A Hard Voyage Across the Western Ocean
‘The Banks of Newfoundland’ is one of the most vivid and powerful songs in the maritime tradition. Its lyrics paint a stark picture of life aboard sailing ships crossing the North Atlantic, where sailors faced freezing temperatures, violent storms and some of the most dangerous waters in the world.
Today it remains a favourite among sea shanty groups and maritime folk singers, offering audiences a glimpse of the realities of life under sail.
What Are the Banks of Newfoundland?
The Grand Banks of Newfoundland are a vast area of shallow water lying off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The meeting of cold and warm ocean currents creates dense fog, rough seas and unpredictable weather.
For centuries the Banks were among the world's richest fishing grounds and an important waypoint for ships crossing the Atlantic.
A Song of the Packet Ships
The song is closely associated with the packet ships that carried passengers, mail and cargoes between Liverpool and New York during the nineteenth century. These vessels operated to fixed schedules and often had to sail through severe winter weather.
The hardships described in the song reflect the experiences of sailors battling cold, ice, spray and relentless North Atlantic storms.
Origins of the Song
The best-known version of the song appears to have developed during the nineteenth century and became popular among sailors travelling between Britain and North America.
Folklorists and maritime historians have linked it to the earlier ballad 'Van Diemen's Land', suggesting sailors adapted an existing song to reflect conditions encountered on Atlantic crossings.
Shanty or Forebitter?
Although often sung by modern shanty groups, The Banks of Newfoundland is generally regarded as a forebitter; a song sung by sailors during leisure time rather than while working the ship.
Nevertheless, its strong chorus and maritime themes have secured its place within the wider sea shanty tradition.
“For there blows some cold nor'westers on the Banks of Newfoundland.”
Life Before Steam
The song offers a window into the era before steamships dominated ocean travel. Crews depended entirely on wind, weather and seamanship, with winter crossings posing particular dangers.
Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to capture the reality of sailors' lives in a way that remains compelling today.
Why We Still Sing It
- It captures the hardships of life aboard nineteenth-century sailing ships.
- It commemorates sailors who crossed the North Atlantic in all weathers.
- Its chorus is powerful and memorable.
- It preserves an important part of maritime history.
The Selsey Shantymen regularly perform ‘The Banks of Newfoundland’ as part of our repertoire. Its powerful storytelling and strong chorus make it a favourite with audiences and singers alike.
Further Reading
- Stan Hugill, Shanties from the Seven Seas.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia article on The Banks of Newfoundland.
- Maritime and folk song collections from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.