The Flying Goat (Shanty)

"The Flying Goat" is a sea shanty, thought to originate in the 1400s on merchant vessels along the Red coast. This shanty details a common shipping route going around the Red coast, from Pantsivostok in the southwest, to Powon in the southeast, then up the coast to Minesk in the northeast. This shipping route remained popular through the 15th and 16th centuries, though it fell out of favor somewhat with the development of both ground travel infrastructure and airship technology. The Flying Goat itself is speculated to have been a real watercraft, likely a large merchant ship. However, maritime records from that time period are sparse, and no ship of that name has been documented. 
== Structure ==
The shanty follows a simple structure. The two-verse chorus is sung between every verse. Each verse has an ABAB rhyme pattern, and describes a port of call for the eponymous Flying Goat. The three traditional verses describe Pantsivostok, Powon and Minesk in turn. 
==Traditional Lyrics==
[Chorus]
Oh, I’m shipped aboard the Flying Goat,
And she has a special charm,
They don’t say she’s a pretty boat,
But she’ll keep us safe from harm.
Yes, I’m shipped aboard the Flying Goat,
And with her, far we’ll roam,
They don’t say she’s a pretty boat,
But she’ll get us safely home.
[Verse 1]
We carry Pantsivostok freight,
Food, fineries and silk,
The crew aboard and all the mates,
Are all of mighty ilk.
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
To mystical Powon we’re bound,
To trade our goods for jewels,
When the Red cape we do round,
We’ll not be eating gruel.
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Minesk is our next port of call,
We’ll have a rowdy time,
When you’ve made such a pretty haul,
Spending is no crime.
[Chorus]
Category:Entertainment