Story Behind The Song

Real story. Song was written on board sailboat in the British Virgin Islands (anchored in White Bay, Peter Island).

Song Description

The mate (woman) is on the helm or wheel and the skipper (man), being macho, lets out too much sail for the conditions creating a 'dangerous' situation and puts the mate into hysterics because the sailboat is now overpowered and hard to handle. Frustratio

Lyrics

WHY SAILORS DRINK RUM
© Copyright Dave Kaufman 2005 - All Rights Reserved

(Intro - Instrumental)

Verse 1:

We were reaching our way down de eastern coast of Peter Island

Past Dead Chest with a sharp eye for de Blonde Rock

But den de winds dey did blow, de waves got so high

She looked at me and started to cry

She said, ?Mon, I tink we?re gonna? die, so pull in de sails?!

Verse 2:

Bearing seven degrees under sail to Anegada

We left Gorda Sound; it was bright and clear, what a day!

But den de winds dey did blow, de waves got so high

She looked at me she started to cry

She said, ?Mon, I tink we?re gonna? die, so pull in de sails!?


Chorus:

Now I know why, I know why

Now I know why, I know why

Now I know why, I know why

Sailors drink rum

(Instrumental Break on Melodic Verse)

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:

So if you want to sail in de BVI listen to me

Well, you keep the helm, let your mate set de sails and you?ll see

Dat de winds will be fair, de waves not so high

She?ll look at you and she?ll start to sigh

She?ll say, ?Mon, dis is de life, so let out de sail.?

(Repeat Chorus 3 times into fadeout)