A sea shanty is a type of work song that sailors traditionally sang while performing tasks aboard ships. These songs helped coordinate the crew's efforts, making hard labor more manageable and enjoyable. The rhythmic nature of the shanties matched the pace of the work, such as hauling ropes or raising sails. Sea shanties often feature call-and-response patterns, where a lead singer sings a line, and the crew responds. They cover various themes, including life at sea, adventure, and longing for home. Today, sea shanties are celebrated in folk music and maritime culture, often performed at festivals and gatherings.