An Easter Sea Shanty

One of the joys of my role is being invited to lead assemblies and seasonal church services for pupils and teachers at Dunbar Primary School. I made this adaptation of the Wellerman sea shanty for their Easter service as one way of sharing the Easter story.

The song uses my lyrics with images kindly shared in a ministry resources group I’m involved in. COVID has helped me to realise the value of collaboration… Sharing is caring!

Feel free to use and/or adapt this freely for your own context. I hope you enjoy it!

There was a time God came from above

In the form of a man, full of love.

Forgiving sins and healing pain,

Jesus is his name.

Refrain:

At Easter time we remember when

Jesus died and rose again.

Giving life, bringing hope,

The love of Jesus wins!

Though Jesus was a very good guy,

His enemies wanted him to die.

They made up stories,

Told some lies 

And plotted how to kill him.

Jesus had a meal with friends,

Told them he’d be leaving them.

They ate some bread and drank some wine

To remember Jesus loved them.

Something happened, very sad

One of Jesus’ friends turned bad.

Took a bribe from Jesus enemies.

Betrayed him to the Romans.

Roman guards locked Jesus away.

His friends were all too scared to stay.

Jesus faced his trial alone.

He was wrongfully condemned.

Jesus knew that he would die.

He prayed to God and questioned why.

Hung on a cross and crucified,

He cried out “It is finished.”

His body in a stone cold tomb. 

His friends were grieving, filled with gloom,

But on Sunday morning Mary found

Jesus’ grave was empty!

God brought Jesus back to life

To overcome our sin and strife.

He brings us hope 

and gives us life.

He offers new beginnings!