Story Behind The Song
4. Maggie May ? An 18th c. shanty or ?forebitter? (sung in the forecastle for
Such songs were composed to lighten ship?s drudgery and warn unsuspecting sailors.
Song Description
4. Maggie May ? An 18th c. shanty or ?forebitter? (sung in the forecastle for
entertainment) about a Liverpool ?flashgirl? and a homeward bound sailor. He loses all of his possessions (clothes included) to a pawnshop while she is sentenced to atone for her sins in Australia?s Botany Bay penal colony. Such songs were composed to lighten ship?s drudgery and warn unsuspecting sailors.
| Song Length |
3:50 |
Genre |
Folk - Traditional, Unique - General |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Mixed Vocals |
| Mood |
Cheerful, Ecstatic |
Subject |
Judgement, Crime, Theft |
| Similar Artists |
The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1700 - 1799 |
| |
Lyrics
Maggie Maggie May they have taken you away