What Do You Do to a Drunken Sailor?
Contents
A Historical Look at the Origins of the Song
The traditional sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a beloved classic for generations. The song’s origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have been written in the 19th century by British or American sailors. The lyrics tell the story of a group of sailors who find themselves dealing with a drunk crew member and must decide what to do with him. In this article, we’ll explore the different approaches the sailors in the song suggest and delve into the real-life methods used to deal with drunk sailors in the past and present.
Approaches to Handling a Drunken Sailor
The song suggests several approaches to handling a drunken sailor, including:
- Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This method is more humorous than practical. It’s unlikely that shaving someone’s belly with a rusty razor would be effective or safe.
- Make him walk the plank: This method is purely fictional and would not be considered a real-life solution to dealing with a drunken sailor.
- Put him in the long boat until his sober: This method involves putting the sailor in a small boat until he becomes sober. This could be a practical approach if the sailor is in no danger and the situation can be managed.
- Make him kiss the queen’s picture: This method is a form of humiliation, and while it might have been used in the past, it’s not a recommended approach in today’s society.
- Take him down to Wilmington: Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina, and taking a drunken sailor there could be a practical solution if he needs medical attention or to be transported back to his ship.
- Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter: This method is another form of humiliation and not a recommended approach in today’s society.
Real-Life Methods for Dealing with Drunk Sailors
In reality, there are several approaches to handling a drunken sailor. These may include:
- Monitoring his condition: Keep a close eye on the sailor’s condition to ensure he’s not a danger to himself or others.
- Providing medical attention: If the sailor is severely intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to provide medical attention as soon as possible.
- Isolating him from the rest of the crew: To avoid disruptions and ensure the safety of the rest of the crew, it may be necessary to isolate the drunken sailor.
- Removing him from the vessel: In extreme cases, it may be necessary to remove the drunken sailor from the vessel to prevent accidents or ensure the safety of the rest of the crew.
- Counseling and rehabilitation: In many cases, a drunken sailor may be struggling with addiction. Providing counseling and rehabilitation services can help the sailor overcome their addiction and become a productive member of the crew.
The Legal Implications of Handling a Drunken Sailor
Handling a drunken sailor can also have legal implications. Laws regarding intoxication vary by country and region, but generally, a person who is severely intoxicated and posing a risk to themselves or others can be subject to legal action.
In the United States, for example, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card program requires commercial fishermen and other maritime workers to undergo random drug and alcohol testing. Maritime employers are also required to maintain a drug and alcohol testing program to ensure a safe and sober workforce.
A Final Look at the Song’s Legacy
Despite its age, "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" remains a beloved classic, and its catchy melody and humorous lyrics have been enjoyed by generations of sailors and non-sailors alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of folk and maritime music.
Here’s a list of the different ways to handle a drunken sailor mentioned in the song:
• Shave his belly with a rusty razor
• Make him walk the plank
• Put him in the long boat until his sober
• Make him kiss the queen’s picture
• Take him down to Wilmington
• Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter
And here’s a table comparing the different approaches to handling a drunken sailor:
| Approach | Practicality | Effectiveness | Humiliation | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shave his belly with a rusty razor | – | – | Yes | – |
| Make him walk the plank | – | – | Yes | – |
| Put him in the long boat until his sober | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| Make him kiss the queen’s picture | – | – | Yes | – |
| Take him down to Wilmington | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter | – | – | Yes | – |
In conclusion, "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a timeless song that has been enjoyed by generations of sailors and non-sailors alike. While the song’s lyrics offer several humorous approaches to handling a drunken sailor, real-life methods may be more practical and effective.
