The length of the song was determined by the duration of the job, so the chanteyman often had to improvise lines. The phrases of these songs sometimes had meanings known only to sailors. There were different chanties for each different job. Most fall into the following categories-

The capstan and the windlass were man-powered winches used to raise the ship’s anchor. The chanties used for this job were fast-paced, with a driving rhythm. The task of pumping out the bilge required a similar rhythm.

Were sung to raising and lowering of the sails. This being very hard work, the crew would haul on the chorus and rest on the verse of the chantey.

These were used for tasks requiring quick pulls, such as trimming the sails or raising the masthead.

Accompanied the job of furling the sails, when the men went out onto the yards and pulled the sail up bit by bit, until it was gathered in and secured.

Were sung during times of celebration, such as crossing the equator (a big deal to mariners) or when the sailors had paid off their debt.

When the crew relaxed in their quarters (the foc’sle, originally called the forecastle), they would entertain themselves by singing ballads and songs. Some of these were popular songs of the day, but more often sailors created their own songs about life at sea, bold mariners and loved ones they left at home.

Most of the chanties we know today come from the packet ships and whaling vessels of the 19th century. Some, however are considerably older. Many chanties probably existed in some form a couple of centuries before the 1800s. Chanties were often variations of favorite folksongs that the sailor brought from home.