Adapted from a Modern Cornish Anthem
Although often sung alongside traditional sea shanties and maritime folk songs, 'Cornwall My Home' is not a historic working shanty. Instead, it is a modern folk song that has become one of Cornwall's best-loved anthems.
The song expresses affection for Cornwall's coastline, landscape, mining heritage and maritime communities. Over the years it has become a fixture at folk festivals, Cornish celebrations and community gatherings.
Who Wrote the Song?
Unlike many traditional folk songs whose origins have been lost over time, the authorship of this song is well documented.
Harry Glasson composed the song as a tribute to Cornwall and its people. Its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody quickly resonated with audiences and it has since become one of Cornwall's unofficial anthems.
In order that the song strongly resinated with us and our Sussex audiences we changed the words and asked the composer, Harry Glasson, if we could us the adaptation. He has approved our version, with 'That's Proper!' to boot
The Selsey Shantymen Version: 'Sussex My Home'
As part of our repertoire, The Selsey Shantymen perform an approved adaptation of the song entitled Sussex My Home.
The adaptation follows the spirit and structure of the original while replacing Cornish locations and references with places, landmarks and traditions associated with Sussex and our local coastline.
The Sussex version celebrates familiar locations, maritime heritage, fishing communities, harbours and landscapes that local audiences immediately recognise. By using Sussex references, the song creates a strong local connection while retaining the warmth and affection of the original composition.
Like the original Cornish song, Sussex My Home is ultimately a celebration of community pride, local identity and the special relationship between people and the coastline they call home.
Why We Sing It
- It celebrates the heritage and character of coastal communities.
- Its memorable melody encourages audience participation.
- It links folk music with local history and maritime traditions.
- Our Sussex adaptation allows local audiences to recognise places close to home.
Whether performed as the original Cornwall My Home or as our locally adapted Sussex My Home, the song reminds us that some of the finest folk songs celebrate the places and people that shape our lives.
The Selsey Shantymen are proud to perform Sussex My Home as part of our repertoire, continuing the folk tradition of adapting songs to reflect local history and local pride.
Further Reading
- Harry Glasson – Composer of Cornwall My Home.
- The history and culture of Cornwall's maritime communities.
- The tradition of regional folk songs and local adaptations.
We would like to think that those packet rats would approve of our version. We have swapped the rolling deck for the apron of the lifeboat station, and the fists for a friendly crowd, but the song is just as lively.
Come and hear it for yourself. Have a look at our Performances page to see where we will be next, and don’t forget to sing along. If you have a favourite verse of your own, drop us an email at contact@theselseyshantymen.co.uk!