This song is representative of capstan chanties. The shanty was
a tune designed to aid sailors in their work, and additional verses
could be created as necessary until the job was completed.
The capstan shanty was a moderate tune sung to raising the
anchor. In order to raise the anchor bars were inserted into the
capstan and sailors would walk around it, turning the capstan to
raise the anchor. Sailors would stamp on the deck on the words
"Way Hay and Up She Rises."
Lyrics
Chorus
Way, hay up she rises,
Way, hay, up she rises,
Way, hay, up she rises,
Earlye in the morning!
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
Earlye in the morning?
Put him in the scuppers with the hose pipe on him
Hoist him aboard with a running bowline
Put him in the brig until he's sober.
Make him turn to at shining bright work.
