What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?
The classic sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a staple of maritime culture for centuries. The song’s origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the 19th century, with various versions and adaptations emerging over the years. The song’s chorus, "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" has become a universal question, sparking debate and discussion among sailors, musicians, and landlubbers alike.
What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?
Before we dive into the possible answers, let’s consider the context. Sailors, especially those on long voyages, often turned to drink to alleviate the monotony and stress of life at sea. Booze was a way to unwind, socialize, and momentarily forget the hardships of the job. However, excessive drinking could lead to chaos, accidents, and even mutiny.
So, what do you do with a drunken sailor? Here are some possible answers:
- Leave him lay: One approach is to simply let the sailor sleep it off. After all, he’s not doing any harm, and the crew needs him to perform his duties eventually.
- Make him walk the plank: A more extreme solution, often depicted in cartoons and films, is to make the sailor walk the plank. This would be a dramatic and attention-grabbing way to deal with the situation, but it’s not exactly practical or humane.
- Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This option is often depicted in illustrations and caricatures, but it’s not a recommended course of action. Shaving a drunken sailor’s belly with a rusty razor could lead to serious injury or infection.
- Put him in the longboat till his sober: Another approach is to put the sailor in the longboat (a small boat used for transporting crew and supplies) until he sobers up. This would give him time to reflect on his actions and recover from his intoxication.
- Put him in the brig: If the sailor’s behavior is causing a disturbance or posing a threat to the crew, it might be necessary to put him in the brig (a small, enclosed space used for confining unruly sailors). This would prevent him from causing harm to himself or others.
The Pros and Cons of Each Approach
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach:
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Leave him lay | Minimal disruption to the crew, sailor can sleep off the effects of alcohol | Sailor may not be able to perform duties, crew may be affected by his behavior |
| Make him walk the plank | Dramatic and attention-grabbing, may deter others from misbehaving | Not practical or humane, could lead to injury or death |
| Shave his belly with a rusty razor | May be a humorous or entertaining option, could be a way to bond with the sailor | Not recommended due to safety concerns, could lead to serious injury or infection |
| Put him in the longboat till his sober | Gives the sailor time to reflect on his actions, can help him recover from intoxication | Sailor may be exposed to harsh weather conditions, could lead to health issues |
| Put him in the brig | Prevents the sailor from causing harm to himself or others, maintains order on the ship | Sailor may be confined for an extended period, could lead to mental health issues |
The Modern-Day Solution
In modern times, the approach to dealing with a drunken sailor is often more nuanced and compassionate. Crews are trained to handle situations like this in a way that prioritizes the sailor’s safety and well-being. Here are some modern-day solutions:
- Provide support and resources: Crews may offer support and resources to help the sailor deal with their addiction or substance abuse issues.
- Encourage responsible drinking: Crews may promote responsible drinking practices and provide education on the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
- Implement zero-tolerance policies: Some ships may have zero-tolerance policies for intoxication, with strict consequences for sailors who fail to comply.
- Offer counseling and therapy: Crews may offer counseling and therapy services to help sailors deal with stress, anxiety, and other issues that may contribute to their drinking.
Conclusion
"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" is a question that has been debated for centuries. While there are no easy answers, it’s clear that the approach to dealing with a drunken sailor has evolved over time. Today, crews prioritize the sailor’s safety and well-being, offering support and resources to help them overcome their struggles. Whether you’re a sailor, a musician, or a landlubber, the next time you hear the classic sea shanty, you’ll know that there’s more to the question than meets the eye.
