What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?
The classic sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a staple of nautical culture for centuries. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a beloved favorite among sailors, musicians, and music enthusiasts alike. But have you ever stopped to think about what the song is actually asking? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and meaning behind the lyrics, and explore the various interpretations and traditions surrounding this iconic sea song.
The Origins of the Song
The exact origins of "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. The song is thought to have been written by British or American sailors, and was likely inspired by the widespread problem of drunkenness on ships during the Age of Sail.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are a series of questions, each one asking what to do with a sailor who is drunk and disorderly. The chorus, sung to the tune of a repetitive melody, asks the question:
"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
What shall we do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?"
Interpretations and Traditions
So, what shall we do with a drunken sailor? Over the years, the song has spawned a variety of interpretations and traditions. Here are a few examples:
• Physical Punishment: In some versions of the song, the answer to the question is a physical punishment, such as:
"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Early in the morning!"
• Humorous Solutions: In other versions, the solution is more humorous, such as:
"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
Make him walk the plank, and send him to Davy Jones,
Early in the morning!"
• Sympathetic Solutions: Some versions of the song offer more sympathetic solutions, such as:
"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
Give him a hand to steady him,
Early in the morning!"
• Musical Traditions: The song has also spawned a variety of musical traditions. For example, some versions feature a series of "call-and-response" choruses, where one singer asks the question and another singer responds with a solution. Other versions feature instrumental breaks, or incorporate other musical elements such as harmonies or solos.
Table of Variations
Here is a table summarizing some of the different variations of the song:
| Solution | Example | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Punishment | Shave his belly with a rusty razor | ||
| Humorous Solutions | Make him walk the plank, and send him to Davy Jones | ||
| Sympathetic Solutions | Give him a hand to steady him | ||
| Musical Traditions | Call-and-response choruses | Harmonies | Solos |
Conclusion
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been a staple of nautical culture for centuries. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a beloved favorite among sailors, musicians, and music enthusiasts alike. But beneath its catchy surface, the song is asking a serious question: what shall we do with a drunken sailor? Over the years, the song has spawned a variety of interpretations and traditions, from physical punishment to sympathetic solutions. Whether you’re a sailor, a musician, or just a music lover, "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a song that is sure to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step.
Appendix
Here are some additional resources and references for further reading:
- Sheet Music: You can find sheet music for "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" at various online music stores and libraries.
- Lyrics: You can find lyrics for the song at various online lyrics databases and websites.
- Recordings: You can find recordings of the song at various online music streaming services and archives.
- History: You can find historical information about the song and its origins at various online archives and history websites.
