
Lyrics
(Sea shanty)
1. 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.
2. Put him in a long boat ’til he’s sober…
3. Keep him there and make him bail her…
4. Hoist him aloft with a runnin’ bowling’…
*Often pronounced er-lie”
See also
- Subjects: sea shanties / sailors / welcome
- Harmony: Orff arrangements / chords i & VII
- Melody: tonic triad
- Meter: 4
- Scale: Dorian
- Tempo: fast & slow
or purchase here (printables only)
- Printable & Digital Rhythm Visuals

- PDF of song with chords + Lesson ideas + Orff arrangement
- MIDI file
- Listen to the song


4 thoughts on “Drunken Sailor”
Do you have an Orff instrument arrangement of Drunken Sailor? Thanks
I don’t currently have an Orff arrangement for Drunken Sailor, but if you are a member, I could make one for you. – Beth
Where can I find the adaptation to use this as a welcome song? Thanks!
It’s in the PDF download available to Plus members: https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/beths-notes-plus