Drunken Sailor
Carl Peterson Lyrics
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What will we do with a drunken sailor
What will we do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Put him in a long boat till he's sober
Put him in a long boat till he's sober
Put him in a long boat till he's sober
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
The song "Drunken Sailor" is a sea shanty that originated in the 19th century among sailors. It is believed to have originated in England or Scotland and was popular among sailors who would sing it while performing various tasks on the ship.
The song is about what to do with a drunken sailor early in the morning. The first verse asks a question about what to do with him, and the subsequent verses provide answers. The responses include suggestions such as shaving his belly with a rusty razor, putting him in a long boat until he sobers up, sticking him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him, and even putting him in the bed with the captain's daughter.
The song reflects the rough and tough life of sailors who spent long periods at sea and sought entertainment through song and humor. "Drunken Sailor" has lived on for centuries and has been covered by various artists from different genres. It continues to be a popular song at sea-themed parties and events.
Line by Line Meaning
What will we do with a drunken sailor
Asking for ideas on what action to take with the intoxicated seafarer
Early in the morning!
Clarifying that this is the time of day in question
Way hay and up she rises
Cheerful exclamation, likely a nautical chantey
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Suggesting a possible punishment involving humiliation or pain
Put him in a long boat till he's sober
Isolating the sailor from alcohol until its effects have worn off
Stick him in a barrel with a hosepipe on him
Another proposed punishment, perhaps more severe than the previous one
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter
A more lighthearted, playful approach to dealing with the drunken sailor
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
Reiterating the options discussed and implying that there are no other alternatives
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.