Drunken Sailor: The Classic Sea Shanty Lyrics

Ahoy there, me hearties! Let's talk about one of the most iconic sea shanties out there: "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" This tune is more than just a catchy melody; it's a piece of maritime history, a rollicking good time, and a peek into the rough-and-tumble lives of sailors back in the day. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just someone who enjoys a good singalong, the lyrics to "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" are sure to get your toes tapping. We're going to dive deep into the verses, explore the origins of this beloved shanty, and maybe even learn a thing or two about life at sea. So, grab a mug of whatever you fancy, and let's set sail on this lyrical adventure!

The Core of the Shanty: What to Do with the Drunken Sailor?

The central question of the song, "What shall we do with the drunken sailor, early in the morning?" is the hook that pulls you in. It's a straightforward query, reflecting the immediate, practical problems sailors faced. When a crew member was too inebriated to perform their duties, especially when the ship was in motion or facing potential danger, it wasn't just a personal issue; it was a threat to the entire ship. The "early in the morning" part adds a layer of urgency – duties needed to be done, and a hungover sailor was a liability. The beauty of the lyrics lies in their simplicity and the variety of solutions proposed, each more outlandish than the last. These aren't suggestions for a gentle wake-up call; they are often harsh, humorous, and designed to shock the sailor back to sobriety (or at least to a state where they can function). Think of it as a very early form of hazing, or perhaps just a way to blow off steam after long, arduous voyages. The repetition of the chorus, coupled with the escalating suggestions, builds a sense of shared experience and communal problem-solving, even if the problem is a bit unconventional.

Classic Verses and Their Meanings

Let's break down some of the most common verses you'll hear when people sing "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" Each verse offers a different, often comical, solution:

• "Put him in the longboat till he's sober": This is one of the milder suggestions. The longboat was a large boat carried on a ship, often used for rowing to shore. Being stuck in it, exposed to the elements, would certainly be an uncomfortable way to regain one's senses. It's a way of isolating the problem sailor without causing permanent harm.

• "Shave his belly with a rusty razor": Now we're getting a bit more intense! This is a vivid and rather painful image. A rusty razor implies a lack of care and hygiene, making the act even more unpleasant. It's meant to be a sharp, stinging reminder of the consequences of excessive drinking. The imagery here is designed to be memorable and slightly gruesome, adding to the dark humor of the shanty.

• "Put him in the scuppers with a hosepipe on him": Scuppers are openings in the ship's side to allow water to run off the deck. Being placed there, especially with a cold jet of water from a hosepipe, would be a rude and chilling awakening. It's a more direct and forceful method than the longboat, designed to physically shock the sailor out of their stupor.

• "Heave him by the leg in a running bowline": This is a particularly dangerous suggestion. A bowline is a type of knot, and a running bowline tightens as it's pulled. Hoisting someone by the leg with such a knot would be excruciatingly painful and potentially dislocating. It highlights the extreme measures that might be contemplated, even if only in jest, when dealing with a severely incapacitated crewmate.

• "Put him in bed with the captain's daughter": This verse adds a touch of scandalous humor. While likely not a literal suggestion, it plays on the social hierarchies and romantic entanglements that could occur on a ship. It's a way to introduce a different kind of consequence, one that involves social embarrassment or even potential disciplinary action from the captain. This verse often gets a chuckle because it injects a bit of risqué fun into the otherwise practical (and painful) solutions.

These are just a few examples, and over time, people have added countless other verses, making the shanty a living, evolving piece of folklore. The key is the call-and-response structure, where the leader sings a line, and the crew responds with the chorus. This participatory element is what made shanties so effective in coordinating work.

The Purpose of Sea Shanties

Now, you might be wondering, why all the fuss about a drunken sailor? Sea shanties, guys, were the working music of sailors. They weren't just for entertainment; they were functional. When you're hauling heavy ropes, raising anchors, or pumping bilge water, you need rhythm. A shanty provided that rhythm, allowing the crew to synchronize their efforts, making the arduous tasks more efficient and less physically demanding. The strong, repetitive beat helped prevent injuries and kept morale high during long, monotonous voyages. The lead singer (the shantyman) would improvise verses, often based on recent events, gossip, or humorous situations, keeping the crew engaged. The chorus was usually sung with full force by the entire crew, providing the necessary power for the work.

"What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" is a perfect example of a "halyard shanty" or "hauling shanty," used specifically for tasks that required a strong, unified pull. The "heave ho!" or "way-hey!" type of refrains were designed to coincide with the physical exertion. So, while the lyrics might seem silly or harsh today, they served a vital purpose in the demanding environment of a sailing ship. Understanding this context makes the shanty even more fascinating, revealing the ingenuity and resilience of sailors.

Origins and History

The exact origins of "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" are a bit murky, as is the case with many folk songs. However, it's widely believed to have emerged sometime in the 19th century, likely in Britain or North America. The lyrics suggest a period when sailing ships were the primary means of international transport and trade, a time before steam power took over. The themes of naval discipline, the harsh realities of sea life, and the camaraderie among sailors are all reflected in the song. The enduring popularity of this shanty speaks to its timeless themes and its infectious, participatory nature. It has been passed down through generations, adapted by countless musicians, and continues to be a staple at folk festivals, pubs, and even maritime reenactments. It’s a song that truly embodies the spirit of the sea.

Why It Still Rocks Today

So, why does this old sea shanty still resonate with us today? For starters, it's incredibly catchy. The melody is simple, memorable, and easy to learn, making it a perfect song for group singing. The call-and-response format invites everyone to join in, fostering a sense of community and shared fun. It taps into a primal urge to sing together, to create something loud and boisterous as a group. Furthermore, the lyrics, while perhaps a bit dated in their specific solutions, touch on universal themes of dealing with difficult or inconvenient situations, albeit in a humorous and exaggerated way. There's a certain charm in its directness and its lack of pretension. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s a reminder of a different era, a time of adventure and hardship, and it allows us to connect with that history in a fun and accessible way. Whether you're singing it ironically at a party or genuinely appreciating its history, "What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?" remains a beloved classic for good reason. It’s a testament to the power of music to tell stories, unite people, and survive the test of time. So next time you hear it, don't just sing along – think about the hands that hauled the ropes to its beat, the voices that bellowed its chorus, and the spirit of the sailors who kept this song alive. It’s more than just lyrics, guys; it’s a piece of history sung aloud!