'Wellerman' is a New Zealand folksong dating back to the 19th century which is often sung by sea shanty crews. It recently became an earworm for anyone on the social media app TikTok, thanks to a viral video started by Scottish postman and sea shanty singer Nathan Evans. He performed 'Wellerman' in a TikTok that was then added to by a series of other shanty singers – and later musicians. But what are its lyrics – and what's it all about?
What is a 'Wellerman'?
Anyone who worked at the Sydney-based whaling company The Weller Bros was referred to as a 'Wellerman'. In the context of the sea shanty, the term 'Wellerman' applies to the supply ships sent from the company.
The Weller Bros operated during the mid-19th century, when this sea shanty was thought to have been created.
What are the lyrics?
There once was a ship that put to sea The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea The winds blew up, her bow dipped down O blow, my bully boys, blow
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
She had not been two weeks from shore When down on her a right whale bore The captain called all hands and swore He'd take that whale in tow
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
Before the boat had hit the water The whale's tail came up and caught her All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her When she dived down below
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
No line was cut, no whale was freed The Captain's mind was not of greed But he belonged to the whaleman's creed She took the ship in tow
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
For forty days, or even more The line went slack, then tight once more All boats were lost, there were only four But still that whale did go
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
As far as I've heard, the fight's still on The line's not cut and the whale's not gone The Wellerman makes his regular call To encourage the Captain, crew, and all
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguin' is done We'll take our leave and go
The best recording of 'Wellerman'
Sea shanties are rarely recorded, thanks to their ad hoc, spontaneous style. Bristol-based folk band The Longest Johns have recorded a tranche of sea shanties however, including 'Wellerman', on their 2018 album Between Wind and Water.
You can buy this recording from Amazon or Bandcamp.
You can find the lyrics to many of your favourite sea shanties here