John Spiers

Thought to be a really old short-haul shanty, Haul on the Bowline remained one of the most popular songs on board sailing ships despite the fact that the bowline rope ceased to be of much importance in the later days of sail. Although a simple shanty, the words very much reflect the sentiment of looking forward to home comforts after what would have been a long and gruelling spell at sea and give us an insight in to the men who would have sung it on the home stretch. I think we can all identify with days at work like that! The song is paired with a hauntingly beautiful Breton tune used for the dance Laridé à six temps learnt via the excellent Dave Shepherd.