What Will You Do with a Drunken Sailor?
The song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been enjoyed by sailors and landlubbers alike for centuries. The song’s origins date back to the 18th century, and it’s believed to have been sung by sailors while working on ships. The lyrics of the song ask the question, "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" and offer various responses to the query. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the song, its lyrics, and what the song might be telling us about the culture of sailing.
Origins of the Song
The exact origins of the song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are unknown, but it’s believed to have originated in the 18th century. The song is thought to have been sung by sailors while working on ships, and it’s possible that the song was sung while performing tasks such as hauling, lifting, or cleaning. The song’s catchy melody and repetitive lyrics made it easy for sailors to sing along while performing these tasks.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of the song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are simple and repetitive, with the song’s refrain being the question "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" The lyrics offer various responses to the question, including:
- Make him walk the plank
- Put him in the longboat till his sober
- Give him a keelhauling
- Shave his belly with a rusty razor
- Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom
- Put him in the brig
- Give him a good thrashing
It’s worth noting that many of these responses are meant to be humorous, and were likely intended to add a bit of humor and lightness to the sailor’s workday.
The Culture of Sailing
The song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" provides a glimpse into the culture of sailing in the 18th and 19th centuries. Sailors’ lives were often tough and grueling, and they relied on songs and stories to pass the time and lift their spirits. The song’s focus on the drunken sailor is also a reflection of the perils of sailing life. Sailors often faced the dangers of storms, scurvy, and sea battles, and it’s no wonder that drunkenness was a common problem.
The Responses: What Would You Do?
So, what would you do with a drunken sailor? The song’s lyrics offer a range of possibilities, from the humorous (stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom) to the punitive (put him in the brig). But what about the more practical considerations? What would you do with a drunken sailor if you were a ship’s captain?
Here are some potential responses:
- Separate him from the rest of the crew: Drunkenness can be contagious, and it’s not good for morale. Keeping the drunken sailor isolated could help prevent the rest of the crew from getting into trouble.
- Put him to work: In theory, a drunken sailor could still be useful. Put him to work on a task that doesn’t require too much coordination or focus, such as swabbing the decks or doing some light maintenance.
- Give him a gentle rebuke: Depending on the circumstances, it’s possible that a gentle rebuke could be enough to get the drunken sailor back on track. A firm but fair warning might be all it takes to get him back to his duties.
Conclusion
"What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been enjoyed by sailors and landlubbers alike for centuries. The song’s origins date back to the 18th century, and it’s believed to have been sung by sailors while working on ships. The song’s lyrics offer a range of responses to the question "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" and provide a glimpse into the culture of sailing in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Lyrics in Action
Here are the lyrics to the song "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" with the responses highlighted in bold:
(Verse 1)
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?
(Chorus)
Make him walk the plank
Or put him in the longboat till his sober
Give him a keelhauling
Or shave his belly with a rusty razor
(Verse 2)
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?
(Chorus)
Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom
Or put him in the brig
Give him a good thrashing
Or make him jump in the briny deep
Table: Responses to the Question
| Response | Description |
|---|---|
| Make him walk the plank | A humorous and drastic measure |
| Put him in the longboat till his sober | Keep him separate from the rest of the crew until he’s sober |
| Give him a keelhauling | A form of punishment where the sailor is hauled under the ship’s hull |
| Shave his belly with a rusty razor | A humorous and gruesome response |
| Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom | A humorous and absurd response |
| Put him in the brig | A punitive measure, similar to jail |
| Give him a good thrashing | A physical punishment, such as a beating |
| Make him jump in the briny deep | A humorous and exaggerated response |
I hope you enjoyed this article on the classic sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" The song is a fun and engaging look at the culture of sailing, and its lyrics offer a range of humorous and humorous responses to the question of what to do with a drunken sailor.
