What do u do with a drunken sailor lyrics?

What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?

The timeless sea shanty, "What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a popular favorite among sailors and musicians for centuries. But have you ever wondered what the answer is? This article delves into the history of the song, its possible origins, and the meaning behind the lyrics.

**The Origin of the Song

The exact origin of "What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in the United Kingdom or the United States. The song is thought to have evolved from earlier shanties, such as "Drunk as a Sailor," which dates back to the 17th century. The lyrics of these early shanties shared similar themes, including complaints about drunken sailors and attempts to sober them up.

**The Lyrics Explained

The traditional lyrics of "What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are:

What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?

Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning.

The first line asks the question "What do you do with a drunken sailor?" and the remaining lines provide the answer in a series of humorous and often absurd responses.

**A Closer Look at the Lyrics

Let’s break down each line of the lyrics to understand the meaning behind the song:

• Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This line is often interpreted as a humorous way of saying "try to sober him up" or "get rid of his excess energy."
• Early in the morning: This line could be seen as a plea to the listener to come to the aid of the drunken sailor as soon as possible, perhaps before his behavior becomes more destructive.

**History of the Song

"What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" became a popular song among sailors in the mid-19th century. During this time, sailors used shanties like this one to work together to perform tasks, such as hauling and lifting, during long voyages. Shanties provided a rhythm and a distraction from the monotony of the task at hand. As the Industrial Revolution took over, the use of shanties on ships became less common, but the song remained popular among sea-faring enthusiasts.

**Meaning Behind the Song

So, what does the song actually mean? Some interpretations suggest that the song is meant to be humorous, using the absurdity of shaving a drunken sailor’s belly with a rusty razor as a way to poke fun at the absurdity of the situation. Others see the song as a commentary on the harsh reality of life at sea, where sailors often had limited access to entertainment and resort to singing to pass the time.

**Cultural Significance

The song has transcended its origins as a sea shanty to become a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, "What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been covered by countless musicians, from traditional folk to rock and pop. It has also appeared in countless films, television shows, and stage productions.

Here’s a table comparing some of the most famous covers of the song:

**Conclusion

"What Do U Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is more than just a catchy sea shanty – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has become a part of our collective consciousness. The song has been interpreted and re-interpreted over the years, but at its heart, it’s a testament to the power of music to bring people together. So next time you find yourself asking "What do you do with a drunken sailor?", remember that the answer lies in the absurdity of the song itself.