The Michelson Song

During the age of sailing ships sea shanties, or nautical work songs, were sung by sailors while going about their shipboard labors. Aboard survey ship USNS Michelson both the Navy personnel and oceanographers could be found singing improvised lyrics to the melodies of popular songs of the time.

What better way to spend a midwatch than breaking into a cheerful song while running a survey line at three o'clock in the morning?

This little snippet of song was originated by one of the oceanographers just prior to the ship's arrival at Barcelona:



Other early 1960's Michelson songs included "Where Would We Be Without Loran C", in praise to of the radio navaid that provided control for the surveys.

"My Lorac Won't Come Back" was the lament for yet another navaid, regrettably prone to losing lane count, getting us lost at sea.