The article examines how The Pogues adapted after dismissing frontman Shane MacGowan in 1991 because his alcoholism and drug addiction had made working with him increasingly difficult. It argues that James Fearnley’s 1993 song ‘The Drunken Boat’ helped articulate the band’s uncertain new identity, using a hazardous tanker without a port as a metaphor for carrying on without its defining singer.

Released on the album *Waiting For Herb*, the song was inspired by Arthur Rimbaud’s 1871 poem ‘Le Bateau Ivre’, about a crewless ship travelling through dangerous, surreal waters. Fearnley said it was “scary” to continue without MacGowan and described the song as reflecting his experiences in the band; The Pogues initially used guest singers including Joe Strummer before sharing vocal and songwriting responsibilities themselves.