What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor: All Your FAQ Answered
What do we do with a drunken sailor? It’s a question that has been asked for centuries. Whether it’s a sea shanty sung around the world, or just an all too common problem on board modern ships, the question remains: what should we do when one of our crew members overindulges?
After much research and countless discussions with seafarers from all walks of life, we have compiled some frequently asked questions about handling drunk sailors and provided insightful answers to ensure everyone on board is safe and sound.
Q: What caused my crew member to become drunk in the first place?
A: There could be various reasons behind alcohol consumption among seafarers; boredom due to long voyages, high stress levels in working conditions, the need for escapism from personal problems or even just social pressure while bonding with other crew members. Regardless of the cause, as a responsible captain or employer taking measures to prevent excessive drinking is crucial.
Q: Can I allow any level of drinking on board?
A: No! Alcohol intake must be strictly regulated under international law. The merchant navy conforms under strict regulations laid down by the International Maritime Organisationâs (IMO) publication âMedical First Aid Guide for use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goodsâ (MFAG). Rule 6 aboard states ‘no person whilst on board shall bring liquor which is not intended for use as medicine onto any ship.’ Governments also impose individual laws related to units of alcohol allowed, legal age limits and many other rules prohibiting or allowing onboard consumption entirely.
Q: Should I punish drunk sailors onboard?
A: It is not recommended to punish crew members onboard because punitive actions at sea may lead towards disastrous situations. Punishment can bring anger amongst colleagues like acts related to humiliation which give them low morale affecting their work quality resulting in decreasing productivity. Any deviation from international maritime conventions lays you open to charges and implementation of corresponding sanctions â not something you want on your record.
Q: What if a crew member goes overboard when drunk?
A: Prevention is the key here. Unconscious, under any circumstance, even while drinking can lead to accidents which may result in fatality. Staff should regularly check that all individuals are well looked after & monitored while consuming alcohol. Itâs important all ship authorities carry out regular âman-overboardâ drills and educate staff on how to manage such situations.
Q: Can I administer medication to drunk sailors? If so, what kind of medication?
A: Medical personnel designated onboard are permitted to administer prescribed medications if required by professional medical judgement, but with great responsibility and caution as some drugs can have adverse reactions or cause interactions with alcohol.
In conclusion, managing excessive alcohol consumption amongst the crew is paramount for every vessel’s safety at sea; the captain/employer plays an essential role in promoting good health wellbeing onboard.Implementing strict policies towards unregulated onboard consumption can ensure that no one puts their life at risk due to intoxication.
Understanding the Origins of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’
Have you ever found yourself singing along to the catchy tune of “What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor?” This traditional sea shanty has been around for centuries and continues to be a popular song in folk music. But where did it come from and what does it mean?
The origins of the song are unclear, as many sea shanties were passed down orally through generations of sailors. However, some historians believe that “What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor” may have originated in the late 19th century during the height of Britain’s naval power. It is thought that the song was sung by sailors while they toiled away on long voyages or during shore leave.
The lyrics describe various ways to punish a sailor who has had too much to drink, including throwing him in bed with the captain’s daughter or tying him to the mast until he sobers up. These playful suggestions likely served as a warning to sailors about the consequences of excessive drinking and misbehavior while at sea.
Another theory suggests that “What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor” was actually used as a recruitment tool for new sailors. The idea behind this theory is that non-sailors would hear these songs while observing sailors at ports of call, sparking their curiosity about seafaring life and potentially encouraging them to join up.
Regardless of its origins, “What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor” has continued to be popular in modern times due in part to its infectious melody and memorable lyrics. It has been covered by numerous artists across different genres throughout the years, from Scottish folk group The Corries to punk rock band The Real McKenzies.
So next time you find yourself humming along or belting out “What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor,” take a moment to appreciate its rich history and significance in maritime culture. Who knows â maybe one day you’ll find yourself joining in with a group of sailors singing this beloved sea shanty!
Top 5 Facts About the Classic Sea Shanty ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’
1. The Origin
The origin of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’ is unclear; however, many music historians speculate that it dates back to the early 19th century. Mariners would often sing while performing arduous tasks on ships and creating sea shanties dedicated to specific jobs. This tradition continued for decades until sound recordings supplanted live performances.
2. Multiple Variations
Throughout history, singers have adapted and transformed the lyrics of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor,’ leading to an array of variations in different cultural contexts. For instance, certain renditions skip the first refrain before diving into “Put him in bed with the captain’s daughter.” These diverse versions continue to evolve over time while maintaining some similarity and continuity among current iterations.
3. Versatility
Despite its nautical origins, musicians worldwide incorporate this song into various genres like rock, blues, folk music due to its global appeal and audience engagement potential. Different artists from The Dubliners to The Muppets have covered this song through their distinct interpretations.
4. Cultural Significance
Diverse interpretations of what was once a harmless sailorâs tune reveal cultural nuances among different communities globally – either as entertainment or social commentary on how good people turn bad when under intoxication’s influence. In some Chinese translations, instead of placing drunkards at ships’ mercy out in open waters – they condemn alcoholism directly by changing context altogether.
5. Memorable Melodies
The melodic structure of “What We Gonna Do With A Drunken Sailor” contributes significantly towards its popularity. With its catchy chorus and memorable tune, the song remains one of the most instantly recognisable sea shanties for both music enthusiasts and casual listeners.
The Evolution of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’ in Pop Culture
Ahoy, mateys! Do you remember singing âWhat We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailorâ as a child or in your school days? The melody and lyrics of this traditional old sea shanty have been passed down from generation to generation. But did you know that it has also evolved in pop culture as an expression of different ideas and moods? Letâs explore the journey of this classic tune!
Firstly, letâs understand what a sea shanty is. It is a type of work song that was sung by sailors while performing manual tasks on ships. These included hoisting sails, raising anchors, and hauling ropes. Sea shanties helped to coordinate the tasks and keep rhythm for the crew members who were working together. They were also used as entertainment during long voyages.
But why choose âWhat We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailorâ specifically? The reason is unknown but itâs believed to have originated in the early 1800s British Royal Navy. The song became popular among naval officers and seamen alike, eventually being adopted into other maritime cultures around the world.
Fast forward to modern times and we see various adaptations of “Drunken Sailor” used in movies, TV shows, musicals, video games and more! Take for example Disney’s animated film “Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worldâs End,” where actors Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush memorably sing âDrunken Sailorâ while plotting their next move before attacking their enemies. In another movie reference, James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster hit âTitanic,â where third-class passengers are shown dancing along to it after dinner aboard the unsinkable ship.
In addition to these movie references, DJ Ganja’s electronic remix version on YouTube has become immensely popular amongst young audiences today for its catchy beats.
Furthermore, bands such as The Irish Rovers (1970) have released upbeat folk versions of the shanty, and The Shanty Boys (2013) adds unique Celtic influences. In 2021âs Eurovision Song Contest, Finnish rock band Blind Channel incorporated its heavy metal attitude with âDrunken Sailor.â
Interestingly enough, âWhat We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailorâ has also been adapted for more somber occasions. Irish singer Kate McGarrigle did a haunting rendition of it at her father’s wake in 1990, honoring his love for seafaring culture. Likewise, it was used as an anti-apartheid song during the segregation era in South Africa.
In conclusion, this traditional sea shanty has made quite the global journey – from being sung on-board ships as a rhythm keeper to appearing in major Hollywood blockbusters and now being remixed electronically. Its versatility showcases how music can reach people all around the world regardless of time period or medium. As long as there are sailors singing on ships out at sea or young teenagers hanging out with their friends listening to a remix version on YouTube; this timeless tune will continue to be sung for generations to come!
Analyzing the Meaning Behind the Lyrics of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’
“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?”
These lines are probably familiar to anyone who has ever been to sea or at least seen a movie or TV show portraying sailors. The song “Drunken Sailor” is one of the most famous sea shanties and it’s been around for over 150 years. But what’s the story behind the lyrics? Is there any meaning or message behind them?
First of all, let’s talk about what a sea shanty is. According to Merriam-Webster, it’s “a song sung by sailors working on ships that usually has a strong beat and rhythm.” Shanties were used to coordinate tasks onboard ships such as hauling ropes and hoisting sails. They were also a form of entertainment for sailors during long voyages.
Now back to “Drunken Sailor”. The song tells the story of a drunk seaman who needs to be taken care of in some way. The chorus repeats three times the question “What shall we do with a drunken sailor?” suggesting that his comrades are trying to figure out how best to deal with him.
However, there are several theories about the origins and meanings of this tune. Some people believe that it was simply a humorous way of dealing with an inconvenient situation â i.e., having someone onboard who can’t perform their duties because they’re drunk â and that there isn’t really any deeper meaning behind it. Others argue that it has more sinister connotations.
One interpretation suggests that “Drunken Sailor” actually refers to punishment methods used by officers in the British Navy during the 19th century. Sailors who broke rules or disobeyed orders might be flogged (beaten with a whip), keelhauled (dragged underneath the ship), or left tied up on deck until they were sober again. The lines “Put him in the scuppers with a hosepipe on him” could be a reference to this kind of punishment, where the sailor would be drenched with seawater as an added humiliation.
Another theory is that “Drunken Sailor” has political overtones. Some people believe that it was originally sung by Irish sailors who had been conscripted into the British Navy against their will. The line “Shave his belly with a rusty razor” might represent the awful living conditions they had to endure, including poor food and hygiene.
Finally, there’s one more interpretation that suggests that “Drunken Sailor” is actually a coded message for smugglers and pirates. Sailors would sing it as a way of communicating with each other without raising suspicion from authorities. The lyrics could be altered to indicate when and where contraband goods were being moved or when an attack on another ship was planned.
So which interpretation is correct? It’s hard to say for sure since there’s no written record of the song’s origins or original meaning. However, one thing we can be sure of is that “Drunken Sailor” continues to be popular today, not just among sailors but also in schools (as a children’s rhyme) and even in pop culture (it appears in several movies and TV shows). It may not have any profound significance behind it â or maybe it does â but either way, it’s catchy, fun to sing along to, and part of our cultural heritage. So next time you find yourself humming those familiar lines, remember that there might be more to them than meets the eye!
Creative Ways to Incorporate ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’ into Your Next Party or Event
Ahoy, mateys! Hosting a party or event can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to selecting the perfect music playlist. But fear not, because we have an idea that is sure to keep your guests entertained and singing along all night long.
Introducing: ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor.’ This classic sea shanty has been around for centuries and is perfect for adding some nautical flair to any gathering. But why settle for playing it straight from Spotify? Here are some creative ways to incorporate this catchy tune into your next party or event:
1. Karaoke Competition
Set up a karaoke machine and challenge your guests to belt out their best rendition of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor.’ To add some friendly competition, award prizes for the most entertaining performance or the best dressed sailor (extra points for accessorizing with an eye patch).
2. Dance Battle
Turn up the beat and let the dancing commence. Divide your guests into teams and challenge them to creatively interpret the lyrics of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’ through dance moves.
3. Drinking Game
For adult parties only â turn this sea shanty into a drinking game. Every time someone sings “way hey” take a shot or sip of your beverage of choice.
4. Musical Chairs 2.0
We all know how to play musical chairs – when the music stops everyone scrambles for an available seat except in this version we use âWhat We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailorâ as background music instead of any normal song.
5.Hug-a-sailor Booth
Create a photo booth complete with sailor hats, fake mustaches, parrots etc where people can take pictures hugging life size cardboard cutouts of sailors while this iconic shanty plays on loop in the background.
6.Sailor’s Message Board
Use a large chalkboard or a piece of chart paper and ask guests to write their own verse of ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailorâ. The board can be hung on the wall and in between singing guests can have fun reading each other’s verses.
7.Sing-along Duel
Duel it out by dividing your guests into two groups, let each group sing alternate lines of the song while trying to outdo each other.
These are just a few ideas for incorporating ‘What We Gonna Do with a Drunken Sailor’ into your next party or event. With some creativity, planning, and teamwork, you’re sure to make waves and set sail for an unforgettable night! So anchors aweigh, me hearties – let’s get swashbuckling!