Three Sheets to Kishkiyya · Track 1 · opener
Three Sheets to the Wind
VOLUME I — being gloriously, world-tilting DRUNK (the night at full tilt). The idiom and the song's title hook: "Three Sheets to the Wind". Its true history: UK, c.1821, nautical — 'sheets' are the ropes controlling the sails; three left loose and flapping 'to the wind' send the ship lurching out of control, exactly like a staggering drunk. One sheet = tipsy, three = falling-down. Render this beat of the night as the band's affectionate, funny, celebratory tribute — the idiom itself is the chorus hook.
Lyrics
[Intro] Make way for the admiral. [Verse 1] The cobblestones are pitching like a channel in the dark I am a heavy galleon making harbor by the park You amateurs are laughing at the angle of my spine But I've got maritime momentum in my mind I'm letting go the tension in the lines. [Chorus] I'm three sheets to the wind Watch the magnificent wobble I'm in The rigging is loose and the rudder is gone But this glorious vessel is carrying on Yeah, I'm three sheets to the wind! [Verse 2] Now everybody thinks a sheet is canvas on the mast But it's the heavy rope that holds the flying canvas fast Back in 1821 the British sailors knew the shape When a body lets the liquor make a break Slip one rope and you're tipsy, slip two and you bend Slip three and let the grand erratic navigation commence. [Chorus] 'Cause I'm three sheets to the wind Watch the magnificent wobble I'm in The rigging is loose and the rudder is gone But this glorious vessel is carrying on Yeah, I'm three sheets to the wind! [Bridge] I am taking up the width of the entire street A heavy-weather hero on my own two feet I'm not falling over, I am riding out the gale A master of the tavern and the thrill [Outro] Just point me at the moon and I'll find the stairs Or maybe I'll just drop the anchor anywhere The pavement is a very soft ocean tonight.