Sea shanties are traditional songs that sailors used to sing while working on ships. These songs helped coordinate tasks, making it easier for crews to pull ropes or hoist sails in unison. The rhythmic nature of the music matched the physical labor, creating a sense of camaraderie among the sailors. Typically, sea shanties feature call-and-response patterns, where a lead singer would sing a line, and the crew would respond. They often tell stories of life at sea, adventures, and the challenges sailors faced. Today, sea shanties are celebrated for their historical significance and are enjoyed in folk music circles.