Boatman’s Work Song

Origin of Boatman's Work Song

The part of Yangtze River from Chongqing to Wushan County has many reefs, rapids and showls. The waterway is extremely narrow. Before the liberation of China, the boats and ships cruising through this part were pushed forward by man or towed to cruise by boat trackers. Towing a boat requires at least dozens of boat trackers. So, the movement must be synchronized by a song. The work song sung by boat trackers is Boatman's Work Song. It is not just a work song or an order. It also can reflect the life background of the people.

Different Types of Boatman's Work Song

According to different conditions of a river, different danger levels of the rapids and showls and different paddle rhythms, the work song can be composed with different beats, tones and emotions. For example, boat trackers will sing "Moyue Work Song" or "Dragon Boat Work Song" when the boat cruise downstream. This kind of work songs is light which can relieve the pressure of boat trackers. They will sing "Jiaochuan Work Song" or "Jiaojia Work Song" when the boat needs to pass the rapids. This kind of work songs is intense and powerful. Through a long time of development, different Work Songs has come into being. The work songs bring happiness to the boat trackers when they are tired of hard work.

Culture of Boatman's Work Song

The abundant lyrics of work songs are usually created with place names, local products, history and cultural landscapes. People can also get knowledge while they listen to the exquisite music.

Circumstances change with the passage of time. The big wooden boats with white sails are replaced by large ships. The Boatman's Work Song also disappears. But, many artists write out lots of new songs based on these traditional work songs.