Drunken Sailor
Tears for Beers Lyrics


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What should we do with the drunken sailor 3x
Early in the morning
Ho hey up she rises 3x
Early in the morning

Hoist him aboard with a running bowline 3x
Early in the morning
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter 3x
Early in the morning
Ho hey up she rises 3x
Early in the morning
Ho hey up she rises 3x
Early in the morning

Put him in scupper with the horsepipe on him 3x
Early in the morning
Hoist him aboard with a running bowline 3x
Early in the morning
What should we do with the drunken sailor 3x
Early in the morning
Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter 3x
Early in the morning
Ho hey up she rises 3x
Early in the morning
Ho hey up she rises 3x
Early in the morning
Hooray hooray 3x
Early in the morning




Hooray hooray 3x
Early in the morning

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Drunken Sailor" are believed to be originally written as a work song, traditionally sung by sailors during their work aboard a ship. The song was likely used to coordinate tasks, such as hoisting and hauling ropes, and it includes a number of nautical references that would have been familiar to the sailors singing it.


The song starts with the repetition of the question: "What should we do with the drunken sailor?" The answer to this question, provided in the subsequent verses, involves a series of possible punishments for the intoxicated seaman, ranging from "hoisting him aboard with a running bowline" (a knot used to secure cargo) to "putting him in the bed with the captain's daughter," a euphemism for a harsh flogging. The chorus, "ho hey up she rises," is likely another work command, used to synchronize movements on the ship.


While the origins of "Drunken Sailor" are uncertain, the song has become a widely recognized tune in popular culture, appearing in films, TV shows, and advertisements. It has been covered by a variety of artists, including The Pogues and Rod Stewart, and continues to be a popular folk song today.


Line by Line Meaning

What should we do with the drunken sailor 3x
Asking what to do with a sailor who is drunk and likely causing trouble


Early in the morning
The situation is happening at dawn


Ho hey up she rises 3x
The ship's sail is being raised, possibly indicating a departure or a call to action


Hoist him aboard with a running bowline 3x
Lifting the drunken sailor onto the ship with a specific type of knot


Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter 3x
Mocking the captain's daughter by suggesting she is promiscuous and the drunk sailor should be put in bed with her


Put him in scupper with the horsepipe on him 3x
Punishing the sailor by putting him in an uncomfortable place with a hose spraying water on him


What should we do with the drunken sailor 3x
Repeating the original question, indicating a lack of consensus on how to handle the situation


Hooray hooray 3x
Celebratory exclamation, possibly indicating that the situation has been successfully resolved




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael William Hawkins, John Leonard Mcdonnell, John Anthony Brown, Jonathan Robert Cleave, Rose Prince, Christopher John Lethbridge, Trevor Frederick Grills, Julian Nicholas Brown, Nigel Sherratt, Jeremy David Brown, Richard Peter Rowe, Louise Brown, Ru

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