History
The first record of a drinking song dates to the 11th century, and derives from the Carmina Burana, a 13th century historical collection of poems, educational songs, love sonnets and "entertainment" or drinking songs. It is accepted lore that drinking songs likely date back at least a thousand years earlier, but there is no established record.
Nearly every country enjoys its own extensive collection of drinking songs well known to its natives; most recognized are the English, German and Russian standards. There are dozens of subgenres of the drinking song, including regional, topical, religious, sexual and war. Notable subvariations include war songs (e.g. the American "Star Spangled Banner", a poem Francis Scott Key, inspired by the battle of Fort McHenry, set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven") celebrating a particular battle or honoring a fallen troop or soldier, "hailing" songs, lauding a companion, and sexual or scatological songs typically denoting a romantic liaison or sexual act.
Read more about this topic: Drinking Song
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