The Drunken Sailor
Rapalje Lyrics


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What shall we do with the drunken sailor
What shall we do with the drunken sailor
What shall we do with the drunken sailor, early in the morning
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises, early in the morning
Put him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him
Put him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him
Put him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him, early in the morning
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises, early in the morning
Take him, shake him and try an' wake him
Take him, shake him and try an' wake him
Take him, shake him and try an' wake him, early in the morning
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises, early in the morning
Cut of his willy with a rusty razor
Cut of his willy with a rusty razor
Cut of his willy with a rusty razor, early in the morning
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises, early in the morning
Thát's wat we'll do with the drunken sailor
Thát's wat we'll do with the drunken sailor
Thát's wat we'll do with the drunken sailor, early in the morning
Hurray and up she rises




Hurray and up she rises
Hurray and up she rises, early in the morning

Overall Meaning

"The Drunken Sailor" is a traditional sea shanty that tells the story of a sailor who has had too much to drink and is causing trouble aboard the ship. The first three lines of the song ask the question "what shall we do with the drunken sailor?" and are repeated throughout the song. The following lines suggest different ways to handle the situation, including putting the sailor in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him, shaking him to try and wake him up, and even cutting off his willy with a rusty razor.


Despite the seemingly violent and cruel nature of the suggestions, it is important to remember that sea shanties were often sung by sailors who were facing difficult and dangerous conditions at sea. The song can be interpreted as a way for sailors to bond and blow off steam by coming up with imaginative and humorous ways to deal with a disruptive crew member.


Interestingly, "The Drunken Sailor" has been covered by many different artists over the years, including The Irish Rovers, Rod Stewart, and even the cast of the TV show The Simpsons. The song has also been featured in several movies, including the Disney film Pocahontas and the classic Stanley Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange.


Line by Line Meaning

What shall we do with the drunken sailor
We are wondering what action to take with the intoxicated sailor


Hurray and up she rises
We cheer and sing while rising from our sleep


Put him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on him
We will place him in the ship's gutters and wash him down with a hose-pipe


Take him, shake him and try an' wake him
We will grab him, shake him, and attempt to rouse him from his drunken stupor


Cut of his willy with a rusty razor
We will use a rusty razor to remove his manhood


Thát's wat we'll do with the drunken sailor
That is what we plan to do with the intoxicated sailor




Contributed by Wyatt B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

BrenRenofWonderland

This was one of my dad's campfire staples when I was growing up (Yes, I had an unconventional childhood), and this is the closest rendition I could find with the verses I remembered from the way back when. I will love this song always and forever, and this is the best version I've been able to find over the years.

Thank You!!

Tatiana Cominotti Celeste

the band is unique! you guys are all so creative and talented, thanks so much for your music! and William's voice is the best

Puraah OG

9 years but how is the band called?

Dr.Kajman

This is definitely the best interpretation of this song!!! Sounds original just like in those golden days for pirates.You can agree with me,aye!? 😀

Maria Anders

Irish Rovers for ever 😍

gofur73

Arrrr

kojote kink

Propably not becouse they were often sang while working and matched the working rythnm( so way slower) and also often no instroments were used. This interpretation also changes rythnm more often and text is not spoken on tact( intentionally). But i like this interpretion too :)

Janaina Lima

I just really love this song. GREAT PERFORMANCE <33

Susan Bennett

Best ever version of this, if you're having a bad day put this on - problem solved.

mdragonheartlove

Anticipation,style in their clothes and voices and jolly music about the drunken sailor.Love it.

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