Bored, uninspired, a little bit down, or just need something new and fun to do? Mark Monday and Thursday nights in your calendar for the Randy Dandy Shanty Club (aka the Redfern Shanty Club).
Here, you can listen or sing along with a group of people who clap and cheer and stomp together – sometimes beautifully, but always together.
Now, you might expect classics like “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?” or “Bound for Botany Bay”.
And yes, those traditional sailors’ songs do appear. But the Shanty Club also performs contemporary lyrics that reflect today’s battles while staying true to the harmonies and traditions of sea shanties. For example:
Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
This government had an idea
To step over the rule of law
They want you to think it’s illegal
To fight ‘gainst a genocidal war
(Adapted by Zack Schofield from the Billy Bragg version of the union classic.)
I’ve seen the club perform twice at the National Folk Festival, and they’ve sung at plenty of other events around the country. It’s always fun and inspiring to listen to, but the atmosphere in a small bar – 30 or 40 people joyously belting out a chorus, each song led in turn by a different club member – is on another level.
Another striking thing is the diversity of the membership. Yes, there are large bearded men bellowing in a stentorian way, as you might expect. But there are also young men and women leading songs, many of which carry newer themes such as climate change.
Above all, what stands out is the sense of community. As one member nicknamed Sexy Dan put it: “I moved from Perth in 2021 and really struggled to forge a solid group, but once lockdown ended, I finally made it to shants and felt so immediately welcomed into this lovely and loving community.”
And if you’re lucky enough to catch Cindy performing “I Used to Work in London Town” without laughing hysterically, then you probably are missing a funny bone.
The Randy Dandy Shanty Club performs at 8.30 pm every Monday at the Arcadia Liquors bar in Redfern, and every second Thursday at the Nocturne on Crown Street in Surry Hills.
