What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor Lyrics

One of the most famous sea shanties, first documented in the early 19th century. It was sung by sailors to coordinate their labor aboard ships, with its strong rhythm helping crews work together in unison. Today it is a lively favorite in children's music. Best for ages 5–10. Sea shanties are work-songs by design — their strong beat synchronizes physical effort, which is exactly why they translate so well into classroom transitions and movement games. Children love the call-and-response format ("What shall we do…?" / "Way hay…"). For more rhythm-driven group songs, see [top 10 sing-along songs for kids](/blog/top-10-sing-along-songs-for-kids).

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?

Way, hay, and up she rises,
Way, hay, and up she rises,
Way, hay, and 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!

Way, hay, and up she rises,
Way, hay, and up she rises,
Way, hay, and up she rises,
Early in the morning!