What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor: Unraveling the Classic Sea Shanty’s Lyrics
For generations, the song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a staple of seafaring culture, sung by sailors and landlubbers alike. The classic sea shanty’s haunting melody and catchy chorus have made it a timeless classic, but what’s the story behind its iconic lyrics? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and meaning behind What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor lyrics.
A Bit of History
The origin of "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is unclear, but it’s believed to have been written in the 19th century by British or American sailors. The song’s lyrics reflect the harsh realities of life on the high seas, particularly the struggles of dealing with a drunken crewmate.
The Lyrics
Now, let’s dive into the What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor lyrics. Here’s the full text, with some significant content in bold:
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?
Shave his billy close to his rear.
Shave his billy close to his rear,
Early in the morning.
Put him in the longboat till his sober.
Put him in the longboat till his sober,
Early in the morning.
Stick him in a scuttle* but see that he jigs it.
Stick him in a *scuttle but see that he jigs it,
Early in the morning**.
In the lyrics, the problem of the drunken sailor is presented, and the suggestions for dealing with him vary from shaving him close to his rear, to putting him in the longboat till his sober, to even placing him in a *scuttle and ensuring that he jigs (laughs) it. **
The Possible Origins
There are several theories regarding the origins of the drunken sailor’s fate in each verse. Some believe the shaving and longboat lines reflect the harsh treatment of crew members who couldn’t carry out their duties. Another theory suggests that stick him in a scuttle might be a form of punishment, while still others think it could refer to the practice of sealing a drunken sailor in an airlock or small storage space until he recovers.
Interpretation and Significance
At its core, "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a song about copeing with adversity, using humor and camaraderie to address the challenges that come with life on a ship. The song reflects the sailors’ sense of community and their need for social bonding when faced with the dangers of the sea.
Here’s a breakdown of the themes and significance of the What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor lyrics:
- Problem: The drunken sailor represents the problem that needs to be addressed.
- Problems: The song showcases various ways to deal with the problem, ranging from humorous approaches to more severe punishments.
- Solution: The lyrics serve as a form of creative problem-solving, providing suggestions for how to cope with the situation.
- Social bonding: The shared experience of singing and experiencing the song fosters social bonding among the crew and creates a sense of solidarity.
Cultural Legacy
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has permeated popular culture, making appearances in films, literature, and music. In 1959, Harry Belafonte’s Calypso-style cover popularized the song worldwide.
Here are some notable covers and adaptations:
- The song has been recorded by artists such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and The Dubliners.
- It has been featured in films like Mutiny on the Bounty and The African Queen.
- The song appears in various video games and TV shows, such as Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Seinfeld.
What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor Lyrics Table
Here’s a helpful table summarizing the original What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor lyrics:
| What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor… | What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor… | What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor… |
| — | — | — |
| Shave his billy close to his rear | Put him in the longboat till his sober | Stick him in a scuttle but see that he jigs it |
| Early in the morning | Early in the morning | Early in the morning |
Conclusion
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a timeless, iconic sea shanty that has captured the imaginations of generations. From its origins in 19th-century seafaring culture to its enduring appearances in popular culture, this song has become an emblem of resilience, camaraderie, and coping with adversity.
So, the next time you find yourself at a pub or around a campfire, and someone shouts "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?", you’ll now have a deeper understanding of the What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor lyrics and be ready to join in and sing along!
