Roll the Old Chariot Mandolin Tab Sea Shanty
Roll the Old Chariot Mandolin / Tenor Banjo Tab For A Sea Shanty In G Major.
"Roll the Old Chariot" is a traditional British sea shanty that was commonly sung by sailors during the 19th century. The song is upbeat and energetic, often used to help keep sailors synchronized while performing the difficult tasks required on board a ship, like pulling ropes or hoisting sails. Its repetition and call-and-response structure made it easy to sing in unison, boosting morale during long, strenuous voyages.
Meaning of the Song:The lyrics of "Roll the Old Chariot" express a sense of anticipation, camaraderie, and resilience. The "old chariot" refers to a boat or ship, and the repeated line “we’ll roll the old chariot along” suggests the idea of moving forward despite challenges. The song speaks of perseverance, with a promise of better days ahead, especially when the crew will finally get to enjoy the comforts of home, freedom, or a reward like alcohol (a common theme in sea shanties).
In some versions, the song mentions a "jolly good fellow" or “we’ll all hang on behind,” hinting at the communal effort of the crew working together, with each line building towards a shared goal of unity and collective strength.
Themes:
"Roll the Old Chariot" is a traditional British sea shanty that was commonly sung by sailors during the 19th century. The song is upbeat and energetic, often used to help keep sailors synchronized while performing the difficult tasks required on board a ship, like pulling ropes or hoisting sails. Its repetition and call-and-response structure made it easy to sing in unison, boosting morale during long, strenuous voyages.
Meaning of the Song:The lyrics of "Roll the Old Chariot" express a sense of anticipation, camaraderie, and resilience. The "old chariot" refers to a boat or ship, and the repeated line “we’ll roll the old chariot along” suggests the idea of moving forward despite challenges. The song speaks of perseverance, with a promise of better days ahead, especially when the crew will finally get to enjoy the comforts of home, freedom, or a reward like alcohol (a common theme in sea shanties).
In some versions, the song mentions a "jolly good fellow" or “we’ll all hang on behind,” hinting at the communal effort of the crew working together, with each line building towards a shared goal of unity and collective strength.
Themes:
- Camaraderie and Unity – The song emphasizes teamwork and the importance of working together as a crew to overcome the hardships of life at sea.
- Hope and Perseverance – The repeated line about rolling the chariot along suggests a forward movement toward better times.
- Celebration and Reward – The song hints at a celebration once the hard work is done, often referencing things like drinking or good times awaiting the sailors.
​Roll the Old Chariot Sheet Music / Mandolin Tab Sea Shanty with lyrics
