Page type: lyric reference
Artist: The Decemberists
Canonical path: /the-decemberists/shanty-for-the-arethusa
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Shanty For The Arethusa
Read Shanty For The Arethusa lyrics by The Decemberists on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Shanty For The Arethusa
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
We set to sail on a packet full of spice, rum and tea-leaves.
We've emptied out all the bars and the bowery hotels.
Tell your daughters do not walk the streets alone tonight
Tell your daughters do not walk the streets alone tonight.
To tell the tale of the jewess and the mandarin chinese boy
He led her down from her gilded canopy of cloth.
And through her blindfold she could make out the figures there before her
And how the air was thick with incense, cardamom and myrrh.
So goodnight, boys, goodnight
Say goodnight, boys, goodnight
We set to sail on the clipper that's bound for South Australia
The weather's warm there, the natives are dark and nubile.
But if you listen, quiet, you can hear the footsteps on the cross-trees
The ghosts of sailors passed, their spectral bodies clinging to the shrouds.
So goodnight, boys, goodnight
Say goodnight, boys, goodnight
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Shanty For The Arethusa"?
The Decemberists performs "Shanty For The Arethusa", and this lyric page sits inside the The Decemberists catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Shanty For The Arethusa"?
Yes. The related section below points to A Bower Scene and Like A Lion with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by The Decemberists?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through The Decemberists's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Shanty For The Arethusa yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.