What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor Lyrics?
The classic sea shanty "What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a staple of maritime music for centuries. The song’s catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a favorite among sailors and non-sailors alike. But have you ever stopped to think about what you would actually do with a drunken sailor? In this article, we’ll dive into the history and significance of the song, and explore some of the creative and humorous suggestions that have been offered up over the years.
A Brief History of the Song
The origins of "What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor?" are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the 19th century. The song was likely written by a sailor or a group of sailors, and its exact authorship is unknown. Despite its unclear origins, the song has become a beloved classic, with countless recordings and performances over the years.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are simple and repetitive, with a catchy melody that makes it easy to sing along. The song asks a series of rhetorical questions, with the answer always being "Shave his belly with a rusty razor." The lyrics are as follows:
What would you do with a drunken sailor?
What would you do with a drunken sailor?
What would you do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Early in the morning?
What would you do with a drunken sailor?
What would you do with a drunken sailor?
What would you do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?
Interpretations and Parodies
Over the years, the song has been interpreted and parodied in countless ways. Some have seen the song as a commentary on the harsh realities of life at sea, where sailors were often forced to endure difficult conditions and rough treatment. Others have viewed the song as a humorous take on the challenges of dealing with a drunken friend or family member.
Creative Suggestions
So, what would you do with a drunken sailor? Here are a few creative suggestions from around the web:
- Send him to bed: One of the most obvious solutions to the problem of a drunken sailor is to simply send him to bed. This way, he can sleep off the effects of his drinking and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
- Give him a nice cup of tea: A warm cup of tea can be just what a drunken sailor needs to sober up and feel a bit more human. Just be sure to add a splash of milk and a bit of sugar to make it extra special.
- Shave his belly with a rusty razor: This is the answer given in the song, but it’s not necessarily the most practical or safe solution. Perhaps a more modern approach would be to use a nice, sharp razor and a bit of shaving cream?
- Take him for a walk: A bit of fresh air and exercise can be just what a drunken sailor needs to clear his head and feel a bit more alert. Just be sure to hold his arm and help him navigate any obstacles.
- Make him eat some bland food: Sometimes, a drunken sailor just needs something to soak up the alcohol and help him feel a bit more grounded. A plate of plain toast or a bowl of oatmeal might be just the thing.
Table: Creative Suggestions
Option | Description |
---|---|
Send him to bed | Send the drunken sailor to bed to sleep off the effects of his drinking. |
Give him a nice cup of tea | Offer the drunken sailor a warm cup of tea to help him sober up. |
Shave his belly with a rusty razor | Shave the drunken sailor’s belly with a rusty razor, just like in the song. |
Take him for a walk | Take the drunken sailor for a walk to help him clear his head and feel more alert. |
Make him eat some bland food | Feed the drunken sailor some bland food to help soak up the alcohol. |
Conclusion
"What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a classic sea shanty that has been entertaining audiences for centuries. The song’s catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a favorite among sailors and non-sailors alike. Whether you’re looking for creative solutions to the problem of a drunken sailor or simply want to enjoy a fun and catchy tune, "What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor?" is a great choice. So next time you’re faced with a drunken sailor, why not try one of the creative suggestions above? And if all else fails, you can always fall back on the classic answer: "Shave his belly with a rusty razor!"