In 'Black Sails,' the quote 'Everyone is a monster to someone' reflects the lawless world of pirates. Composer Bear McCreary utilized the hurdy-gurdy as the primary instrument for this cinematic legend. To capture the grit of the 18th century, he avoided a clean orchestral sound, opting instead for the grinding, drone-heavy tones of this mechanical instrument. The hurdy-gurdy is played by turning a crank that rotates a wheel against strings, while keys are pressed to change the pitch. McCreary’s use of the instrument became a modern legend in television scoring, proving that the 'pirate sound' didn't have to rely on clichés like the accordion. The instrument's abrasive textures perfectly mirrored the lawless, seafaring life of the characters and their philosophical dialogue about survival and power.