They're heavily designed for community building. The call/response format means it's easy to join after hearing it once or twice. The lyrics are usually a limer

They're heavily designed for community building. The call/response format means it's easy to join after hearing it once or twice. The lyrics are usually a limerick of sorts, and the chorus never changes. The tune is designed to carry itself without musical accompaniment, has limited range, and is easy to harmonize with. The coarse lyrics about various hardships and simple tune almost lend itself to voices that aren't particularly sweet, and that gives it a charming character of it's own. Now, given that people have been quarantined for months on end, sea shanties are a drop in for a want for community.