Lyrics
Drunken Sailor
Halyard, Stamp-and-go, Walk-away or Runaway Shanty
Traditional
Oh, what do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
Ear-li in the mornin’?
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Ear-li in the mornin’?
Put him in the longboat ’till he’s sober
Make him sleep with the captain’s daughter
[Et cetera. There are many, many verses used for this song.]
That’s what you do with a drunken sailor!
That’s what you do with a drunken sailor!
That’s what you do with a drunken sailor!
Ear-li in the mornin’!
WHERE TO FIND IT
Song Notes
Described by Hugill as a “Stamp-and-go, walk away or runaway shanty.” This is an extremely well known song in the United States, taught in beginners music classes, in scouting groups and is popular among the fandoms that identify as “pirates.” It can be described as one of the most well known sea shanties in modern times (c. 2024). It uses the Irish melody Oró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile, which dates back to the mid-18th century, predating the shanty era (approximately 1820 – 1860).