the French Revolution in 1793. The clever wordplay on “constitution” references not only the physical state of losing one’s head but that even Louis’ acceptance of a constitutional monarchy in 1791 was unable to calm the political upheaval that led to the end of the French monarchy (the first time). This kind of historical commentary is common in sea shanties, as sailors would have picked up news from different ports and woven it into their songs.
O’McPub Band’s version of Haul Away Joe retains the essence of the original sea shanty: a song meant to keep spirits high during hard work. The themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the unpredictable nature of both love and the sea make Haul Away Joe a great sea shanty for the pubs.