With the waves of cinematic adventures like Pirates of the Caribbean still crashing in our minds, there’s no better time to dive deep into the world of Pirate Songs. Whether you’re a seasoned swashbuckler or just dipping your toes into pirate lore, music is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the high seas. Think of this as your ultimate soundtrack, a treasure chest of tunes ideal for any pirate enthusiast. If you’re looking to understand the sonic landscape of piracy, consider this your introductory voyage into the best pirate songs ever created. So hoist the colors, grab your grog, and let’s embark on a musical journey through the top 10 pirate songs!
10. “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” – The Arrogant Worms
Venturing into uncharted comedic waters, we discovered “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” by The Arrogant Worms. While researching essential pirate songs, this quirky gem surfaced, and its sheer audacity made us smile. Pirates in Canada? It sounds like a tall tale, but the spirit of rebellion and adventure, core themes of pirate songs, truly can manifest anywhere.
This song humorously captures the essence of a man pushed to his limits. Instead of succumbing to hardship, he chooses the unconventional path – embracing the life of a pirate, albeit in the unlikely locale of Saskatchewan. This track cleverly twists the traditional pirate narrative, making it a uniquely Canadian pirate song.
Well, I used to be a farmer and I made a living fine/
I had a little stretch of land along the C. P. line/But times got tough, and though I tried, the money wasn't there/
The bankers came and took my land and told me, "Fair is fair"/I looked for every kind of job, the answer always no/"Hire you now?" they'd always laugh, "We just let twenty go!" (Ha ha!)/
The government, they promised me a measly little sum/But I've got too much pride to end up just another bum/
Then I thought, who gives a damn if all the jobs are gone/I'm gonna be a pirate on the river Saskatchewan! (Arr!)
{Refrain:}
And it's a heave (ho!) hi (ho!), coming down the plains/
Stealing wheat and barley and all the other grains/And it's a ho (hey!) hi (hey!), farmers bar yer doors/
When you see the Jolly Roger on Regina's mighty shores…9. “Captain Kidd” – Traditional Sea Shanty
Steeped in authentic pirate history, “Captain Kidd” is a traditional sea shanty that recounts the tale of the infamous William Kidd. Within pirate lore, Captain Kidd is a figure of legend, initially a privateer tasked with hunting pirates before ultimately becoming one himself. This somber pirate song delves into the darker aspects of his story, specifically the murder of his gunner, William Moore, during a mutiny. Kidd’s life, marked by piracy and violence, culminated in his hanging in 1701, a stark reminder of the brutal realities of pirate life reflected in many pirate songs.
This traditional shanty uses simple yet powerful lyrics to narrate Kidd’s descent into piracy and his confession of murder, making it a chilling and historically significant pirate song.
My name is William Kidd, as I sailed, as I sailed/
My name is William Kidd, as I sailed/ My name is William Kidd, God's laws I did forbid/
And most wickedly I did, as I sailed, as I sailed…
…Oh, I murdered William Moore, as I sailed, as I sailed/ I murdered William Moore, as I sailed/ I murdered William Moore and I left him in his gore/ Many leagues from shore, as I sailed, as I sailed
Oh, I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed, as I sailed/Oh I steered from sound to sound, as I sailed/ I steered from sound to sound, and many ships I found/And all of them I burned as I sailed, as I sailed…8. “The Pirate King” – From The Pirates of Penzance
From the realm of musical theater comes “The Pirate King,” a standout number from Gilbert & Sullivan’s celebrated opera, The Pirates of Penzance. Premiering in 1879, this operetta has become a theatrical staple, and “The Pirate King” is arguably its most iconic song. This rousing anthem perfectly encapsulates the romanticized view of pirate life often found in pirate songs.
“The Pirate King” is a bold declaration of pirate identity, celebrating freedom and defiance against societal norms. It’s a theatrical and spirited pirate song that highlights the allure of the pirate persona with its bravado and flamboyant charm.
Oh, better far to live and die/
Under the brave black flag I fly,/Than play a sanctimonious part,/
With a pirate head and a pirate heart./Away to the cheating world go you,/
Where pirates all are well-to-do;/But I'll be true to the song I sing,/
And live and die a Pirate King.
For I am a Pirate King!/And it is, it is a glorious thing/ To be a Pirate King!/For I am a Pirate King!...7. “Shiver Me Timbers” & “Professional Pirate” – From Muppets Treasure Island
During the golden age of the Muppets, they ventured into pirate territory with Muppets Treasure Island. This film, true to Muppet form, was brimming with catchy and boisterous musical numbers, most notably “Shiver Me Timbers” and “Professional Pirate.” These songs from the movie soundtrack stand out as humorous and engaging additions to the collection of pirate songs.
“Shiver Me Timbers” evokes classic pirate imagery and the darker, more menacing aspects of pirate legends, while “Professional Pirate” takes a more lighthearted and career-oriented approach to piracy. Together, they offer a playful yet authentic pirate musical experience, showcasing the Muppets’ unique take on pirate songs.
**"Shiver My Timbers" lyrical excerpt:** *Shiver My Timbers, shiver My Soul/Yo Ho He Ho/There are men whos hearts as black as coal*
And they sailed there ship across the ocean blue/A Blood thirsty captain and a cut throat crew./Its a darker tale as was ever told/Of a lust for treasure and a love of gold.../
Shiver My Timbers, Shiver my sides/Yo ho he ho/
There are hungers as strong as the winds and tides/Yo ho he ho/
And those bucaneers drowned there sins in rum,/The devil himself would have to call em scum!/Every man on board would have killed his mate for a bag of ginnys or a piece of eight, a piece of eight, a piece of eight/5 6 7 8…
**"Professional Pirate" lyrical excerpt:** *When I was just a lad looking for my true vocation/*
My father said "Now son, this choice deserves deliberation/ Though you could be a doctor or perhaps a financier/ My boy why not consider a more challenging career"/ Hey ho ho/ You'll cruise to foreign shores/ And you'll keep your mind and body sound/ By working out of doors/ True friendship and adventure are what we can't live without/ And when you're a professional pirate/ That's what the job's about…6. “Lincoln Park Pirates” – Steve Goodman
Folk music legend Steve Goodman crafted “Lincoln Park Pirates,” a brilliant and contemporary twist on the pirate mythos, in the early 1970s. Featured on his album Somebody Else’s Troubles, this song cleverly reimagines pirates in an urban setting. It stands out as a unique and humorous entry in the world of pirate songs.
“Lincoln Park Pirates” cleverly transplants the pirate spirit to the streets of Chicago, with tow truck drivers becoming modern-day plunderers of illegally parked cars. This witty and folksy pirate song offers a fresh and relatable take on the classic pirate theme.
The streetlamps are on in Chicago tonight,/
And lovers a'gazin' at stars;/The stores are all closin', and Daley is dozin',/
And the fat man is counting the cars.../And there's more cars than places to put 'em, he says,/
But I've got room for them all;/So 'round 'em up boys, 'cause I want some more toys,/
In the lot by the grocery store.../
To me, way, hey, tow them away,/The Lincoln Park Pirates are we,/From Wilmette to Gary, there's nothin' so hairy/
And we always collect our fee!/So it's way, hey, tow 'em away,/We plunder the streets of your town,/
Be it Edsel or Chevy, there's no car too heavy,/And no one can make us shut down…5. “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)” – Traditional Pirate Anthem
“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)” is perhaps the quintessential pirate song, instantly recognizable to almost everyone. Its iconic refrain, “Yo ho, yo ho! A Pirate’s life for me!” is deeply embedded in popular culture, akin to a nursery rhyme gone rogue. Its ubiquity and catchy nature make it an undeniable inclusion in any list of top pirate songs.
This traditional chant perfectly embodies the romanticized and adventurous side of pirate life, celebrating the freedom and lawlessness associated with the high seas. It’s a sing-along pirate song that captures the imagination and conjures images of swashbuckling adventures.
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot./Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!/
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot./Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!*
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack./Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!/
Maraud and embezzle and even hijack./
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!...4. “Jolly Roger” – Roger McGuinn
Roger McGuinn, famed founder of The Byrds, showcased his seafaring inclinations with his album Cardiff Rose, a collection rich in maritime themes. Among its pirate songs, “Jolly Roger” stands out. While the album itself is a treasure trove for pirate music enthusiasts, “Jolly Roger,” with its mythological undertones of a legendary ship, deserves special recognition within the realm of pirate songs.
“Jolly Roger” uses vivid imagery to tell a tale of seafaring adventure and the allure of becoming a pirate. The song encapsulates the spirit of exploration and rebellion often associated with pirate songs, driven by McGuinn’s distinctive folk-rock style.
The sun came up on the Spanish sea/
Our homeland far behind us/ Being junted by the King's Navy/
It's sure he'd never find us/ Pull away, me lads o' the Cardiff Rose/
And hoist the Jolly Roger/*
We brought her into the looward wind/
And made for the Caribbean/ For thoughts of what it might have been/
Destroys a human bein'/
But thoughts about the Spaniards' gold/
And learnin' to desire it/Can make a man so brash and bold/ He'll soon become a pirate/Pull away, me lads o' the Cardiff Rose/ And hoist the Jolly Roger…3. “Professor Booty” – Beastie Boys
Kicking off with the memorable line, “Professor, what’s another name for Pirate treasure?” and the immediate response, “Booty, booty…,” Beastie Boys’ “Professor Booty” is an instant classic. While not literally about pirates, this track captures the rebellious and irreverent essence that resonates with the pirate spirit. It’s a unique and unexpected addition to the list of pirate songs.
“Professor Booty” embodies the swagger and defiance often linked to pirate culture. Its lyrical content, particularly the third verse, showcases a bold and confrontational attitude, echoing the fearless nature of pirates, making it a surprisingly fitting pirate song in spirit.
So many wack M.C.'s/You get the T.V. bozack/
Ain't even gonna call out your names/ 'Cause you're so wack/But one big oaf whose faker than plastic/
A dictionary definition of the word spastic/You should have never started something/
That you couldn't finish/'Cause writin' rhymes to me/
Is like Popeye to spinach/I'm bad ass move your fat ass/'Cause you're wack son/
Dancin' around like you think you're Janet Jackson…*2. “The Gruesome Death Of Edward Teach” – Scissorfight
Hailing from New Hampshire, punk band Scissorfight delivers an unexpectedly powerful ode to pirate history with “The Gruesome Death Of Edward Teach.” Taking on the legendary Blackbeard, Scissorfight crafts a dark and memorable pirate song. This track proves that the pirate spirit is alive and well in modern music, offering a heavier take on pirate songs.
“The Gruesome Death Of Edward Teach” is a sonic onslaught, mirroring the fearsome reputation of Blackbeard. With heavy, lumbering vocals and a sludgy musical backdrop, this pirate song is a dirge-like tribute to the infamous pirate, perfect for those who prefer their pirate songs with a punk edge.
1. “15 Men On A Dead Man’s Chest” – Traditional Pirate Ballad
Topping our list is “15 Men On A Dead Man’s Chest,” a traditional pirate song that immediately conjures images of rugged pirates engaging in all sorts of nefarious activities. Often confused with “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)” due to its similar “yo ho ho” chorus, “15 Men On A Dead Man’s Chest” is a classic sing-along favorite. Especially after a few rounds of rum, this timeless pirate song never loses its appeal.
“15 Men On A Dead Man’s Chest” paints a vivid picture of pirate debauchery and violence, with its dark and descriptive lyrics. It’s the quintessential pirate song for those seeking an authentic and chilling glimpse into the darker side of pirate lore, ensuring its place as number one on our list of pirate songs.
Fifteen men on a dead man's chest/
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum/Drink and the devil had done for the rest/
Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum./The mate was fixed by the bosun's pike/
The bosun brained with a marlinspike/And cookey's throat was marked belike/
It had been gripped by fingers ten;/And there they lay, all good dead men/
Like break o'day in a boozing ken/Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum…*In conclusion, these 10 pirate songs offer a diverse voyage through the musical interpretations of piracy. From comedic takes to historical narratives and modern punk anthems, the world of pirate songs is as vast and varied as the ocean itself. So, raise a glass to these tunes and let the spirit of the pirate resonate within you!
