What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor? Lyrics and Legacy
The song "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been passed down for generations. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a beloved favorite among sailors and landlubbers alike. But have you ever stopped to think about the song’s origins and what the lyrics are actually saying? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the song and explore the possible meanings behind its enigmatic lyrics.
Origins of the Song
The exact origin of "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 19th century. The song is thought to have been sung by sailors on merchant ships, particularly those sailing from the British Isles to the Americas. The lyrics are likely a commentary on the common problem of drunkenness among sailors, and the various punishments or consequences that might befall them.
The Lyrics: A Closer Look
The lyrics of "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are as follows:
What should we do with a drunken sailor?
What should we do with a drunken sailor?
What should we do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Early in the morning!
Make him walk the plank, make him walk the plank,
Early in the morning!
Put him in the longboat till his sober,
Early in the morning!
Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom,
Early in the morning!
Put him in the bed with the captains daughter,
Early in the morning!
Make him stay there till his sober,
Early in the morning!
The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and humorous punishments for the drunken sailor. But what do they really mean? Let’s break it down:
• Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This line is likely a reference to the punishment of shaving a sailor’s head or beard as a form of humiliation.
• Make him walk the plank: This is a classic pirate trope, where the drunken sailor is forced to walk off the side of the ship and into the sea.
• Put him in the longboat till his sober: The longboat was a small boat used to transport crew members from the main ship to shore. This line suggests that the drunken sailor will be confined to the longboat until he is sober.
• Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom: A scupper is a drainage hole in the ship’s deck. This line is likely a reference to the punishment of confining the drunken sailor to a small, uncomfortable space.
• Put him in the bed with the captain’s daughter: This line is likely a reference to the punishment of confining the drunken sailor to the captain’s quarters, possibly with the captain’s daughter as a chaperone.
• Make him stay there till his sober: This line suggests that the drunken sailor will be confined to the captain’s quarters until he is sober.
Interpretations and Legacy
So what do the lyrics of "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" really mean? There are several possible interpretations:
• Punishment for drunkenness: The lyrics are likely a commentary on the consequences of drunkenness at sea. The punishments described are humorous and exaggerated, but they may have been seen as a way to deter sailors from excessive drinking.
• Social commentary: The song may also be seen as a commentary on the social norms of the time. Drunkenness was a common problem among sailors, and the song may be poking fun at the idea that men who were prone to excessive drinking were seen as unworthy of respect.
• Folk music tradition: The song is a classic example of a folk song, passed down through oral tradition. The lyrics are likely a reflection of the cultural and social values of the time, and the song has become a beloved part of our cultural heritage.
Conclusion
"What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been entertaining sailors and landlubbers alike for generations. The lyrics are a commentary on the consequences of drunkenness at sea, and the punishments described are humorous and exaggerated. Whether seen as a commentary on the social norms of the time or a reflection of the cultural and social values of the time, the song is a beloved part of our cultural heritage.
