Quote Meaning - I’ve always loved the songs of the sea. I was first introduced to them back in 1957, at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I used to go to Pete Seeger concerts, and he would do songs like ‘Ruben Ranzo’ and talk about how the sailors sang songs to do their work – to raise the anchors, pull up the sails and that sort of thing.

" I’ve always loved the songs of the sea. I was first introduced to them back in 1957, at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I used to go to Pete Seeger concerts, and he would do songs like ‘Ruben Ranzo’ and talk about how the sailors sang songs to do their work – to raise the anchors, pull up the sails and that sort of thing. "
- Roger McGuinn

In the quote, Roger McGuinn reminisces about his early exposure to maritime songs through folk music concerts in the late 1950s. He recalls attending performances by Pete Seeger and enjoying traditional sailor tunes such as "Ruben Ranzo," which taught him how sailors used music to coordinate their work activities on ships.

This quote delves into the cultural significance of sea shanties, highlighting not only their entertainment value but also their practical function in shipboard tasks. By using songs like "Ruben Ranzo" and others, sailors could synchronize their efforts when performing physically demanding jobs such as raising anchors or hoisting sails. This underscores the interconnectedness between music and labor, illustrating how art can serve a utilitarian purpose while also preserving cultural heritage.

The speaker of this quote is Roger McGuinn, an American singer-songwriter best known for his work with the folk rock band The Byrds during the 1960s. His reflection on sea songs shows not only his appreciation for traditional music but also hints at how these experiences may have influenced his musical career and style.