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Arts and Humanities

Maine Song and Story Sampler

Sea song

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Anthropology

The Little Mohea, Harvey Gurney Apr 1991

The Little Mohea, Harvey Gurney

Maine Song and Story Sampler

"The Little Mohea," also known by many other names and spellings, is an old song that likely developed from an older English broadside song known as "The Indian Lass." Most folklorists agree that "Mohea" probably developed in its American form among sailors, and some even point to whaling ships specifically.


The Banks Of Newfoundland, Mabel Worcester Jul 1967

The Banks Of Newfoundland, Mabel Worcester

Maine Song and Story Sampler

"The Banks of Newfoundland" is the title of at least six different songs. These are not variations on a single tune, but entirely different songs with different airs and lyrics. All share a common theme - the dangers of fishing or sailing off the coast of Newfoundland - but none are very similar.


Canaday-I-O, Robert French Mar 1962

Canaday-I-O, Robert French

Maine Song and Story Sampler

The major recurring theme in these folksongs from Maine and Maritime Canada is the flow of cultural products and people within the area of New Hampshire, Maine, and eastern Canada. But while this cultural and demographic exchange helped define the region, it did not mean there was no rivalry or animosity between states, provinces, or nations.


Old Horse Or The Sailor’S Grace, Robert French Mar 1962

Old Horse Or The Sailor’S Grace, Robert French

Maine Song and Story Sampler

"Old Horse" is an old sea song (dating at least back to the 1830s, and probably long before that) that expresses sailors' dissatisfaction with the quality of their food.