Three Sheets to Kishkiyya · Track 2 · middle
Half-Seas Over
VOLUME I — being gloriously, world-tilting DRUNK (the night at full tilt). The idiom and the song's title hook: "Half-Seas Over". Its true history: UK, c.1736, nautical — a ship heavy-laden and low so the waves ('half seas') wash the deck, or halfway across the sea and thus 'over.' Render this beat of the night as the band's affectionate, funny, celebratory tribute — the idiom itself is the chorus hook.
Lyrics
[Intro] [Verse 1] They wrote it in the logs back in 1736 When the cargo was heavy and the sea played tricks A merchant vessel riding low, a belly full of freight Letting the ocean wash over the deck. Just halfway across the dark, rolling blue Taking on the water like she meant to. [Chorus] Now look at her go, she's half-seas over Taking on water but she ain't gonna sink Listing to the left by the old jukebox The finest heavy vessel at the edge of the brink. Half-seas over, letting the waves wash the boards Just a beautiful galleon, untying the cords. [Verse 2] She started with a pint, now she’s halfway across The great wide ocean of the tavern's gloss Losing her footing, but her spirit is bright As she navigates the tables in the middle of the room. The floorboards pitch like an Atlantic swell But she's a heavy-laden schooner, and she wears it well. [Chorus] Yeah, look at her go, she's half-seas over Taking on water but she ain't gonna sink Listing to the left by the old jukebox The finest heavy vessel at the edge of the brink. Half-seas over, letting the waves wash the boards Just a beautiful galleon, untying the cords. [Bridge] It ain't a tragedy, it’s just the tide Taking our captain for a leisurely ride. You don't fight the ocean when the ocean’s this warm You just tilt your weary sails and forget the storm. [Outro] Half-seas over... Drifting toward the door. She reached for the handle, but her hand found the frame. Guess she'll just... sail a little more... Into the wall.