Drunken Sailor - Instrumental Fiddle Sea Shanty

Here is an instrumental fiddle version of the sea shanty, "Drunken Sailor." This tune is a fun and simple tune to play, and it has a really catchy melody. =) I hope you enjoy this version of the tune! ^_^
Sheet Music:
www.katyadelson.com/wp-content...
Backing Track (no piano help / silent introduction -- the backing track used in the video):
katyadelson.com/wp-content/upl...
Backing Track that is easier to follow (piano melody introduction help):
katyadelson.com/wp-content/upl...
Sea shanties were sailor work songs and often had a repetative melody. Versions of this tune have been incorporated into several orchestral arrangements, and the first time I played it was part of an arrangement of folk dances for an orchestra. Since then, I've heard people sing the lyrics often in bars and pubs, and it's a tune that definitely gets an audience excited. It seems like it is one of the few tunes that many people can recognize - even those who do not listen to traditional music very often. It has appeared across multiple production and video games, including "Spongebob Squarepants" and "Assassin's Creed"
There are many lyric verses to this tune, but the lyrics most people tend to sing along to are these:
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
What will we do with the drunken sailor?
Early in the morning!
Way, hey and up she rises,
Way, hey and up she rises,
Way, hey and up she rises,
Early, in the morning!
I personally think some of the lyrics get a bit crazy about things to do with a drunk sailor, but it's still a fun tune. It kind of makes me wonder what it was actually like to be a sailor on a boat for months on end during the past few centuries. Technology has really changed everything a lot over the years, and I think it's neat to think about.
I thought I'd try to add more interesting things to this video by creating time lapses of the sun rising and setting, as well as scenery views. Hopefully those things make the video a little more interesting to watch. ^_^ I've also noticed that ever since I started to learn Cello, my violin right bow hand has become so confused. It looks like I'm struggling to keep a violin bow hold in this video, (and trying to morph into a cello bow hold) so I think I need to put some focus into that! =S
Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a good rest of the week! =)
~ Katy
------------
Software and equipment used:
Software used (for Macintosh):
Garageband for attempted sound mixing
Final Cut Pro for video editing
PicMonkey.com for the ending cards
Plugins for sound effects (I have A LOT to learn in this department!):
East West plugins - Goliath Virtual Instrument, Stormdrum II
Best Service Forest Kingdom II by Eduardo Tarilonte (See: bestservice.de)
Camera:
Canon 70D
Microphone for audio recording:
Blue Woodpecker

[@neolithic.cosmonaut]

I sang this song many times as a child back in the 1950's. The lyrics came right back to me (I am 70 years old now).Thanks for the memory!

[@Klaus-cl3hr]

🧢

[@hamzaalhussaini5276]

@@Klaus-cl3hr stop being annoying, you don't know anything

[@Klaus-cl3hr]

Hamza Alhussaini like you do tough guy

[@CircumcisionIsChildAbuse]

I love the look of "yup...I can't believe I'm playing this song..." on her face, its hilarious. The look of "I got too many requests."

[@daryleldridge7769]

My favourite piece of all time..

[@RayMaster_901]

Are you feeling it now Mr. Krabs

[@OGould]

RayMaster 901 it's Mr. Krabs

[@isaackim7675]

From the world's smallest violin

[@whitakerlindsay]

OMGOSH!!lol that’s all I was thinking! I was like:wait a second....this is Familiar.......SPONGE BOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@asubnormalpersond1113]

yeah mr craps

[@williamholloway1408]

@@OGould A man of culture

[@raniashabani9086]

Lyrics: What will we do with a drunken sailor? What will we do with a drunken sailor? What will we do with a 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! Shave his belly with a rusty razor Shave his belly with a rusty razor Shave his belly with a rusty razor 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 a long boat till his sober Put him in a long boat till his sober Put him in a long boat till his 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! Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom 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 bed with the captains daughter Put him in the bed with the captains daughter Put him in the bed with the captains daughter 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! That's what we do with a drunken sailor That's what we do with a drunken sailor That's what we do with a 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! Way hay and up she rises Way hay and up she rises Way hay and up she rises Early in the morning!

[@lynnodonnell4764]

I have to laugh.. back in 1963 this was sung in 3rd grade elementary school

[@reymohammed7040]

He'd already married to the captain's daughter Earleye in the morning He got drunk at his own wedding Kissed his bride and pissed his bedding Earleye in the morning!

[@alanmacreamoinn6691]

Greetings from Dublin, Ireland. I like her pairing of the main tune "Drunken Sailor" with "Drowsy Maggie" I think the 2 tunes compliment each other which shows the talent/professionalism, of the performer. A lovely arrangement.

[@alanmacreamoinn6691]

There are some instrumental arrangements that marry well with some songs. I've performed a 4 verse rendition of "Star of the County Down" & between the 3rd & 4th verse the instrumental break would be, "The Fermoy Lasses" or the lively song "South Australia" I'd pair with say, "John Ryan's Polka". Just 2 examples. What I love about Traditional Irish music/song is there's no formality or uniform way, a certain piece should be performed. It's strictly left to the discretion of the performer & there's always room for "compromise " re how a certain tune or song is performed. You'd seldom hear the same piece played exactly the same way twice which is why the tunes are so enduring. Legendary Dubliners fiddle player John Sheehan said. He doesn't know how many times he's played his trademark tune "The Marino Waltz" but he'll always perform it a little differently every time, just to keep it fresh, as he put it.

[@reymohammed7040]

There's also a bit of "Tam Lin".

[@davidhynes]

Greetings from Newfoundland Canada.

[@KaiTakApproach]

Capturing the pure joy of playing the violin, time after time....thanks again.

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you so much for your nice comment! =) Thanks for listening. ^_^

[@shawndarling5855]

Katy Adelson Keep it up

[@CaptainSeaCelt]

Well said

[@Gguyrules]

Possibly one of the best renditions I have ever heard.

[@trapperscout2046]

I love the addition of Drowsy Maggie and Tamlin's reel into this piece. It was very well done!

[@mrowiskoon8306]

your smile when you play is priceless

[@jackbauer2698]

That smile gets me every time 😍

[@elmerlarimer9026]

me too

[@RayRand]

me three

[@antelozic9974]

Me five

[@conormcnugget8897]

Me six

[@williamfliger2816]

Me sevin

[@LawfulNugget]

I have loved this song since I was a child. You play it beautifully. Just the right amount of bounce.

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you! =) I've loved this song for a long time, too. There's something about it that is really catchy and fun! Thank you for listening. ^_^

[@manueladruml-reheis635]

Mega

[@changaroo8936]

Same I was introduced to it by my dad and that memory stuck forever.

[@Piankhi_the_Greater]

Same 🇦🇶

[@LeileeBaker805]

Good morning 🎵

[@jimbabin3747]

Ah Katy girl ... what a treasure you are! I've been drunken and a sailor, but neither experience was as pleasurable as watching your videos! Keep up the excellent work.

[@Cybrtronlazr]

"Ah Katy girl ... what a treasure you are! I've been drunken and a sailor, but neither experience was as pleasurable" you had me in the first half not gonna lie.

[@LarabeDeRegion]

Texas

[@jimbabin3747]

@@LarabeDeRegion Indeed!

[@liamweaver2944]

Texas Boy What’s so great about dumb old Texas?

[@smakkacowtherealone]

@@liamweaver2944 Texas

[@TheManWhoCanBeMovedd]

I don't know why this is in my recommendation but... this is amazing. This gave me urge to play AC: Black Flag again.

[@MindOfFoolio]

1 Person was so drunk, they accidentally disliked the video!

[@methanyra]

they shaved his belly with a rusty razor, dat sea-rats ! :-D

[@jasenlube7922]

Mind Of Foolio - Comedy & Animation 2 drunkards have done it now how could you not like this if the fiddle is in your soul at all this speaks to you, I know it does me!!!! I'm Irish as fuck!!!!!!!!!

[@TodunOlusola]

Mind Of Foolio - Comedy & Animation lol

[@sianarubio4360]

Put him in the bed with the captain's daughter! Put him in the bed with the captain's dauter!!(:

[@sianarubio4360]

Marvin The Maniacal Dancing Ape sorry I'm a lil drink too

[@ronnyfurst5511]

Well that is what comes out if an old soul plays an old song.... just perfect. Dear Miss Adelson :-) thanks for sharin your passion, your soul and your music with us!

[@malinkywoos]

Ahoy! I'm inspired to pick the dusty fiddle up again. WONDERFUL!!

[@justayeet5905]

philip davies sir, why is your poor fiddle dusty?

[@mylabower5047]

I love how you kept the basic simplicity for the majority of the song and then added your own flare. Absolutely love it!!!

[@tonymacdonald9830]

Love how you put a Irish reel and Glasgow reel in the mix of the sea shanty...Very creative and outstanding !

[@caeliachapin5317]

Nice rendition of one of my old faves! When I taught English in Japan, I used to sometimes bring my guitar to class, and I'd play the song, then I'd have the students contribute verses about "What Shall We Do With The Drunken Student" (it was college, so they were allowed to drink ;-) ). We had a lot of fun with that.

[@Nerossu]

I've just been in a pirate mood lately, this was nice.

[@MariaGracielaAcostaPerei-wc1gl]

I simply love the way you enjoy playing the beautiful music that comes naturaly from your soul.

[@coryphillips1783]

That double note playing, holding the low note - while striking the high keys. That is some wizardry that I hope I can one day be able to play on a fiddle. Good job! Fantastic

[@nedfoley]

Fantastic job Katy! I have become addicted to this version.

[@jakegiggey91]

You're amazing and such an inspiration! Discovering your videos a while ago and listening/practicing along to them since has greatly improved my skills and I definitely wanted to thank you! 💖

[@susanfaulkner2304]

Thank you for that seafarin' tune-it be just what I needed to face the work day!

[@CaveMiner]

I expected to go in the comment section and everyone was going to be talking about how it is Spongebob. Surprisingly it's not, good job by the way.

[@Shay45]

OMG I knew this sounded familiar but I couldn't place it

[@MAHUADATTA80]

Your smile makes me going. Thanks a lot. And moreover, I'm addicted with this! Never feel bored with this. Can hear this for unlimited times.

[@TheBaggyT]

This is the best (and most interesting) version of this song I've heard!!

[@bromancerules28]

This is the best Irish fiddle music I've ever listened too. So, thumbs up from me!

[@AlystelleMusic]

I love this music ! It makes me happy 😄, it is a pleasure to see and hear you, thank you so much !

[@IdelUralState]

this melody is so timeless! beautiful!

[@tamrabrown-rogers3174]

Love this happy upbeat tune! It’s nice to see the musician enjoying her talent so much too.

[@mlgfabulousman]

I was listening to this with my phone in my pocket, but now that I've actually watched the video, I can see that you seem to enjoy playing and that makes me love the song even more

[@aashume307]

Never thought i would fall so hard for instrumental music! I've become your biggest fan! Please keep playing music like this.... it makes the world a better place.

[@1701EarlGrey]

so, much energy and passion in one simple song! 😊

[@tims.3421]

That is one of my favorite violin videos on KZbin. I always show people that video and everyone always likes it and enjoys watching you play it. I like reading your notes where you describe the history of the song and what equipment you used to make the video. That is helpful info that not a lot of other uploaders provide for their videos. Great job on the playing and for having the courage to delve into the difficult and competitive world of video production. You go girl! Maybe in my next life i can play an instrument like you do and bring joy to people :). Keep up the good work.

[@mattleach958]

Thank you Katy, from a new subscriber. This is such a classic sailing tune. It is true that some of the lyrics can get a little bit "racy", but that is all part of the fun. I can see the joy in your sweet smile as you play. Very refreshing.

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

Katy, so cute with catching smile, delightful bouncy fiddle, and stunning scenery... any one alone is worthy of 5 stars, but Katy always blesses our souls with all three in each video😊!

[@sinamoradi5602]

The music is nice and your act is so beautiful!

[@keitharoo1962]

The lively tune, and the smile, just made my day! Thanks for sharing.

[@kadenstructures_ks]

I heard this and INSTANTLY started singing it!! This was my favourite song back in Athlone. God how I want to go back home to the Emerald Isle..

[@dinamycvideosgaming1597]

Love this from spain from my grandfather they came from ireland and scandinavia

[@rikvanschaaik8443]

I love that you put a few other trads into the mix! :D Some of my favourites too. :)

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you Rik! They are definitely some of my favorites, too! =)

[@ProfesserLuigi]

Katy Adelson Pray tell, what are the other songs?

[@XxAnTexX111]

glasgow reel

[@elmerlarimer9026]

me too

[@Kitiwake]

@@XxAnTexX111 the Glasgow reel.

[@NZfabrock]

Well played, brilliant old tune that always makes me think of the sailors of old whenever I hear it

[@michealbreathnach1966]

Love the happiness you show here!

[@drippinz]

I love this music very much!!! Thank you!

[@ravisharma-xz1lv]

Your smile made my day...

[@r.m5883]

I have a feeling a lot of things make your day

[@tkyaheya]

A stringing maestro with a lovely and humane nature! Enjoyed..

[@mariebl2439]

I've loved this tune since the first time I heard it, and I love how you've incorporated Drowsy Maggie and Tam Lin reels (if I'm not mistaken, the latter being my favourite reel ever) in between verses. Thank you for this brilliant video!

[@jeff.azevedo]

wooah ! You have the bests songs ever in your videos ! Congrats Ms. Adelson :D

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you, Jeff! I'm glad that you like the music. =) Thank you for listening. ^_^

[@davidsalfarlie4203]

I am speechless she is brilliant and very pleasant to watch and listen to

[@user-rb5jn8zu8j]

Bravissimo Katy! This is the best version of the song what I heard in general! And what a smile!

[@dr.dilemma5764]

beautiful smile and the best violin version of this song❤ made my day ❤

[@TheFiddlingViolin]

Beautiful! I love this tune, and you did a great job!

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you so much! =) This tune is a lot of fun! ^_^

[@elmerlarimer9026]

me too love it

[@carmelpule6954]

There are moments when it sounds as if there are two violins playing, Excellent.

[@fishmut]

Wow really loved this , I’m learning this and play it very ordinary and slow lol , I love your different rhythms etc with this it makes it so much more alive , love it. 👍

[@ClassicalMusic2002]

There’s something so catchy that brings me back to this song time and time again! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@MonikaIris]

Love it so much!!! Thank you!

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you! I'm glad that you like it! ^_^

[@thefighter887]

Katy Adelson im going to get a violin,your very good at this lass.

[@MonikaIris]

Yes I think so too ;-)

[@TodunOlusola]

Beegreen33 I think they should feature lol

[@shoebmd428]

Wishing that there was a matrix program to downlaod fiddling skills directly to my brains.

[@arthurmeyer5145]

XD

[@nycgingercat]

Anything worth learning takes time.

[@dand8399]

its called practice, practice, and more practice! good luck :)

[@adventureswithaurora]

SAAAME.

[@jolijr]

Great stuff Katy. Every Dubliner's fan recognises this one. Love that shy, slightly embarrassed smile.

[@UALDC10]

Of the dozens of variants of Drunken Sailor I've heard, I think this is my favorite.

[@michealwhite8107]

absolutely amazing

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you Micheal! =)

[@sahawndada]

You did this song Justice !!!!

[@bibolehabib]

One of the Best versions ever !!!

[@farnorthpicker56]

Katie, we absolutely love your fiddling. The beautiful smile shows how much you love the music❤️ Thank you for the beautiful music and video work too.

[@Benitostrange]

You have a great talent my dear keep at it. Its beautiful to hear

[@aaronTNGDS9]

Heard this tune for the first time ever while watching the Sherlock Holmes episode "The Secret Weapon" many years ago. Every time I watch the episode, and the scene of Basil Rathbone entering a bar with the lyrics being sung, it strikes me as a very amusing and cheerful interlude.

[@kaylieornelas8044]

I can see that happening

[@calamar2076]

J'adore ! I live opposite Ireland in Brittany (fr) facing the sea! And here we sing and play a lot of Celtic music! That's why I love this music! Sincerely, Patrick.

[@bonniejarvis3585]

I think you're just the greatest!!! I LOVE this one! Thanks so much!

[@mike-rayner-videos]

stunning stuff my friend :)

[@cjplays6655]

Ok little creepy

[@Pebbles.3]

Very

[@M13337]

Great playing! The part beginning at 1:23 is so darn cool. Love it! :)

[@shwtzsomz1857]

I come back once a week to just replay this bit

[@Eldrazi-emrakul]

Sounds a little like a variation of another Irish reel called "drowsy Maggie"

[@MrShenhai]

This is so amazing! My favourite rendition of this tune ever! You are very talented! :)

[@grantburris]

What a treat!! So enjoyable. Reminds me of my father, long since passed. Thank you. He would play that then dance a jig while he sang the lyrics. I still have the violin that is over 150 years old. I'm sorry I can't play a string instrument. It has been so long since I returned to that spot in my memory. Much appreciated, Katy.

[@michaelorlando8167]

happy 10 000 subscribers Katy.

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you so much! =) I can't believe it! :o I never thought there'd be this much interest in folk music!

[@michaelorlando8167]

Katy Adelson ya, actually quite recently I have become very interested in folk music and fiddle music, and you have sort of become my source for great music.

[@mateobrandalesi7208]

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!! 🍀🍀🍀

[@ladycatclara]

Thank you Katy, for your music and your smile :) And also the sheet music !!

[@MiksCasal]

Hey Katy! I just saw your videos today. Really love your music and videos! Hope you dont stop making music! Wish you the best

[@haryosentanusalimputro8127]

Its 2019 and i still hear this beutyfull heavenly sound

[@relyks1439]

Drunken Sailor, Drowsy Maggy, and Tam Lin brought together so wonderfully!

[@catherine5939]

Thanks for the names! I know the tunes but am useless at remembering the names!

[@belledecaucase]

Please do carry on, we need people like you! You are valued and you are LOVED!

[@Lkdrye]

I absolutely love it! This is definitely my next fiddle project!

[@Sheft]

I hear it in an endless loop while a make a video about pirates :D

[@katmarlow5789]

When I write this song is my go-to

[@gastonhitw720]

Thanks to your video you introduced me to the violin and I am able to play the song !!! Thx u so much, I really enjoyed this song during a long time, love u!!! ^-^

[@KatyAdelson]

+My name has been taken Yay! That's awesome!!! I'm happy to hear that you can now play this song, too! It's a fun song to play. ^_^ Thank you for listening, and I hope you have fun practicing! :)

[@gastonhitw720]

lol, yes is very very fun, I really like the Irish song style, make me feel as a Pirate!..... thx u so much, greetings from Chile!

[@celineadduci6379]

Lovely in every way. Thank you Katy Adelson

[@cosplaymemories1487]

I must add this to my list of songs to learn when I get back to practicing my violin/fiddle.

[@dartagnan1]

Violins rule!! ♞

[@jessegames3003]

D'artagnan personally I think Violas are better but you do you

[@dartagnan1]

+Jesse Games Ah! I Googled! Violas have a "lower and deeper sound." I will look for said music. Maybe violas rule. ♞

[@dartagnan1]

+Jesse Games Nope, violins rule. But violas are pretty cool. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jprIo3eCmrqcj8k#

[@v06261]

Jesse Games I think Violins are better, but okay.

[@maddiesweeney9444]

They do rule.

[@firstsergeantscanofchili4647]

I like how you switched to Tam Lin at 1:22

[@emmawhitehouse479]

love this so much love all your songs x

[@MystikalDawn]

Amazing music! Reminds me of when I was a kid growing up in Newfoundland. We would go out around to my grandparents house which was in a small coastal fishing community where everyone knew everyone else. My grandfather loved playing the violin as well. He only ever sat in one place in the kitchen while playing it, and he tapped his foot that much he had the finish worn off of the floor! hahaha good memories for sure! Thanks again! :)

[@jakekelley1470]

I could watch you play the violin for ever !

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you for such a nice comment, Jake! =)

[@elmerlarimer9026]

ME TOO

[@irishninja9358]

beautiful

[@geraldkruth5250]

Lovely music and beautifully performed. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!!!

[@PPISAFETY]

Talented and beautiful. Well done Katy!

[@nancymitchell2696]

This tune was used in a radio commercial for DelMonte tuna in the late 1950s, maybe 1960. Some of the words they put to the melody were something like "back to sea where we won't go hungry, back to sea where we won't go hungry, back to sea where we won't go hungry, tuna from DelMonte."

[@LunacareCymru]

beautiful song merry Christmas to everyone 2016

[@ryanchandlee2230]

Mikey Thomas merry Christmas to you

[@LunacareCymru]

Ryan Chandlee Thank you very much :)

[@bhornrn]

Bravo bravo Katy! Excellent and most enjoyable!

[@goduckgo2902]

I love this so much! You played it amazingly!!! I love the double stops!

[@franaravenaconcha9191]

Nice!

[@Loveisanswer]

pleaseeee!!! sheet music!! i just love it!!!

[@GnomoErnesto]

Pleassee the sheet!!! i want too

[@ebberton]

AGREEPLEASE GIVE US SHEET MUSIC FOR ALL OF THE SONGS YOU'VE ALL PLAYED PLEASE

[@ArthurBauduin]

You will find a lot of music sheets on The Session. Definitely those three, which are: - The Drunken Sailor - Drowsy Maggie - Tam Lynn

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you! =) I'll try to work on writing out the sheet music. I'll reply to comments for another hour, but then I'll start writing out the sheet music. ^_^ @Arthur is right about The Session -- it's a great resource for traditional fiddle tunes written as sheet music. They even have MIDIs available so you can hear how the tune is supposed to go. =)

[@KatyAdelson]

I've written out the sheet music here: www.katyadelson.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/DrunkenSailor_Fiddle.pdf I hope you have fun practicing! =)

[@luanferto7205]

Really amazing!!! Love this song

[@Horsemanworkout]

The Amazing Katy , Hypnotic and Magic , thanks for this awesome art .