The song "Coast of High Barbary" is a traditional sea shanty that has been covered by various artists, including Joseph Arthur. It tells the story of two ships, the Prince of Luther and the Prince of Wales, sailing along the coast of High Barbary. The lyrics describe the sailors on board the ships, with the bosun (boatswain) giving commands and the captain keeping a lookout. As they sail, they spot another ship approaching, and the captain hails it to determine its identity. The sailors on the other ship reveal themselves to be pirates, seeking their own gain. A battle ensues between the pirate ship and the Prince of Luther, with both sides exchanging gunfire. Eventually, the Prince of Luther successfully destroys the pirate ship's mast, crippling their ability to fight. The defeated pirates then plead for mercy, offering to surrender. However, instead of granting them quarter (mercy), the sailors of the Prince of Luther choose to sink the pirate ship, thereby eliminating the threat they posed. The song celebrates the bravery and victory of the sailors aboard the Prince of Luther as they defend themselves against pirates. It also captures the dangerous and adventurous nature of life at sea during that time period.
