Anchors Aweigh: Navigating the Meaning and History of Drunken Sailor Lyrics

How to Sing and Interpret What Do You Do with Drunken Sailor Lyrics

Alrighty folks! Today, we’re going to tackle the age-old sea shanty that’s been plaguing our earworms since who-knows-when: “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?”

First, let’s lay down the lyrics so we’re all on the same page, shall we?

What will you do with a drunken sailor
What will you do with a drunken sailor
What will you do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!

Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Early in the morning!

Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning!

Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Early in the morning!

Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter
Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter
Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter
Early in the morning!

Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Hooray and up she rises
Early in the morning!

That’s all good fun, but as singers (or aspiring singers), we need to dive into interpreting these lyrics. What are they trying to say? And how can we perform them convincingly?

The first thing to note about “Drunken Sailor” is that it’s likely an old work song. Sailors would sing while they worked on ships – hauling ropes, turning capstans, etc. This particular song has been around since at least 1828 (according to some sources) and possibly earlier. That means there could be a lot of cultural context surrounding these lyrics that we may not fully understand.

But let’s take them at face value for now. What does the song seem to be about? Well, it’s not exactly a paean to responsible drinking habits. In fact, it seems to revel in the idea of getting someone so drunk that they can’t function properly (hence the repeated “Early in the morning!” – implying that this drunkenness has lasted all night).

The first verse is fairly straightforward – what do you do with a drunken sailor? But then we get into some interesting suggestions for how to deal with said sailor. Shaving their belly with a rusty razor is…not exactly pleasant. And putting them in bed with the captain’s daughter could be seen as either punishment for bad behavior or just plain fun (depending on your interpretation).

So how can we convey all of this complexity in our performance of “Drunken Sailor?” Here are a few tips:

1. Lean into the sea shanty vibe. This should be an energetic, rollicking song that gets people up and dancing (or at least tapping their feet). Emphasize the rhythm and let your voice soar over the melody.

2. Don’t be afraid to play up the ridiculousness of the lyrics. A lot of old folk songs have absurd or nonsensical elements – embrace that and have fun with it! Maybe try different voices or accents for each verse.

3. Use body language and facial expressions to convey meaning. When you sing about shaving someone’s belly with a rusty razor, make a face like you’re cringing at something disgusting. When you sing about putting someone in bed with the captain’s daughter, waggle your eyebrows suggestively (but not creepily).

4. Consider adding some harmonies or counterpoint to create interest and texture (if you’re performing in a group). You could even switch up who sings which lines – maybe give everyone a chance to take lead vocals on different verses.

Ultimately, singing “What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor” is about having fun and letting loose. Don’t overthink it too much – just enjoy the silly lyrics and let your voice soar like a seagull on the wind. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know About What Do You Do with Drunken Sailor Lyrics

If you’ve ever spent time around sailors or maritime enthusiasts, chances are you’ve heard the infectious chorus of “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” It’s an age-old traditional sea shanty that has been passed down through generations, even making its way into pop culture as a common theme in movies and television shows. But despite its catchy tune and widespread popularity, many people still have questions about the lyrics and origins of this folk song. Here are some frequently asked questions to help illuminate the mystery behind “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?”

Q: What is a sea shanty?

A: A sea shanty is a type of work song traditionally sung by sailors while performing labor-intensive tasks aboard ships. They often have repetitive choruses that allowed crews to keep pace with their work rhythmically.

Q: Who wrote “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?”

A: No one knows for sure who originally composed the song or when it was first sung. It’s believed to have originated in the 19th century among British sailors.

Q: What are the lyrics to “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?”

A:

Verse 1:
“What do you do with a drunken sailor,
What do you do with a drunken sailor,
What do you do with a drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?”

Chorus:
“Way hey and up she rises,
Way hey and up she rises,
Way hey and up she rises,
Early in the morning!”

Verse 2:
“Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter,
Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter,
Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter,
Early in the morning!”

Chorus:
“Way hey and up she rises…”

Verse 3:
“Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Early in the morning!”

Chorus:
“Way hey and up she rises…”

Verse 4:
“Put him in a longboat till he’s sober,
Put him in a longboat till he’s sober,
Put him in a longboat till he’s sober,
Early in the morning!”

Chorus:
“Way hey and up she rises…”

Q: What do the lyrics mean?

A: The song depicts various ways of dealing with an intoxicated sailor, from locking them up to letting them sleep it off to putting them to work. The reference to the captain’s daughter is likely meant humorously, as placing an unruly sailor in bed with his superior’s child would be highly inappropriate. Shaving someone’s belly with a rusty razor was also historically used as punishment for drunkenness, so that line may have been included for comedic effect.

Q: Why is “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” still popular today?

A: In addition to its catchy tune and entertaining lyrics, many people enjoy listening to sea shanties as a way of connecting with maritime history and tradition. The song has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “The Simpsons,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Star Trek.”

Q: Can I sing “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” at karaoke night?

A: Absolutely! However, if you plan on belting out this classic sea shanty at your local bar or party, be prepared for others to join in on the chorus. It’s impossible not to get swept up by its infectious energy.

In conclusion, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” remains one of the most beloved sea shanties around thanks to its rollicking melody and humorous lyrics. While we may never know who first penned this timeless classic or where it originated, its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to connect us across generations and cultures. So, the next time you find yourself humming this tune, don’t be afraid to join in on the chorus and let your inner sailor shine!

The Hidden Meanings Behind What Do You Do with Drunken Sailor Lyrics: Top 5 Facts Revealed

When we hear the tune of “What do you do with a drunken sailor,” it’s hard not to start tapping our feet and singing along. The song has been around for centuries, and its origin is a mystery. However, the lyrics have taken on various interpretations over time, from simple fun to rum-soaked pirates. In this blog post, we’ll explore the hidden meanings behind “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” lyrics.

1. The Origin of the Song

According to historians, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” dates back to the 19th century maritime days when sailors used to sing sea shanties during their endless travels at sea. It’s believed that the song originated from Scotland or Ireland but was then adopted by seamen worldwide. Initially, the song was a work chantey sung while performing manual labor on ships such as hoisting sail and hauling lines.

2. The Literal Meaning

The lyrics of “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” are straightforward in their literal interpretation; it’s meant as an instruction for how to deal with an intoxicated crew member during long sea voyages. The opening line asks what one should do with this problematic sailor along the infinite stretches of open water.

3. A Punishment?

Rumors abound about what exactly happened when a drunken sailor was caught aboard ship after indulging in grog or other alcohol beverages that were commonly available at the times these songs came about. If caught drunk on duty or otherwise causing problems like docking into things they’re not supposed to, some stories claim that punishment would result in being keelhauled – dragged under and scraped against barnacle-covered ship parts until nearly drowning – or simply thrown overboard without mercy.

4. Interpretations Over Time

While initially intended as a lighthearted labor chantey created out of necessity from centuries past seafaring conditions difficult to imagine today, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” has evolved over time. The lyrics have been consistently used in pop culture and other media to represent the seafaring lifestyle or offer characterizations of pirates.These days folks might use the phrase “drunken sailor” as shorthand for someone who’s had too much to drink, regardless of whether or not they’re anywhere near a harbor.

5. A Metaphor

Although there are many types of interpretations surrounding the piece, some literary analysis sees more depth in the lyrical content. Analyzing what others have credited as metaphorical devices and interpreting phrases like “shave his belly with a rusty razor” to show that one is below their own cause – or it might be saying something about how we care for ourselves poorl if overly burdened by loose morals – those sorts could take this famous shanty even deeper than simple lines about oceanic trade routes.

Overall, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” continues to be an enduring classic tune that people enjoy listening to and singing along with. The ongoing appeal of this timeless song lies in its simplicity yet versatility because although it’s meant as an instruction during rough travels at sea among crewmates, you can’t help but tap your feet along while belting out the cheeky lyrics.

What Makes What Do You Do with Drunken Sailor Lyrics a Classic Sea Shanty?

The sea shanty “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” is perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved seafaring songs in history. But what makes this classic tune so enduringly popular?

First, there’s the catchy melody – an upbeat, jaunty tune that’s impossible not to hum along to. It’s simple enough for even amateur singers to pick up and sing in harmony, making it a favorite among sailors for centuries.

But beyond the music, there’s something undeniably appealing about the subject matter of “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” The lyrics tell the tale of a misbehaving sailor who’s gotten himself into trouble after imbibing too much alcohol – an all-too-common scenario on board ships throughout history.

The chorus poses the titular question: “What do you do with a drunken sailor / What do you do with a drunken sailor / What do you do with a drunken sailor early in the morning?”

From there, each verse offers up increasingly absurd suggestions for how to deal with said inebriated seaman – from making him climb the rigging (“Put him in the longboat till he’s sober”) to tossing him overboard and using him as shark bait (“Shave his belly with a rusty razor”).

There’s something delightfully irreverent about these lyrics – they’re simultaneously silly and macabre, poking fun at the rough-and-tumble life of sailors while still acknowledging its dangers. And because many of the solutions offered in each verse are clearly impractical (and often downright cruel), listeners can’t help but laugh at their absurdity.

Of course, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” has also been adapted over time to suit various political and cultural contexts. During World War II, for example, British soldiers changed some of the verses to mock German submarines (“Hoist ’em up from down below / Up she rises – there she blows!”). And in recent years, the song has experienced a resurgence of popularity thanks to viral TikTok videos and social media challenges.

But no matter how it’s interpreted or performed, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor?” remains a classic sea shanty – beloved by sailors, landlubbers, and musicians alike. Its combination of catchy melody, hilarious lyrics, and seafaring spirit make it an enduring example of the power of traditional music to bring people together – and make them smile.

Modern Twist on Old Classic: Reimagining What Do You Do with Drunken Sailor Lyrics

As the saying goes, “everything old is new again,” and this could not be more true when it comes to the classic sea shanty “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor.” While the original tune may date back as far as the 19th century, its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have stood the test of time. But in recent years, a new wave of musicians and artists have taken on this beloved classic, giving it a modern twist that has breathed new life into an old favorite.

So, what exactly are these modern twists? For starters, we’re seeing some creative reinterpretations of the lyrics themselves. In one popular version by The Irish Rovers, they change up the chorus to sing “Hooray and up she rises” instead of “Way hey and up she rises.” It may seem like a minor change, but it adds a fresh spin on the song that’s instantly recognizable to its longtime fans.

But it’s not just subtle lyric changes that are making waves – many artists are taking full creative license with the tune. For example, Australian group The Cat Empire released their own take on “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” that features soaring horns and infectious energy. It almost feels like a different song entirely – but at its core, it’s still an ode to drunken seafarers.

Another way musicians are tinkering with this classic is through elaborate music videos that add an unexpected visual twist to the traditional sea shanty. One viral hit from Nathan Evans (known as ‘the Wellerman man”), features Evans’ haunting rendition set against footage of assorted TikTok users doing line dances with actual wooden peg legs or dressed up in pirate costumes (or both). It makes for entertaining viewing and creates yet another layer of fun around tradition-rich tune.

We’re also seeing pop culture come into play when it comes to reimagining this timeless hit. For example, the song was featured heavily in the popular video game “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag,” thrusting it back into the spotlight for a whole new generation of fans.

And let’s not forget about social media, which has played a huge role in bringing attention to these modern takes on “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor.” Whether it’s through viral videos on Instagram or TikTok, or shared links on Facebook and Twitter, people are discovering these updated versions at an unprecedented pace. Some may argue that social media can often be hit or miss when it comes to promoting quality content, but there’s no denying that it can serve as an effective platform when looking to reach younger audiences.

Overall, it’s clear that “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” is far from outdated. Instead, we’re witnessing a resurgence of interest in this classic tune thanks to clever re-imaginings by talented musicians and artists. Whether you prefer your sea shanties traditional or with a modern twist, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this timeless favorite. So hoist up your Jolly Roger, raise your grog cup high and sing along!

From Pirate Ships to Pop Songs: The Enduring Legacy of What Do You do With Drunken Sailor Lyrics.

The sea shanty known as “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” is one of the most recognizable and beloved folk songs to have sailed the seven seas. With origins dating back to at least the 19th century, this timeless tune has been sung by sailors, fishermen, and music lovers across generations.

But what makes this song so enduring? Why does it continue to capture our hearts and minds, even after so many years?

To answer these questions, we need to look back at the history of sea shanties themselves. These were work songs that were sung by sailors during long voyages at sea in order to keep time and coordinate tasks like hoisting sails or hauling ropes.

“What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” was likely one such song, used when a sailor had imbibed too much alcohol and become unruly or uncooperative. It’s easy to imagine a crew of salty seafarers belting out the chorus as they tried to contain their drunken shipmate:

“What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning.”

The melody is catchy and upbeat, lending itself well to group singing and making it an ideal choice for work songs. And over time, it evolved from merely functional into something more: a cornerstone of maritime folklore.

In part, its enduring popularity may be due to its ubiquity in pop culture. From advertisements for breakfast cereal to movie soundtracks (such as Pirates of the Caribbean), “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” has popped up across countless contexts over the years.

But beyond that, there’s just something irresistible about its simple yet evocative lyrics. By asking listeners “what they would do” if faced with a similar situation (“shave his belly with a rusty razor?” “put him in bed with the captain’s daughter?”), the song invites participation and sparks the imagination.

And perhaps most importantly, “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” continues to be sung today not only by those who work at sea, but also by musicians and fans of all types. It has been covered by everyone from The Dubliners to The Muppets, and its influence can be heard in countless other songs that nod to maritime tradition.

In essence, the legacy of this shanty is one of inclusivity and camaraderie. Whether you’re a sailor on a tall ship or a teenager strumming an acoustic guitar in your bedroom, there’s something about “What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor” that speaks to the human experience.

As long as there are seas to be sailed and stories to be told, this timeless tune will continue to captivate our hearts and minds. So next time you hear its familiar strains, let yourself get carried away on the waves of history—and feel grateful for the enduring legacy of what may just be the world’s most beloved sea shanty.