Introduction to the Popular Sea Shanty What Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor?
The sea shanty, “What Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor?”, is a beloved old-time favorite among sailors and landlubbers alike. This whimsical tune has been sung for literally centuries, and it is still popular today.
So why do so many people love this song?
Well, there are several elements that come together to make it special. First and foremost, the lyrics are clever and humorous â something that certainly appealed to sailors at sea in days of yore. It also tells a story – part of the joy of singing this song is speculating over what will happen to our drunken sailor! Finally, its simple melody and harmonies lend itself well to being sung as a group – perfect for gatherings underway on long trips out at sea.
And although the lyrics hint at indiscretions while ashore and suggest that those responsible should be hauled away to jail or even flogged, most see it as a way of celebrating good times and strong friendships amongst those who share the same life path.
In short, “What Are You Going To Do with a Drunken Sailor?” perfectly encapsulates allure of seafaring life.”What Are You Going To Do With A Drunken Sailor” captures both the simplicity and adventure shared by individuals who ply their trade upon the waters: both amusing and heartwarming – thereâs no denying that this shanty delights audiences far from sea!
Historical Background on the Origins of What Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor?
The traditional sea shanty âWhat Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailorâ has been a staple of maritime songs throughout history, dating as far back as the mid-1800s. During that period, sailors were some of the most widely traveled people in the world and what better way to pass their time than to make up stories about their lives and experiences on board? It wasn’t uncommon for them to sing these sorts of songs while aboard ship, which allowed members of the crew to bond together during long voyages.
Often referred to as a âhiring shantyâ or âforecastle song,â this particular melody is one that was commonly sung when ships would need additional hands or ârecruitsâ before setting sail. The lyrics depict scenarios wherein a drunken sailor is employed by the captain (who can be identified in the original texts as Captain Fitch) but then proceeds to create chaos onboard due to his intoxication â which left crewmates questioning just what they could do with such a lively recruit!
This final line serves not only as an amusing quip among crews but also acts as metaphor for the uncertainty that truly comes from having limited knowledge about potential seafarers â something all captains must take into consideration when deciding if someone is suitable for hire. Not only does this add an extra layer of complexity given its innuendo thereof but its deep integration into tattoo culture indicates how it has been embraced by many who feel connected with marine life even today.
Over time, What Are You Going To Do with A Drunken Sailor became a symbol representing perseverance against challenges at sea and ultimately demonstrates both acceptance and camaraderie among folk singers and seafarers alike â intertwining real life anecdotes with laughter along way ahead.
Understanding the Song as an Instrument of Naval Discipline
Songs have long been used by navies around the world as a tool to instill discipline and instill loyalty in their crews. They are the perfect way to unite people of different backgrounds, languages and cultures while emphasizing shared values such as hard work and dedication.
The Navy has always had a long held tradition of singing sea shanties on board their ships and while they might not be considered conventional instruments in the traditional sense, they have an incredible power and influence over those who hear them.
The power of these songs lies in their ability to both raise morale and inspire action among members of a shipâs crew. In an age before radio or other forms of communication existed on the open seas, sea shanties were used to pass information between sailors, teach lessons about maritime navigation, help maintain energy levels during labor-intensive tasks such as raising sails or hauling ropes, relieve boredom during long passages between ports, give praise for achievements accomplished and even intimidating resulting enemies.
In addition to being utilized as learning tools for new saliors more experienced sailors frequently sang melodies during specific events that distracted attention from fear or unease that often accompanies perilous voyages over rough oceans infested with pirates or unknown disease vectors. Throughout all this music connected individuals across ranker boundaries providing a common language spoken between people regardless off race creed gender culture or social class that allowed each individual member contribute in some form or another towards group success
To ensure maximum benefit song topics could range from advice reminding everyone what actions need doing to humorous pieces singling out specific fellow crew members but when it came down to it all naval songs served a single unifying purpose that strengthened trust among teammates build confidence in themselves which was ultimately essential keeping everyone safe returning home alive which cam first priority
Folk Music Traditions and the Expansion of Popularity for What Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor?
What Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor? is one of the most iconic folk-pop songs in history, and it has been around for centuries. The song has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the last few decades, as new generations of musicians have embraced its melodic charm and lyrical playfulness.
The cultural roots of this song are traceable all the way back to the early 1800s, when British sailors found themselves caught up in various misadventures while on their voyages from port to port. The sailors often sang out at night, telling stories through classic maritime ballads that were sometimes humorous, sometimes sad and occasionally bawdy. One of those ballads was âWhat Are You Going To Do With a Drunken Sailorâ, which tells the story of two captains who find dissenting crew members making merry after successfully boarding a boat filled with smuggling goods.
Since then, this sea shanty has been passed down orally through generations until groups like The Clancy Brothers made it popular again in the United States during the mid-20th century by bringing an Irish flair to what was once a bawdy work song and releasing it as part of their FolkwaysLP ‘At Carnegie Hall’. This beloved recording inspired many young folk singers like Bob Dylan who went on to create their own versions and spread it to even wider audiences.
The tune’s infectious chorus can now be heard everywhere, from traditional bars and pubs to Disney movie soundtracks. What Are You Going To Do With A Drunken Sailor? serves as testimony to how powerful traditional music can be â connecting not only individuals within communities but also bridging cultures across vast distances both temporally and geographically.
Documenting Different Versions and Regional Dialects of the Traditional Lyrics
Documenting different versions and regional dialects of traditional lyrics is an important part of preserving musical traditions. It is not only essential to creating a complete picture of the history of a particular style, but it also helps to keep alive the root of the tradition itself. By recording every nuance, melody and word uttered in any given version, researchers have the window into what will become a very vital part of culture and history many years down the line.
The archiving process begins by detailing all elements of each version â not just the melodies and words. Variations in rhythm, inflections and ornamentation (yodeling, humming etc.) should be documented as accurately as possible. This can be done with audio or video recordings or by detailed transcriptions from printed music or existing audio archives. Once all versions are collected, careful comparison must occur to determine which variations might be geographical â shared between two different regions or styles â which could then be linked when applicable throughout the various sources documented.
This kind of research runs deeper than simply noting differences though; those interested in traditional lyrics often hope to uncover connections between distantly located performances â ranging from cultural exchanges between nomadic communities all the way up to international collaborations between performers from different countries. By referencing each momentary detail with clear documentation researchers can answer questions like: âHow did this song come together?â Or âWhat is its inspiration?â Answers often reveal interesting components like intercultural connections that originally occurred during a certain time period or unearthed samples that shaped different regions feel differently about particular causes.
All told, preserving our musical legacy is far more intricate than keeping old sheets on file; reaching in depth into its nuances through careful documenting not only offers us invaluable insight into our collective past but helps cultivate new meanings for future generations!
Contemporary Appearances of âWhat Are You Going to Do With A Drunken Sailor?â in Pop Culture
The traditional sea shanty, âWhat Are You Going to Do with a Drunken Sailor?â, has seen many incarnations in modern pop culture. The jaunty sea chantey that was sung by sailors in the past still resinates as a lasting presence throughout various mediums today. From television shows and movies to musicals, commercials and books; the timeless sailor-shanty continues to capture hearts and imaginations across generations.
One of the most popular modern adaptations lies in the form of comical yet sincere homages by way of television sitcoms such as “Friends” which paid tribute to the song in their aptly titled episode: “The one with all The resolutions”. In this homage to drunken sailor, Chandler Bing bemoans his traditionally dire New year’s party prospects saying “just me sipping cocoa and humming what are you going do with a drunken sailor.” Here authors illustrated how Chandlerâs whimsical use of tried and true elements found within in sea chantey humorously implies his easily acknowledged cyclical predicament during new years celebrations⊠inevitably bringing back memories each year that also occur on other nautical occasions such as setting out sail or coming ashore after long treacherous journey at seas.
In recent times savvy music companies have capitalized on the potentially lucrative monetization opportunities available via convergence of classic tunes such as this one into current media formats that appeal to younger audiences & Include video games markets alike. This can be demonstrated within video game releases such as Sid Meiers Pirates! where âWhat Are You Going To Do With A Drunken Sailor?â is included on its soundtrack – allowing gamers worldwide an immersive experience aboard any vessel they choose while singing some traditional seashanties as accompaniment for their swashbuckling escapades!
You might also find references scattered throughout popular novels like Herman Melvilleâs Moby Dick where early on protagonist Ishmael reflects upon whether fallen crewmate Queequeg poses financial burdensomely upon him stating â…what will he do for a berth? Can he help it now if doing that is being a Corkman or a Kahgahgee (Hawaiin) … See Answers at end of canto fifteen off What Are You Going Do With A Drunken Sailor. . . â Reminiscent here Melville may evoke feelings nostalgia cautionary duty among readers dipping once more into turbulent undercurrents dragging them along wild voyages blazed together long ago through sharing & repetition while keep engaged traversing these beautiful but ever perilous waters as Ismael encountered time & time again after leaving Namptucket shores years before.
Ultimately it appears What Are You Gonna Do With A Drunken Sailor? will live long beyond it original life cycle embedded foundations sea shanties foundatio beyond boundaries both far flung deep within our own collective hometown souls etched into our minds conjuring unending joy , anguish homesickness pleasure, peril alike! Here resting firm sure footing few verse endlessly repeated centuries will likely ripple forth from us rocking ships we board taking land we now lay claim embrace all parts hearty song calls out too!