What Can You Do with a Drunken Sailor?
The Origin of the Song
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a traditional sea shanty that has been sung by sailors for centuries. The exact origin of the song is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 19th century. The song was used as a way for sailors to communicate while performing tasks such as lifting, hauling, and pumping. The song’s catchy melody and repetitive lyrics made it easy for sailors to join in and sing together, which helped to build camaraderie and make the tasks more enjoyable.
What Can You Do with a Drunken Sailor?
So, what can you do with a drunken sailor? Well, according to the song, there are several options. Here are a few:
• Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This option is often seen as a humorous way to handle a drunken sailor. It’s a play on words, as shaving a sailor’s belly would be an unusual and unlikely task. However, in the 19th century, shaving was a common practice, and sailors often used straight razors.
• Put him in the bed with the captain’s daughter: This option is often seen as a romantic one. It implies that the drunken sailor could be taken to the captain’s quarters and left in the bed with the captain’s daughter. This would be a bold move, but it’s unlikely to be taken seriously.
• Stick him in the scuppers with a hosepipe bottom: This option is often seen as a harsh one. The scuppers are holes in the deck of a ship that allow water to drain. A hosepipe bottom would be a difficult and unpleasant place to end up. This option implies that the drunken sailor needs to be punished for his behavior.
The Various Meanings of the Song
So, what is the song really about? There are several theories. Here are a few:
• It’s just a joke: Some people believe that the song is simply a joke, a humorous way to poke fun at the idea of dealing with a drunken sailor. The lyrics are meant to be funny, and the options are not meant to be taken literally.
• It’s a commentary on social class: Others believe that the song is a commentary on social class. In the 19th century, sailors were at the bottom of the social ladder, and the captain’s daughter was at the top. The song could be seen as a commentary on the power dynamics between these two groups.
• It’s a warning about the dangers of drink: Some people believe that the song is a warning about the dangers of drink. In the 19th century, drunkenness was a major problem among sailors, and the song could be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking.
Table: The Different Meanings of the Song
| Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|
| It’s just a joke | The song is meant to be humorous, and the options are not meant to be taken literally. |
| It’s a commentary on social class | The song is a commentary on the power dynamics between sailors and the captain’s daughter. |
| It’s a warning about the dangers of drink | The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking. |
The Legacy of the Song
The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, including traditional folk singers and rock bands. It has also been used in various contexts, such as in musicals and films. Here are a few examples:
• The song has been used in musicals: The song has been used in several musicals, including "South Pacific" and "Guys and Dolls".
• The song has been used in films: The song has been used in several films, including "The Pirates of Penzance" and "MAS*H".
• The song has been used in advertising: The song has been used in several advertising campaigns, including a famous commercial for beer.
Conclusion
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a traditional sea shanty that has been sung by sailors for centuries. The song is a commentary on social class, a warning about the dangers of drink, and a humorous way to poke fun at the idea of dealing with a drunken sailor. The song has been recorded by many artists and used in various contexts, including musicals and films.
