A Modern Maritime Classic
‘Row Me Bully Boys Row’ has become one of the best-known modern maritime songs of the twenty-first century. Although often mistaken for a traditional sea shanty, the song was actually written by Canadian musician Alan Doyle for the 2010 film Robin Hood. Since then, its rousing chorus and nautical themes have earned it a place in the repertoire of shanty groups and folk singers throughout the world.
The song successfully captures the energy, adventure and camaraderie associated with the age of sail while introducing a new work into the maritime folk tradition.
Origins of the Song
Alan Doyle, best known as the former lead singer of the Newfoundland folk-rock band Great Big Sea, composed the song for director Ridley Scott's film Robin Hood. Doyle also appeared in the film as Allan A'Dayle, the travelling minstrel and companion of Robin Hood.
Rather than adapting an existing traditional shanty, Doyle created an original composition inspired by maritime music and the storytelling traditions of seafarers. The result was a song that sounds comfortably at home among older sea songs while remaining a modern creation.
The popularity of the song led many listeners to assume it had nineteenth-century origins, a testament to how successfully it recreates the atmosphere of classic maritime music.
The Meaning of 'Bully Boys'
Modern listeners often associate the word 'bully' with intimidation or aggressive behaviour, but historically the phrase had a very different meaning. In maritime and popular nineteenth-century usage, 'bully' could mean excellent, admirable, brave or first-rate.
The term 'bully boys' was therefore used as a compliment for capable sailors and hardy seamen. In the song, the phrase reflects the pride, confidence and determination of a crew making its way home across uncertain seas.
Maritime Themes
The song contains many of the ingredients that have made sea songs popular for centuries. Its lyrics speak of difficult voyages, rough waters, friendship between shipmates and longing for home. It also celebrates the simple pleasures awaiting sailors after a successful journey.
References to fair winds, returning home and raising a glass with fellow crew members are all themes commonly found in older sea songs and forebitters. These familiar elements have helped the song become readily accepted within the modern shanty scene.
From Film Soundtrack to Shanty Favourite
Following the release of Robin Hood, the song quickly developed a life of its own beyond the cinema. Maritime music groups, folk clubs and shanty festivals embraced its sing-along chorus and strong rhythm.
Today it is frequently performed alongside traditional songs such as ‘South Australia’, ‘Leave Her Johnny’ and ‘Drunken Sailor’. While much newer than those classics, it has become a favourite with audiences who often join enthusiastically in the chorus.
“And it's row me bully boys, we're in a hurry boys, we've got a long way to go...”
Why We Still Sing It
- It combines traditional maritime themes with modern songwriting.
- Its chorus encourages strong audience participation.
- It celebrates friendship, resilience and the voyage home.
- It introduces new listeners to maritime folk music.
- It demonstrates that the shanty tradition is still evolving today.
At The Selsey Shantymen, ‘Row Me Bully Boys Row’ remains a popular modern addition to the repertoire. Its powerful chorus, nautical imagery and infectious energy make it an ideal song for live performance and community singing, while also showing that new maritime classics are still being written.