It's Hard to Be a Shantyman (On Christmas) is a Christmas single released on 30 November, 2022. It is a Longest Johns original, written by Robbie Sattin.
Factoids[]
Discord user Mickey pointed out that this song holds the distinction of having the longest title in the TLJ catalogue — made all the more impressive by the fact that the prior record-holder, Mining for Gold/Chemical Worker's Song, is actually two titles together.
It was revealed in the January 2023 livestream that this song marks the first instance of JD playing violin in a TLJ recording.
A total of four teacups were broken in the making of the music video.
This is TLJ's second Christmas single video in a row featuring a cameo from Josh.
Lyrics[]
It's Christmastime
There's silence on the sea
It's Christmastime
The bag's frozen in my tea
And all I want is something else to do
Than get lashed with me crew
It's hard to be a shantyman on Christmas
I should've known
My letters were in vain
'Cause Santa's sleigh
Won't brave this shipping lane
Frozen ropes are all I have to hold
But nothing feels so cold
As being a shantyman on Christmas
I have the deck but there's no halls
No carols like a siren's call
No deer in sight, but rain it pours in droves
All year it's haul and pull and hoist
I'm losing hope; I've lost my voice
I sure could use some Christmas cheer back home
But alas!
It's Christmastime
I fear just like the last
Put up my lights
And tinsel 'round the mast
Grin and try to find some Yuletide cheer
But I can't find it here
It's hard to be a shantyman on Christmas
Woe is me, the shantyman on Christmas
So think about the shantyman this Christmas