Composer

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English Traditional

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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2:31

"What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" is a traditional English sea shanty that dates back to the early 19th century. The song was often sung by sailors while they were working on board ships, and it has since become a popular folk song that is still sung today. The exact date of the composition of the song is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The song was first published in 1824 in a collection of sea shanties called "Folk Songs of the North Countrie" by William B. Sandys. The song has a simple structure and is typically performed in a call-and-response format. The verses of the song describe various ways to punish a drunken sailor, while the chorus asks the question "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" and provides the response "Early in the morning." The song has a lively and upbeat tempo, and it is typically performed with a strong rhythm and a lot of energy. The melody is simple and easy to sing, which has contributed to its popularity as a folk song. The song is typically performed in three movements, with the first movement consisting of the call-and-response chorus. The second movement consists of the verses, which describe various ways to punish a drunken sailor, such as putting him in the longboat and letting him row, or tying him to the mast and giving him a dose of salt water. The third movement consists of a repeat of the chorus, which provides the response to the question posed in the chorus. Overall, "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" is a lively and entertaining folk song that has been enjoyed by generations of people. Its simple structure and catchy melody have made it a popular choice for sing-alongs and performances, and it continues to be a beloved part of English folk music.

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