Discover the story of the song > Keelhauled Acoustic – Alestorm

The protagonist is addressing his friends to inform them that there is a traitor among them who has angered the captain. Instead of wanting to harm this person right away, the protagonist suggests having some fun first. They plan to tie the traitor to a rope, throw him overboard, and drag him underneath the ship, which would be a terrifying and deadly experience. The chorus repeats the idea of punishing the traitor by making him walk the plank with a bottle of rum and a yo-ho-yo chant. The protagonist implies that the traitor has committed serious sins and deserves punishment in hell, where he won't need his money or hat. The song ends by reiterating the desire to keelhaul the traitor by making him walk the plank with a bottle of rum and the yo-ho-yo chant.