John B. Sails (Sloop John B.)

Song Information

Composer: Traditional

Lyric Author: Traditional

Published: Late 19th Century

Country of origin: Bahamas

General Interest

You’ll recognize this song from its most famous cover by the Beach Boys, under the name “Sloop John B”.

A traditional folk song from Nassau in the Bahamas, it was first documented in the very early 20th century, but it is believed to have first originated in the latter part of the 19th century.

The Bahamas is an island state consisting of over 700 islands, North of Cuba, and South East of Florida. The Bahamas were a popular port for trans-atlantic sailors.

Here's a link to the Lyric:

John B Sails Lyric

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