What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor is a traditional sea shanty or sea song that has been popular for many years.
Sailors typically sang sea shanties during their work to coordinate their efforts and maintain morale on long and demanding tasks like hoisting sails, hauling ropes, and more.
The origins of “What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?” are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century, possibly earlier. It describes what to do with a sailor who has had too much to drink and is causing trouble or being uncooperative.
The lyrics suggest various humorous and often exaggerated punishments that could be inflicted upon the drunken sailor.
Lyrics for What Shall We Do With the 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?
Chorus:
Way, hay up she rises,
Way, hay, up she rises,
Way, hay, up she rises,
Early in the morning!
Put him in the long boat ’til he’s sober.
Put him in the long boat ’til he’s sober.
Put him in the long boat ’til he’s sober.
Early in the morning!
Pull out the plug and wet him all over.
Pull out the plug and wet him all over.
Pull out the plug and wet him all over.
Early in the morning!
Put him in the scuppers with a hosepipe on him.
Put him in the scuppers with a hosepipe on him.
Put him in the scuppers with a hosepipe on him.
Early in the morning!
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?
Early is pronounced early-e
