The "her" being left is not a woman, but the ship. This shanty was traditionally sung when the ship was at port after it had docked. The shanty was also known as "Leave Her Bullies", "Time for Us to Leave Her". This song was used at the pumps, but it also served the purpose of the seamen airing their grievances (hence it being done at the end of a voyage). There were also several vulgar versions directed at the food and the owners which cannot be printed here.