Best Songs About Pirates
It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of pirates or not; there’s no denying the fact that they can serve as a wonderful source of musical inspiration. These songs, ranging from traditional sea chanties to more up-to-date ballads, will get you in the mood to grab some loot, set sail, and plunder the seven seas.
Without further ado, we present to you our choices for the top 20 songs that are about pirates.
1. Pirates Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
This song is almost certainly going to be the first song that comes to anyone’s mind when they are asked to mention songs about Pirates. The words of the song describe the exploits of a pirate ship, its crew, and the looting they engage in.
The melody of the song is in the style of a driving rock, complete with drums and electric guitar. The song is happy and upbeat, but it also has a serious undertone to it. The lyrics are filled with references to bloodshed and death, and the flag of the pirates features “a skull and bones.”
As the last notes of the song are played, the pirates are seen sailing off into the horizon in search of fresh prey. The timeless Emerson, Lake & Palmer song “Pirates” is an excellent example of how the band expertly combines bright and dark elements in their music.
2. Mark Knopfler – “Privateering”
Next on our list of songs about pirates is the song Privateering, which is about pirates and their exploits. The lyrics of the song detail the history of a scoundrel captain and his ship, as well as the circumstances that led to them leading a life of piracy on the open seas.
The lyrics of the song are delivered from the point of view of the captain, who looks back on his life with a mixture of pride and regret. He discusses the experiences he’s had, including the locations he’s visited and the things he’s observed, as well as how he became a pirate in order to provide a better life for himself and his crew.
3. The Darkness, by Roaring Waters
The Darkness, an English rock band, is responsible for the song “Roaring Waters.” It was issued as the band’s second single off their second studio album, which was titled One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back (2005). The lyrics are about pirates, more specifically about the famous pirate Henry Morgan from the 17th century.
The lyrics tell the tale of the assault that Henry Morgan led on Panama City in the year 1671. Both Justin Hawkins, who sings lead, and Dan Hawkins, who plays guitar, contributed to the song’s composition. This is one of the songs about pirates that reflects on a lot of things.
4. Scissor Sisters – “She’s My Man”
This masterpiece also reflects on songs about pirates. In the song “She’s My Man,” performed by Scissor Sisters, the band tells the tale of a band of pirates who are looking for a new captain to lead them.
The lyrics of the song are sung from the point of view of one of the pirates, specifically the one who is in love with the woman who has been selected to be their new leader.
The narrator has faith in her capabilities and is determined to follow her wherever she may go, in contrast to the other pirates, who are hesitant to accept her. Throughout the course of the song, the pirate expresses his undying love for his captain, as well as his admiration for her, and swears his allegiance to her.
After just one playthrough, the upbeat and irresistible tune known as “She’s My Man” will undoubtedly become ingrained in your memory. Additionally, it does an excellent job of encapsulating the singular musical style of the Scissor Sisters, which is a fusion of elements of pop, rock, and electronic music.
5. Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty”
The American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett is responsible for the composition and performance of the song “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”
The song was presented to the public for the first time on his album A1A, which was issued in 1974. Subsequently, it was included on his greatest hits album Songs You Know by Heart.
The lyrics of the song are inspired by the life of the notorious pirate John Coxon, who was active in the 18th century. Coxon expresses in the song how his life of piracy has made him feel “forty years old” and how he regrets it.
Although on the surface it seems like the song is about pirates, it actually has lyrics that broach topics such as getting older, having regrets, and being nostalgic.
6. Glitter Freeze – Gorillaz
The song’s lyrics detail the adventures of a band of buccaneers as they travel the seven seas in search of buried treasure. The music video for the song features the band members dressed up as pirates, and the song itself is upbeat and infectious.
The takeaway from this song is that there is always something positive to look forward to, despite the fact that life is full of challenges. The refrain of the song urges the listener to maintain their optimism at all times by stating, “There’s always someone out there worse off than you, so don’t you ever give up hope.”
7. Jack Sparrow – The Lonely Island
Since the dawn of written literature, authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson and J.M. Barrie have found success penning works revolving around the infamous seafaring bandits known as pirates.
In more recent years, pirates have also become the subject of a significant number of films and television shows, one of the most successful of which is the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. On the other hand, there haven’t been many songs written about these characters.
In 2011, The Lonely Island released “Jack Sparrow,” a song about a pirate who is looking for love. This marked a change in the situation. The song quickly became one of the most popular songs released by the group after it went viral. Additionally, it assisted in solidifying The Lonely Island’s reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and hilarious musical groups currently active.
8. My Revenge – Bury Tomorrow
Bury Tomorrow has a song called “My Revenge” that is about pirates. The lyrics of the song detail the plight of a pirate who longs for the day when he can exact his vengeance on those who have wronged him.
The song is sung from the perspective of the pirate, who is on a mission to exact revenge, and it describes their travels. There are also allusions made in the song to various elements of pirate folklore, such as sunken treasure and infamous pirate vessels. The song reaches its pinnacle when the pirate is successful in exacting his vengeance, and it concludes on a jubilant note.
The song “My Revenge” is a great illustration of a song that tells a story while also making historical references to the pirate lifestyle. It is both catchy and informative, and it is sure to please any fan of pirates or metal music.
9. Kenny Chesney: “Pirate Flag”
Kenny Chesney’s song “Pirate Flag” is narrated in the first person, from the perspective of a band of pirates who are traveling across the ocean.
The upbeat tune that the pirates are singing can be heard in the background as the song begins with the sound of waves crashing against the ship. The song progresses, and throughout it, we can hear the pirates reminiscing about their loot and their exploits out on the open sea.
The song comes to its conclusion with the pirates bravingly weathering a storm, but in the end, they are successful in arriving at their destination without incident.
The Pirate Flag is a rousing and exhilarating song that honors the intrepid and exploratory nature of human nature. You can be certain that it will get your heart pounding and your feet tapping in time with the beat.
10. The Decemberists’ “The Mariner’s Revenge Song”
The lyrics of the song detail the experiences of a sailor who, after being shipwrecked, is held captive by pirates. The mariner is able to get away, and he swears vengeance on the pirates who attacked him.
In the end, he is successful in finding them and capturing them. After that, he murders each one of them in a gruesome manner. The song is written in the first person, from the perspective of the mariner, and it is sung in the third person. It is a song filled with graphic violence and language, and it has a very dark and twisted tone.
On the other hand, it has a great sense of humor, is exceptionally well written, and is extremely catchy. It is highly recommended that you give The Mariner’s Revenge Song by The Decemberists a listen because it is one of their most well-known songs.
11. Craig Toungate’s “Yo Ho, Ho!”
All aboard, buccaneers! There is nothing quite like the feeling of being out on the open seas, with the salty wind blowing in your face and the promise of treasure just waiting to be taken. And the song “Yo Ho, Ho!” by Craig Toungate is the only one that perfectly captures the spirit of piracy.
This rousing tune is sure to get even the most uncoordinated rascals up on their feet and moving to the beat. The infectious chorus of “Yo ho, ho!/ A bottle of rum!/ We’ll sail the seven seas!/ In search of fun!” and the rousing call to action of “Set sail for adventure!/ Raise the flag and shout:/ Yo ho, ho!/ We’re off to find some gold!” ensure that this song will get any pirate amped up for a long day spent sailing the seven seas in search of treasure.
12. Worldwide Adventurers: The Pirate Shanty
The Worldwide Adventurers have a song called “The Pirate Shanty” that is about pirates. It tells the story of a band of pirates who sail across the seas committing acts of plunder and pillage along the way. The song has an upbeat rhythm that is sure to get you moving and clapping along with it.
The lyrics are packed with action and suspense, making this the ideal song to play at your next event with a pirate theme because of how exciting it is. Now is the time to don your most authentic pirate garb, hoist the ship’s sails, and get ready for an exciting journey with Worldwide Adventurers’ The Pirate Shanty.
13. Sex Pistols: Friggin’ in the Riggin’
The song “Friggin’ in the Riggin'” by the Sex Pistols is considered to be an anthem for punk music because it celebrates an attitude of defiance.
The lyrics of the song are rife with references to different aspects of the sea, as they are based on a traditional folk song that is about pirates. The chorus of the song is especially memorable, and it urges listeners to “raise up the black flag” and participate in pirate life. The Sex Pistols were notorious for their defiant demeanor, and “Friggin’ in the Riggin'” is a song that exemplifies this attitude to a tee.
This song is an anthem for those who refuse to follow the status quo and who defy authority. In many respects, “Friggin’ in the Riggin'” exemplifies the ideal punk anthem, and the Sex Pistols continue to hold a prominent place in their canon with this song.
14. ‘Swashbuckle’: Cruise Ship Terror
Swashbuckle is a band that is well-known for writing songs with a pirate-related theme, and one of their most well-known songs is titled “Cruise Ship Terror.”
The lyrics of the song tell the tale of a band of pirates who terrorize the passengers of a cruise ship after taking control of the vessel. It’s a fun and catchy tune, thanks to the lyrics, which are full of maritime slang and references to stories of actual pirate attacks from history.
It’s almost guaranteed that “Cruise Ship Terror” will get any pirate fan singing along, and it’s a wonderful addition to any collection of Swashbuckle music.
15. Tim Curry, “A Professional Pirate”
The song is a humorous tribute to being a pirate, portraying them as raucous, carefree, and (most importantly) professional. Curry’s performance is absolutely hilarious in its level of over-the-top theatricality, and the song itself is firmly ingrained in the consciousness of popular culture.
A Professional Pirate is not only a fun and entertaining listen, but it also offers a unique look into the world of piracy, which is something that is not often seen.
16. Lincoln Park Pirates—Steve Goodman
Steve Goodman is the songwriter behind the song “Lincoln Park Pirates.” The lyrics of the song tell the tale of a band of buccaneers who became marooned in Lincoln Park in Chicago.
The lyrics of the song describe how the pirates were forced to resort to piracy in order to maintain their way of life. Goodman portrays the pirates in his book as being rough and tough, but also as being capable of great kindness.
The song has gained widespread popularity in Chicago, and it is frequently performed at local sporting events. The fact that Lincoln Park Pirates is one of Goodman’s most popular songs is due to his talent as a songwriter who can tell a story through song
17. Nina Simone’s “Pirate Jenny”
Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill collaborated on a song titled “Pirate Jenny” that was included in their musical The Threepenny Opera, which premiered in 1927.
The lyrics of the song tell the tale of a young woman who longs to live a life filled with excitement on the open seas. In the song, Jenny portrays herself as the captain of a pirate ship, and she envisions herself leading her crew to victory over their adversaries.
Despite the fact that “Pirate Jenny” is primarily a work of fantasy, it does contain some elements of reality due to the fact that piracy was a genuine issue on the high seas during the 18th and 19th centuries.
18. Pirate Song by Kenny Chesney
All aboard, buccaneers! Kenny Chesney’s “Pirate Song” is a lively and upbeat tune that tells the story of a band of pirates searching for buried treasure.
The sound of waves crashing against the ship is heard at the beginning of the song, establishing the mood for an exciting journey at sea. Throughout the entirety of the song, the pirates sing about their daring exploits, which include everything from battling fierce sharks to plundering other ships.
The chorus is especially memorable, with the pirates singing “We’re going to find that treasure/ We’re going to sail the seven seas/ We’re going to be the richest pirates that ever sailed the breeze.” (We’re going to be the richest pirates that ever sailed the breeze.) In the end, “Pirate Song” is a jovial and merry song that is certain to get listeners singing along with it. Arrrrrr!
19. Jack Hartmann The Silly Pirate Song.”
This humorous and upbeat song choice is also among the selected songs about pirates, and it was written by Hartmann. At the outset of the track, a band of buccaneers can be heard singing about how much they enjoy plundering villagers and plundering the seas.
However, as the song progresses, the pirates start acting like complete idiots and making silly mistakes, like forgetting where they buried their treasure.
The fact that the pirates continue to sing and dance despite their previous misdeeds demonstrates that they are still having fun out on the open ocean. Children will learn a lot about pirates from the Silly Pirate Song, which will also get them up and moving with its catchy beat and silly lyrics.
20. Pirate Song – Blippi
Last on our list of songs about pirates is this lively and upbeat tune that is ideal for younger children who are fascinated by pirates. The lyrics of the song detail the adventures of a band of buccaneers as they search for buried treasure.
They face peril and adventure along the way, but in the end they are successful in locating the treasure they had been looking for.
The tune is infectious and simple to sing along to, and the lyrics are written in a way that is suitable for children of all ages. Your child is sure to enjoy “Pirate Song,” regardless of whether or not they are interested in pirates or simply enjoy singing along to catchy songs.
