This is an excellent, fun piece for any group of singers! In the age of sail, traditional sea shanties were sung by sailors whilst they worked on large merchant ships.

'Haul Away Joe' is a 'short haul' or 'short-drag' shanty which was sung to accompany the short bursts of energy required for pulling sails and sheets. It was popular among British, and later American sailors after the war of 1812. There are many variations of this song; more than twenty verses have been recorded. On the ships, the song would have as many verses as it would take to do the job!

Rosa Conrad (b.1977) is a music teacher and composer who is passionate about the importance of singing, and the idea that making music should be a pleasure enjoyed by all.

You can listen to a recording on our Youtube Channel: