"Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her" is a traditional sea shanty that originated among sailors during the age of sailing ships, particularly during the 19th century. It is one of the most well-known and enduring sea shanties, often sung as a work song by sailors while performing tasks aboard sailing vessels.
The song is typically sung in a call-and-response format, with one sailor (the shantyman) leading the song and the rest of the crew responding with the chorus. The phrase "Leave her" refers to leaving the ship, and "Johnny" is a common placeholder name that could refer to any sailor or crew member. The song expresses the mixed feelings of sailors as they bid farewell to the ship that has been their home and workplace, acknowledging the hardships and challenges they've faced while also looking forward to returning to shore.