Thus starts Psalms, 107:23-30:
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
It is also the title of a 1949 movie starring Lionel Barrymore, Richard Widmark and Dean Stockwell, and a 1922 silent film.
I've been a sucker for songs of the sea for it seems like forever when I first heard Judy Collins sing Bullgine run. But then anything Judy sang was A-OK with me. During my days of hanging around in coffeehouses, sea shanties were a staple and then I got hooked into supporting a local group the "Howlin' Gael" who became good friends and sang quite a few shanties and other sea/fisherman songs.
More after the Fleur-de-Kos
I think my favorite is Stan Rogers' Barrett's Privateers. It has it all, great story, anti-war, call and response, audience participation.
But there so many others that I'm just going to post a few for your listen enjoyment, some old, some newer. Add your own as I'm just riffing here.
Ewan MacColl's The Shoals Of Herring
Billy Joel - The Downeaster "Alexa"
And there is always those who wait for the sailors return
Donovan - Widow With Shawl (A Portrait)