Billy Riley

The song 'Billy Riley' by Sea Shanties is a traditional sea shanty that paints a vivid picture of maritime life and the legendary figure of Billy Riley. Sea shanties were work songs sung by sailors to coordinate their efforts while performing tasks aboard ships. This particular shanty celebrates Billy Riley, a dancing master and the master of a drogher, a type of cargo ship, bound for Antigua. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the lyrics reflects the shanty's purpose of maintaining a steady work pace among the sailors.

Billy Riley is depicted as a larger-than-life character, not only skilled in his maritime duties but also having a personal life that intrigues the sailors. The mention of his 'nice young daughter' adds a layer of personal narrative to the song, suggesting that the sailors are aware of and perhaps even enamored by her, though they lament that they 'can't get at her.' This line hints at the social dynamics and the longing that sailors often felt while being away from home and loved ones for extended periods.

The chorus lines, 'Screw her up and away we go, boys' and 'One more pull and then belay, boys,' are typical of sea shanties, providing rhythmic commands to synchronize the sailors' efforts. These lines emphasize the hard work and camaraderie among the crew, as well as the relentless nature of their tasks. The song encapsulates the essence of life at sea, blending work, folklore, and a touch of personal longing, making it a timeless piece of maritime culture.