Got pipes? Part of a shanty group or choir? Get involved in our dune-inspired community shanty!
Written by Dunescapes team members Steve and Dave in Cumbria and Sefton, send us your recordings of 'Dynamic Dune' to be part of our collaborative celebration of coastal heritage and dune landscapes.
What are we doing?
At Dynamic Dunescapes, one of our core aims is to celebrate and promote our coastal heritage, and to shine a spotlight on sand dunes for all their beauty, for their role in our history books, and their importance to coastal communities.
As sea shanties took the popular music industry and social media by storm last year, some of our brilliant team up on the north west coast of England had the idea to write a dune-inspired shanty. We often hear shanties of sea-faring voyages, but few celebrate these beautiful coastal habitats.
And so, the lyrics for 'Dynamic Dunes' were written, set the tune of 'Wellerman'!
Now, we're inviting sea shanty groups and choirs all across the UK to be part of a community arts project - a collaborative digital performance of the shanty, celebrating you as much as our dunes.
How can you get involved?
We need you to dust off your vocal chords, gather your shanty group or singing community or choir (or perform solo!), and send us a video of you singing Dynamic Dunes to the tune of Wellerman.
Sing in your local hall, perform a verse by the sea or belt it out in your bedroom - whatever you like, we're excited to see and hear it. Create your own harmonies to suit your group, and have fun with it!
- You can download the lyrics to 'Dynamic Dunes' here.
- You can listen to Steve, who helped write it, singing a draft of 'Dynamic Dunes' here, to guide your timings. Please follow the tune of Wellerman for your recordings.
- You can listen to Wellerman, on which the tune is based, here.
When we've gathered everyone's submissions, we'll pull them all together and create a collaborative video, shining a spotlight on all of you who contribute.
Please email Emma emma.brisdion@naturalengland.org.uk to register your interest, and to send your final video or audio files.
Deadline for files is 08/10/21
* By sending us your performance you agree to our privacy policy and shared media terms of use.
Click to listen to Wellerman, by Nathan Evans, for the tune of 'Dynamic Dunes'.
Dynamic Dunes Sea Shanty Lyrics (To the tune of Wellerman)
Verse 1
Sand dune walks friends and me - oh how happy we will be
And all of this we enjoy for free in Dynamic Dunes
Chorus
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 2 and chorus
Sometimes we do a litter pick – coz we like to take care of it
Other times we just sit and think and contemplate the world
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 3 and chorus
I luv to watch the oystercatcher, I run fast - but he flies faster
Handsome bird on the wing just makes me want to sing
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 4 and chorus
Sand dunes are a special place – benefit the whole human race
Some actively participate, some just take in the views
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 5 and chorus
Spring, summer, autumn, fall - no favourite season I luv’em all
Cacophony of summer crowds or a winter curlews call
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 6 and chorus
Sun on yer face wind in yer hair – come everyone get yer share
Sand dunes welcome all of us – but please treat them with care
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 7 and chorus
Then when we’ve had our fill - we’ll thank Mother Nature for her pill
And amble home with thoughts to come of filling up our tums
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes
Verse 8 and chorus
Memories of a howling gale - will add spice to our winter’s tale
When sitting by an open fire - we sup sugared tea and rum
Who care’s the weather to come - we’ll join our friends and away we’ll run
Off now to be a beach bum – to enjoy dynamic dunes