KidZone Maritime History
Barrett’s Privateers
Introduction:
"Barrett’s Privateers" is a modern sea shanty written by Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers. The song tells the story of a young sailor who joins a privateer ship during the American Revolutionary War. Through its narrative, we learn about the hardships faced by sailors and the historical context of privateering.
Historical Background:
Privateering was a common practice during the 18th century, where private ships were authorized by a government to attack enemy ships during wartime. These privateers played a significant role in maritime warfare, supplementing the regular navy.
Privateering and Pirates during the Age of Sail
Lyrics:
Excerpt:
O the year was Seventeen Seventy-Eight
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
A letter of marque came from the king
To the scummiest vessel I’ve ever seen
The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. These battles marked the start of open conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain, leading to a war that lasted until the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
God damn them all
I was told we’d cruise the seas for American gold
We’d fire no guns, shed no tears
Now I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett’s Privateers
“Barrett's Privateers” by Stan Rogers captures the rugged life of privateers during the American Revolution. Privateers were privately-owned ships authorized by the British government to attack enemy vessels. They played a crucial role in the naval warfare of the time, supplementing the Royal Navy and disrupting American supply lines. These privateers were often motivated by the promise of prize money, leading to a mix of desperation and adventure, as vividly depicted in Rogers’ song. The song’s narrative, set against the backdrop of the North Atlantic, provides a poignant look at the perilous and often grueling conditions faced by those who took to the seas in service of the Crown.
Activities:
- Stories: The Tale of Young Robert
- Stories: The Last of Barrett's Privateers
- Stories: The Tale of Samuel and Eliza
Maritime Terminology:
- Privateer: A private person or ship authorized by a government to attack foreign ships during wartime.
- Sloop: A single-masted sailing vessel.
- Scour: To search thoroughly or to plunder.
- Halifax: A major port city in Nova Scotia, Canada, known for its significant maritime history.
- Reef: A part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce its area in strong winds.
Discussion Questions:
- What motivated the narrator to join Barrett’s Privateers?
- How does the song portray the life of a privateer compared to the idealized version?
- What can we learn about the impact of privateering on maritime history from this song?
Further Reading:
Conclusion:
"Barrett’s Privateers" is more than just a song; it’s a window into the life of sailors during a tumultuous period in history. By exploring the lyrics and the historical context, we gain a better understanding of the challenges and adventures of maritime life.
