A boat is a watercraft of a large range of types and sizes, but generally smaller than a ship, which is distinguished by its larger size, shape, cargo or passenger capacity, or its ability to carry boats. Small boats are typically found on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, or in protected coastal areas. However, some boats, such as the whaleboat, were intended for use in an offshore environment. In modern naval terms, a boat is a vessel small enough to be carried aboard a ship. Anomalous definitions exist, as lake freighters 1,000 feet (300 m) long on the Great Lakes are called “boats”. Lifeboats have rescue and safety functions. Boats can be propelled by manpower, wind, and motor.
“The Skye Boat Song” is a late 19th-century Scottish song recalling the journey of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) from Benbecula to the Isle of Skye as he evaded capture by government troops after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Sir Harold Boulton composed the lyrics to an air collected by Anne Campbelle MacLeod in the 1870s, and the line “Over the Sea to Skye” is now a cornerstone of the tourism industry on the Isle of Skye.
“On A Slow Boat to China” is a popular song by Frank Loesser, published in 1948. The song is a well-known pop standard, recorded by many artists, including a duet between Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby (1958)), n the UK, the biggest hit version was recorded in 1959 by Emile Ford and the Checkmates peaking at #3 in the official singles chart.
“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” is a song written by Frank Loesser and published in 1950. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical, Guys and Dolls, which opened at the 46th Street Theatre on November 24, 1950. In the context of the show, gambler Nicely-Nicely Johnson invents a dream about being saved from hell in order to bring together the members of the prayer meeting. It was performed on stage by Stubby Kaye who later reprised his role as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the 1953 London production, as well as the 1955 film version of the play. The song is generally considered to be the 11 o’clock number in Guys and Dolls.
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a traditional Jamaican folk song. The song has mento influences, but it is commonly classified as an example of the better known calypso music. It is a work song, from the point of view of dock workers working the night shift loading bananas onto ships. The lyrics describe how daylight has come, their shift is over, and they want their work to be counted up so that they can go home. The best-known version was released by American singer Harry Belafonte in 1956 (originally titled “Banana Boat (Day-O)”) and later became one of his signature songs.
“Rock the Boat” is a song by American trio, The Hues Coporation, written by Wally Holmes. “Rock the Boat” was first featured on their 1973 debut studio album It was released as the third single from the album in early 1974. Initially, “Rock the Boat” appeared as though it would also flop, as months went by without any radio airplay or sales activity. Not until the song became a disco favorite in New York did Top 40 radio finally pick up on the song, leading the record to finally enter the Hot 100 rising to number one in July 974, in only its seventh week on the chart. The record also reached the top ten in the UK. “Rock the Boat” is considered one of the earliest disco songs.
“Night Boat to Cairo” is a song by Madnes from their debut 1979 album One Step Beyond… It was written by Mike Barson and Suggs and peaked at number six on the UK Singles chart and reached the top 30 in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands. The song was later re-issued in the UK in 1993 following the success of the re-issued version of “It Must Be Love” but failed to reach the top 40, peaking at number 56. It was remixed slightly for inclusion on the band’s eponymous 1983 album compiled for the United States. The song is often used by Madness to close live concerts, and “Night Boat” has passed into cockney rhyming slang as a term for a giro, or unemployment benefit cheque.
