Songs about the sea and beach have long captured the imagination of listeners worldwide, blending storytelling, history, and melody to evoke the unique relationship humans share with the ocean. Recently, both timeless classics and fresh compositions have brought renewed attention to this musical tradition.
One standout example is Cap’n Spoonbill & the Hoiho Sea Shanty Crew from Ōtepoti (Dunedin), who are actively promoting maritime heritage through music. The group is hosting a special fundraiser show at Pearl Diver on Saturday, June 13, inviting audiences to sing along and support their efforts. This event aims to raise funds for their upcoming tour to Canada, where they will perform at several well-known sea shanty festivals this August. Their participation highlights New Zealand’s rich sea shanty culture, famously linked to “The Wellerman,” a song that has gained international popularity.
In addition to live performances, Cap’n Spoonbill & the Hoiho are developing new original sea shanties that tell stories of Aotearoa’s maritime past and present. These compositions are part of a creative and educational project intended to preserve and share local maritime history through music. The group plans to offer these materials as resources for schools, museums, and libraries. Audience donations from the fundraiser and an ongoing crowdfunding campaign will help support both the international tour and this educational initiative.
Adding to their momentum, the ensemble recently released their debut single “Mermaid Merle” on June 5 across all streaming platforms. Written by Sue Galvin and filmed on Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua in Ōtepoti, this “she-shanty” tells a captivating tale of seduction, scandal, and control. The official music video premiered on YouTube simultaneously with the single’s release. The group’s efforts emphasize not only entertainment but also cultural preservation through communal singing and storytelling.
On a broader scale, classic songs about the beach continue to resonate deeply with audiences. Billboard recently named “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters as the second greatest beach song of all time. Since its release in June 1964, this track has painted vivid images of lovers finding solace beneath a weathered boardwalk away from the summer crowds. The song combines smooth harmonies with emotional depth, making it an enduring favorite across generations.
The Drifters’ hit came at a poignant moment when lead singer Rudy Lewis died unexpectedly just before recording. Johnny Moore stepped in for vocals, delivering a performance layered with subtle emotion beneath its easygoing surface. “Under the Boardwalk” reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the group’s signature songs. Its influence endures through numerous covers by artists like The Rolling Stones and Bette Midler, who have introduced it to new audiences while preserving its original spirit.
Billboard’s list of top beach songs also includes iconic tracks such as The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” at number one, along with hits by Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Ziggy Marley, Lorde, and Jimmy Buffett. These songs capture various facets of coastal life—from carefree fun to deeper reflections inspired by the ocean’s mysteries.
Together, these contemporary projects and classic hits demonstrate how songs about the sea continue to inspire listeners worldwide. Whether through lively shanties celebrating local maritime heritage or timeless beach anthems that evoke nostalgia and joy, music remains a powerful medium connecting people to the ocean’s cultural and emotional significance.
