Port Damali - A Critical Role Inspired Sea Shanty (Lyric Video)

[@GinnyDi]

The rhyme scheme and rhythm of this song is so dang original, I don't know how you can create so many sea shanties that all sound fully within their own canon but also each have their own unique sound!! You're a MASTER 🙏

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much Ginny, this one's a year in the making so it had extra time to steep!

[@Cruxador]

The rhythm is so "original" that I can't hear how it could actually work as a shanty.

[@welshkorgi]

@@Cruxador it's like 2 shanties were combined, good song but I agree too complex to be a shanty

[@MiniCerberus991]

@@Cruxador the chorus is easy enough to remember, so the whole crew could sing along. the verses are just simple enough that it could easily be understood over the waves. and it sounds like something sailors would sing. so sea shanty

[@Cruxador]

@@MiniCerberus991 A shanty isn't just something sailors sing together. The whole point is you haul line to it, it needs a simple and clear rhythm so everyone can synch up easily. If you're not hauling in synch, you're just messing each other up, and sail on an old tall ship is too heavy for one person. Also waves aren't loud.

[@ferfer4410]

THIS BUT WITH ORLY PLAYING HIS BAGPIPES

[@rmorganslade]

Omg YES

[@haley9976]

This HAS to be featured in Fjord's intro if The Mighty Nein ever gets an animated series. Like the first you see of him on screen is him hanging off a rope ladder on the mast of a giant ship, looking off on the horizon as he sails into Port Damali? I would die.

[@rmorganslade]

I too would fail my first death save

[@Neutral_Tired]

he gets the Jack Sparrow intro, just steps off the mast onto the dock as the ship sinks

[@donjonmastergaming5911]

This would be amazing

[@HAT782]

@@Neutral_Tired yes..... yes please

[@ngtotd2462]

I personally want this to be playing as the ship sails away and enters a montage of sailing. The songs final section is as Fjord steps into the powder room to find Sabien. Then replace the thunder at the end with the ship exploding.

[@SKPetel]

Can we please have a Orly sea shanty with bagpipes? I need this in my life

[@mathewadams2929]

"Every lover trades hope for betrayal" Congratulations, you win!

[@seanmurphy3430]

The line "Cause the treasure we chase is our widow's embrace" is really good. It conveys such a strong sense of tragic irony in just a few words, it gets me every time I hear it.

[@rmorganslade]

That means a lot, thank you I was super proud of how that verse came together. Especially since the Widow’s Embrace also has added significance in CR canon!

[@variantdm5774]

Critical role and sea shanties have arrived ):)

[@CydonianKryptid]

I dont know how you have find this niche of cr sea sheanties but you are definetly the best at it

[@je5631]

i know this is a year old comment from you, sorry if this is weird, but i just want to say i never thought i'd find a fellow critter that also likes starkid- hell yeah dude

[@kindafrenchbaguette6998]

I know this was also two months ago, but, hi! I am also a critter who loves starkid. There are more of us than you think!

[@verysaltykryptonite8593]

all snea snakes gather round! yo ho ho and an endless flask of rum!

[@dergartenzwergvonnebenan]

To all the Zemnians/Germans here!!! I made a German version to use in my campaign (if you have feedback for improvement, please comment). Jeder Seemann verlässt die Stadt strahlend Jede Geliebte schläft schlecht und mit Angst, dass sie uns nie mehr sehen oder wir untergehen, Wenn wir auslaufen aus Port Damali. Und wir sing‘: Ho, wir sind nicht hier für euch gebt uns bloß jenes Gold, dass ihr wollt und wir ziehen hinfort Reicht uns die Schlüssel zum Schatz und wir machen euch Platz Keine Reu‘ Port Damali Jeder Seeman tauscht Komfort für Ehre Jede Geliebte tauscht Hoffnung für Betrug denn der Käpt‘n sagt fort mit Ablenkung an Bord Wenn wir auslaufen aus Port Damali Und wir sing‘: Ho, wir sind nicht hier für euch gebt uns bloß jenes Gold, dass ihr wollt und wir ziehen hinfort Reicht uns die Schlüssel zum Schatz und wir machen euch Platz Keine Reu‘ Port Damali Jeder Seeman ‘s ne Kart‘ ohne Zielpunkt Jede Geliebte ne verlassene Ex Denn wir springen ins Boot, suchen den sich‘ren Tod. Wenn wir auslaufen aus Port Damali Und wir sing‘: Ho, wir sind nicht hier für euch gebt uns bloß jenes Gold, dass ihr wollt und wir ziehen hinfort Reicht uns die Schlüssel zum Schatz und wir machen euch Platz Keine Reu‘ Port Damali Jedes Seemans Herz sinkt in den Abgrund Jede Geliebte weint über sei‘m Grab Denn der Schatz, den wir suchen, ist der Witwen ihr Schluchzen Wenn wir auslaufen aus Port Damali Und wir sing‘: Ho, wir sind nicht hier für euch gebt uns bloß jenes Gold, dass ihr wollt und wir ziehen hinfort Reicht uns die Schlüssel zum Schatz und wir machen euch Platz Keine Reu‘ Port Damali Jeder Seemann verlässt die Stadt strahlend Jede Geliebte schläft schlecht und mit Angst, dass sie uns nie mehr sehen oder wir untergehen, Wenn wir auslaufen aus Port Damali.

[@rmorganslade]

THAT’S SO AWESOME!!!

[@FeyzaOnay]

Wow!!! That’s amazing!!

[@toriand13]

I love these songs sm. They root wildmount into this really cool reality. Like a world that actually has a living, breathing culture and it’s just so cool

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much 😊

[@callmemxculture]

This piece inspired me to rewrite elements of my homebrew world's history to incorporate Port Damali into it, specifically this shanty. Absolutely obsessed with it!

[@rmorganslade]

That’s such an honour, wow thank you!

[@Phantomsbreath]

I, for the record, did the same, though all I did was borrow the name. Because my GOD that's a good name for a town

[@FictionRaider007]

I am consistently impressed with the talent of the critters out there.

[@tremendosour99]

Adding this to my playlist for a future Wildmount/Saltmarsh campaign! Brilliant work :)

[@rmorganslade]

Awesome to know it’ll be part of your game!!

[@UsagiOhkami]

I love this so much! In the Wildemount campaign I'm in my character and their cousin are from Port Damali and this has been a great inspiration for me. I can now imagine our characters singing this together as they leave home for the first time, intent on adventure and glory.

[@rmorganslade]

That makes me sooo happy to hear omg!😱😁

[@ryangottlieb9939]

I just took this song and, changing the location from Port Damali to Jeopardy Bay (a place in Pathfinder's world Golarion), sang this in game as my bard pirate captain. I love this song.

[@rmorganslade]

YES singing it in-game is the dream I’m so glad it worked for you!

[@BLINDrOBOTFILMS]

My gaming group has a habit of getting drunk and singing sea shanties, so we may have to add this to the rotation.

[@rmorganslade]

YES DO IT 😆

[@zxenen]

i wanna be part of your gaming group :O

[@RSorei]

Oh heck yeah, this is so epic and unique and atmospheric!! Also, that particular shot you picked for the 'never come home' bit near the end feels eerily familiar... I see what you did there o_o

[@rmorganslade]

haha caught me :D I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@theofficerfactory2625]

I can imagine this being sung as the crews are busy pulling on the lines of the sails or lowering a boat to the water.

[@vlad_ap5313]

Hell, that was amazing! You know, I have been keeping an eye on you since right before you launched Alfield's Kin and man, you are incredible! It has been a while since any song actually touched me deep and wow. Just, wow. It is a real pity it takes long to compose such art, and I have no way to actually help to fund these. I have no income, actually. Though, if I had income, I would be willing to spare part of it to hear more of these unbelievable shanties. You deserve the best. Thank you, truly.

[@rmorganslade]

jvictorgm I really appreciate your kind words, thank you!!

[@vlad_ap5313]

@@rmorganslade I don't intend to bother by keeping commenting here, but there is one thing I believe should receive knowledge. Taking the first part of the shanty and slowly increasing the sounds of battle for it to culminate on such a final powerful moment... I was really hoping for something alike for the ending, and I was very pleased to see that I couldn't think about a better way to end this. I really am trying to understand how you make not only the moments of singing, but also the parts of silence have so much impact! Especially with Alfield's Kin. These long pauses on specific moments are so incredible! It has been some years since I last found something that could convey emotion through silence. Quite impressed. Also noticed that you have your own site and portfolio. I wonder why Alfield's Kin isn't there. But I am prolonging this too much. Just really happy to see such ability and technique. May the Traveler be with you. Good luck!

[@102gyrobowler]

I'm in love with this song. Cant stop listening to it.

[@rmorganslade]

Made my day, thank you!!

[@BlueVortecz]

If you think about it. The Gentleman is the Sailor, and The Ruby of the Sea is the lover.

[@rmorganslade]

Maybe maybe 🤔

[@fardareismai4495]

I love this song so much. There's such a sense of melancholy in it and it's very poetic! I've been listening to this on repeat until I knew the lyrics and now it just pops in my head so often. Such an atmospheric and beautiful song

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! ☺️🙏🏼

[@Arcyo]

The sea shanty hype brought me here, and I am pleased

[@rmorganslade]

Heart hands ☺️

[@AlmostOtaku7]

I can't believe I didn't see this the moment it came out! It's beautiful, and haunting, and fully cements the world of Wildmount as a believable place, with its own culture and songs and legends. Your voice is beautiful, I envy and adore your song-writing skills, and the waves to back up the track are just eerie enough and just comforting enough to fit any shanty situation. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us.

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much!!

[@Prottype]

This is the best sea shanty I have ever heard. Beautifully simple and relatable, but with very clever juxtapositions in the lines and an interesting rhyme and rhythm scheme... I just came to find information about Port Damali for my campaign and instead come back with a sea shanty to set the opening scene.

[@rmorganslade]

That means so much to me thank you! Smooth waters for your campaign!!

[@lynnwaterhouse2906]

Fucking amazing! this gave me chills and made me feel nostalgic for a place I've never been.

[@rmorganslade]

Lynn Waterhouse Thank you so much 😊

[@peachypauper]

I could imagine a widow from a distance, standing on a higher point of port damali as the sun sets. The wind blowing their hair as they see a storm coming in. Slowly singing this shanty alone as something calls to them from the sea. Something dark but inviting calling them. Take. Consume. Reward. Take. Consume. Reward. Take. Take. *Take.* Sksnjssjjs sorry I just love thinking of situations where this would be sung.

[@geniviv6101]

Thanks for the free backstory

[@DarkStarStudios]

Even just listening I felt my hand on my chest as I watched across the seas.... a proper destiny awaits shanty, me likey!

[@Nerdgirl00]

haunting and beautiful!

[@virgiljericho664]

the moral of this song is: The ocean isn’t for lovers

[@rmorganslade]

🤣

[@randyslicker]

I've started learning this to sneak into my genuine sea shanties.

[@luckyfluf0]

Just finished running the beginning of a pirate based game in Wildemount. Your song is helping inspire me for what should happen in my next session! And, of course, as always... Your songwriting is masterful and my bardic heart sings your praises! ^^

[@rmorganslade]

It’s the literal dream to have my music be part of others’ adventures, all the best to you and your table! 🙏🏼🏴‍☠️

[@malakai2046]

And now I'm inspired to work on a Swashbucker character even more. Love it.

[@anthonyorth6322]

Coming in a few years late, but this is just a solid shanty in an of itself. Campaign two is my hands down favorite, but even if I knew nothing of Critical Role or the world they play in, I think I'd still see myself singing along to this one.

[@rmorganslade]

That means the absolute world to me! Thank you for listening and your kind words! 🙏🏼😊

[@trrebi981]

Reminds me of singing sea shanties in JV choir back in middle school. Except this actually sounds good.

[@rochelleibarra5177]

This is awesome! Thank you for bringing sea shanties back into my life! Your songs are always amazing!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you for your kind words!! The world needs more shanties! 🌊🎵🐶🏴‍☠️🎶🌊

[@gracehagele5462]

Absolutely incredible as always! Love your music so much!💙

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you!!

[@TheLilDareDevil]

Have you tweeted this to the cast? I'm sure it would bring a smile to their faces in this trying time.

[@vlad_ap5313]

That would be a nice idea actually. I believe that they would really like it!

[@arcaneprofessor125]

These are always so good! Great job on making such amazing pieces.

[@rmorganslade]

Ashura013 _ Thank you Ashura! 😁

[@Lady_in_Yearning]

My favorite sea shanty ever, period

[@rmorganslade]

High praise, so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Harlizarrd]

Gonna try and introduce this to my shanty group next time I have the chance. Love it.

[@rmorganslade]

That’s wonderful to hear thank you!

[@libertystanavage5917]

This is lovely! I needed it today too. Thank you!

[@rmorganslade]

My pleasure!

[@jesterssketchbook]

niiiiceeee

[@sharksplaygames3699]

some one linked me this in the comments of the sea shanty critical role just released and i am SO SORRY i have not seen this sooner increadible work you should put the #criticalrole this deserves some more attention

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Hades8103]

This was amazing.....But I believe there is something that can be added: BAGPIPES!

[@greyhart2165]

Watching this with autogen subtitles is a gift.

[@rmorganslade]

🤣

[@disconnected7737]

Steady as she goes lads. Great work Morgan! I could live for a couple more dnd shanties.

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it! I’ve got a few more up, might be up your alley!

[@disconnected7737]

@@rmorganslade let's GOOOOOOOOOO

[@Linbleou]

Beautiful and sooo atmospheric

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🥰

[@GUARDIANKAYSA]

Out of the 3 available CR shanties, I think I like this one the best. Not sure if it's simply the beat of it or the fact that this shanty is based on a town that would have people singing/humming shanties as part of their normal daily routine.

[@lumberjack4206]

This deserves way more views. Come on fellow Critters.

[@rmorganslade]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@vickidagurk3773]

*THIS IS SO FREAKING COOL AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH*

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much!

[@Lucy.Valentine]

Ah that was so awesome!!!!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@vampirephychic]

This is now stuck in my head

[@JakePerryFilms]

What a time to be alive! Thank you for this glimmer of hope in these days.

[@rmorganslade]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@kaboomluong9373]

It's been a while, but still here.

[@ryangottlieb9939]

This is amazingly good.

[@rmorganslade]

Ryan Gottlieb I really appreciate that thank you!

[@MusicalMerle]

Even outside of the fact that this is the most wonderful fanmade thing I ever listened to, this is such a wonderful and smart piece of music! Feels so real. That arrangement is just beautiful, sir. No dislikes, that's how it should be!

[@rmorganslade]

I genuinely appreciate that a lot, thank you for the kind compliment, and for listening!

[@MusicalMerle]

@morganslade So... I sort of spontaneously made a cover. It's a widow's perspective on the leave of her sailor. You can find it here: soundcloud.com/merle-f-1/port-damali-a-widows-mourning-cover-by-merle Thanks again for the great music! Love to hear what you think :)

[@rmorganslade]

Sorry I just saw this - what a beautiful take!!

[@FeyzaOnay]

Amazing amazing work!!!!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! ⛵️🎵

[@sapphiredawn4321]

One of. The heros in a water campgian we did was a water gensai warlock of the old ones. His story was a human his ship was attacked left for dead and drowing he begged anyone to save him. Someone met his call and as life left him he awoke in a new body with a deal sealed

[@rmorganslade]

That sounds like a wild ride!

[@sapphiredawn4321]

@@rmorganslade we went all naval or amphibious water gensai warlock. Triton paladin conquest. Tortle life. Air gensai trickster rouge and a sea elf ranger. it was a quest to find altanis and stop a mad tyrant from gaing its power

[@ryanrhino2318]

so good

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you!

[@hungry0wl550]

OMG this is honestly amazing please do so many more critical role inspired shanties!!!!

[@rmorganslade]

Thanks Hungry Owl! I’ve got a few more on my KZbin channel and I’m working on a few more!

[@Anzy.99]

More as a Sailor Anthem than a Shanty, but so amazing!! I'm surprised I only found this now, but it makes sense, since I'm planning my campaign that will be set in Port Damali

[@rmorganslade]

I googled sailor anthem and it took me to shanty so I’m glad we both agree

[@kezzcardigan9298]

Great song!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you!!

[@trodin_6063]

An amazing song loved your work ever since I heard the one of advanticas crew hope you do one for the Town of Darktow

[@terry2295]

his voice is increadible

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you 🙏🏼 😊

[@bobothebee]

This is actually so fucking good dude, well done!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you!!

[@OmegaLittleBob]

Well that was pleasent :)

[@rmorganslade]

Thanks for listening!

[@MrsCrithammer]

This is amazing!! Fantastic job!

[@rmorganslade]

Thanks for listening!!

[@MrsCrithammer]

Thank you for putting your talent out there for all of us to enjoy ❤️

[@minervawantspizza8826]

Came from your ruby of the sea shanties, instantly subscribed. Beautiful shanties!!

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you so much, Dara!

[@somarilacey6365]

Yeas!!! I fucking love this

[@talscorner3696]

Loveleh!

[@LeftCatcher]

I love this song Arrrr! Avast matie!

[@rmorganslade]

YARR THANKS YA LEFT CATCHERRR

[@ChaseNoseworthy]

Huh. I found another critter musician who happens to use Jessica Nguyen's art for his thumbnails too lol I fucking love this brother - I'm imagining the opening of a movie based off of Fjord's storyline where it shows him and his old crew singing this song before he goes down to find Sabian sabotaging the ship

[@rmorganslade]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And yes Jessica’s an AMAZING artist, and I commissioned the art in the thumbnail from her. I love it so much!

[@ChaseNoseworthy]

@@rmorganslade Favorite critter artist by far, and maybe just favorite artist in general

[@kiracrowley9150]

Beautiful 😍

[@rmorganslade]

Thank you!! 🙏🏼

[@semperfiordie7]

Fuck this is good

[@freezingphoenix7512]

epic

[@dutchwhofian3234]

i.....i realy want you to do the Song of Dashilla the Dreadful from the wildemount book

[@rmorganslade]

No promises, but I’ll put it in the inspiration book!

[@sandorfalusi3486]

Did I hear that right? The thunder rumble and explosion right at the end from the C2 intro's beginning?

[@rmorganslade]

Just a coincidence unless they decided to use the same combo of GarageBand loops 😅

[@Hades8103]

The one dislike is the Turtle Dragon

[@annafantasia]

This is super cool! But were they pirates? I thought they were lawful sailors

[@rmorganslade]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@faesommers]

I love this! May I ask why the sheet music uses Alto clef instead of Treble?

[@rmorganslade]

Because I commissioned the sheet music transcription and since I write music by ear the sheet music is interpretive of the song is my best guess

[@joshwagner9519]

How do I pay for this.

[@rmorganslade]

It should be up on Spotify/iTunes/streaming etc in a few days!

[@benmiller537]

Coming back to watch this after the disappointment that was the "official" Critical Role Uk'atoah sea shanty

[@rmorganslade]

Happy to have you back but also I liked their shanty too!

[@damaliboyd553]

Beautiful song but it does feel odd hearing my name being sang. Definitely a first.

[@rmorganslade]

Haha first time for everything! 😂

[@vlad_ap5313]

Here I am again reading the new comments of this so unbelievably amazing song, as I do from times to times to ensure good comments receive some attention and to laugh at the jokes. But Morgan, I couldn't help but notice: did you reupload the song? The dates seem to be capped at 2 months and the dates are looking all wrong! Very interesting, to be honest. Either way, good luck. Hope to listen to more songs in the future, and most importantly, hope that you are going through as fine as you can. See ya!

[@rmorganslade]

Don't really know anything about the date stuff, didn't re-upload, but I did change the thumbnail cuz it looked too much like alfield's kin and I'm applying for partner, no worries!

[@theofficerfactory2625]

I found this thanks to Cami-cat.

[@rmorganslade]

Cami-cat’s cover made my whole year 🤩

[@JaelinBezel]

I don’t really believe travis wellingham’s dnd character predates this song

[@rmorganslade]

The best compliment right here 👆

[@fishiest3539]

Petition to add this to the Sea Shanties For Thots playlist