Friday, October 21, 2016

Catchy Recruit Song...!

Trouble is, this little ditty was a recruiting song for pirates. That's right...pirates!

Ya see, many of the songs that we sang with our kids had some rather disturbing origins. This is only one of many!

“Sing A Song Of Sixpence” Was A Pirate Recruiting Song



Photo credit: Jean Leon Gerome Ferris

Originally, “Sing A Song of Sixpence” wasn’t sung by kids—it was sung by pirates. And it wasn’t just a song. It was a coded message.

When a crew would dock into a harbor, they’d often need to hire more people. Pirates, though, can’t exactly put up a billboard advertising that they’re looking for people to rob and plunder. So, they started singing a song of sixpence whenever they wanted to let people know they were hiring.

The “sixpence” was advertising the daily pay on the ship, and “a pocket full of rye” was a promise to provide each pirate with a leather bag full of rye whiskey. The “blackbirds” were pirates, and a pie was a trap. With us, the song promised, you’ll lure rich ships into thinking you’re their friend—and then spring out and raid their riches.

If you want to know of some other songs with strange origins, you can find them right here!

Coffee out on the patio this morning. Low 70s right now...

9 comments:

Momlady said...

Interesting since it was a song I knew well growing up. You come up with the greatest stuff!

Chickenmom said...

I haven't thought of that little ditty in years, Mr. Hermit! Thanks for the story behind it!

linda m said...

Wow, I never knew that about that song. Good one for today. We are at 41 degrees this morning with a high of around 50 degrees. Brrrr Have a great weekend.

Hermit's Baby Sis said...

Like "Ring Around the Rosie", huh, Bubba? But I never knew this one about the Pocket full of Rye - interesting ~
Get outside and enjoy this glorious weekend! Take 'em while you can!

Big hugs ~

HermitJim said...

Hey Momlady...
I think many of us can remember this catchy tune. Wonder how long it's actually been around?
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Phyllis...
One of those things that we think we have forgotten, but really haven't.
Thanks for coming by this morning!


Hey Linda...
It's always interesting to find out the history of a tune, isn't it?
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Sis...
Pretty nice weather, isn't it? I can stand a whole lot more of this!
Thanks so much for coming by today!

JO said...

great story this morning I never knew this either.

72 here that's warmer than we have been in a while. Enjoy the day my Friend

Gorges Smythe said...

Interesting post, as always.

Sixbears said...

Dang! I could have run away with pirates as kid? If only I'd known the hidden meaning. :)

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
Always glad to help with learning something new.
Thanks, sweetie, for dropping by today!


Hey Gorges...
Glad you found it so.
Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Sixbears...
Would have been on a really big sailboat, too!
Thanks for coming over today!