12 Days of Christmas
Ye Banished Privateers Lyrics

In the opening verse of Ye Banished Privateers' song "12 Days of Christmas," the singer sets the scene by recounting the gifts given by their captain during the holiday season. We are told that on the first day of Christmas, the captain presents them with a ship, a symbolic representation of freedom and adventure. This gift signifies the beginning of their journey and sets the tone for the rest of the song.

As the song progresses, the lyrics take a humorous and imaginative turn. On the second day of Christmas, the captain gifts them two salty rats, perhaps showcasing the unconventional nature of the crew and the unpredictable companions they encounter on their voyage. The third day brings three scurvy dogs, emphasizing the rough and wild nature of their lives at sea.

With each subsequent day, the presents become increasingly quirky and eccentric. The mention of four wooden legs on the fourth day reinforces the image of pirates, who may have lost limbs in their sea-faring pursuits. The fifth day introduces a significant item in pirate folklore: FIVE YARS OF RUM. This gift represents comradeship and celebration, as rum has long been associated with the camaraderie and revelry of pirate life.

The remaining verses of the song continue to paint a vivid picture of pirate activities. The sixth day introduces six deckhands drinking, highlighting the infamous reputation of pirates for indulging in alcohol. The seventh day references seven seas a-storming, underscoring the thrilling and sometimes dangerous nature of their voyages across vast oceans. The eighth day describes eight dead men dancing, a macabre scene that adds a touch of darkness to the song.

On the ninth day, the lyrics describe nine cat tails whipping, suggesting the possibility of punishment or discipline aboard the ship. The tenth day brings ten sails a-setting, emphasizing the image of a pirate ship in full sail, ready to conquer new horizons. On the eleventh day, we hear eleven cannons cursing, a powerful image highlighting the pirate's weaponry and readiness for battle.

Finally, on the twelfth day, the lyrics describe twelve pirates brawling. This imagery evokes the rowdy and chaotic nature of pirate life, where conflicts and skirmishes are common. The song ultimately concludes with the mention of a gangplank for setting the singer free, symbolizing the longing for freedom from the confines of the ship and the desire to pursue their own destiny.

Overall, Ye Banished Privateers' "12 Days of Christmas" is a whimsical and entertaining song that takes the traditional holiday tune and transforms it into a tale of pirate adventures and the unique gifts received by the crew during their time at sea. The lyrics blend humor, imagination, and a touch of darkness to create a vibrant and vivid picture of the pirate lifestyle.