Composer

:

American Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:53

"Lowlands, capstan's shanty" is a traditional American folk song that was commonly sung by sailors during the 19th century. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1800s. The song was often sung while sailors were working on the capstan, a device used to hoist heavy objects on board ships. The song has a simple structure and is typically performed in a call-and-response format. The lead singer would sing a verse, and the rest of the crew would respond with a chorus. The lyrics of the song describe the hardships of life at sea, including the long hours of work, the dangers of the ocean, and the loneliness of being away from home. "Lowlands, capstan's shanty" has a slow and mournful melody that reflects the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The song is typically performed in a minor key, which adds to its somber tone. The tempo of the song is slow and steady, which would have helped sailors keep a consistent rhythm while working on the capstan. The song is divided into several movements, each of which corresponds to a different verse or chorus. The first movement is the introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement is the verse, which describes the hardships of life at sea. The third movement is the chorus, which provides a response to the verse. The fourth movement is the bridge, which connects the verse and chorus and provides a transition between them. The final movement is the outro, which brings the song to a close. Overall, "Lowlands, capstan's shanty" is a powerful and evocative song that captures the spirit of life at sea. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic of American folk music, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by people around the world.

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