JohnSmithWellerman lyrics
There once was a ship that put to sea
The name of the ship was the Billy O’ Tea
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We’ll take our leave and go
She’d 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 (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We’ll take our leave and go
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
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 low (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing 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
And he belonged to the Whaleman’s creed
She took that ship in tow (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing is done
We’ll take our leave and go
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
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 (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing 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 (huh)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguing 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 tonguing is done
We’ll take our leave and go
Explanation of the song “Wellerman” lyrics
Introduction
“Wellerman” is a sea shanty song that originated in New Zealand in the 19th century. It tells the story of whalers from a ship called the Billy O’Tea waiting for a supply ship called the Wellerman to bring them supplies.
Composer & First Singer
The original composer and first singer of “Wellerman” are unknown. As with most sea shanties, it was passed down orally and likely changed over time before being recorded. The earliest known recorded version was in the early 20th century.
Genre
“Wellerman” is classified as a sea shanty – a type of folk song traditionally sung by sailors to coordinate ship work like hauling lines and anchors. Sea shanties have a call-and-response format and upbeat rhythms designed for repetitive tasks.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics tell the tale of whalers stuck at sea for weeks trying to harpoon a whale. They are running low on supplies and hoping the Wellerman supply ship arrives soon with more “sugar, tea, and rum.” The final verses indicate the whale is still dragging their rowboat along. The song ends hopefully as they await the Wellerman.
FAQs
Q: Who originally sang “Wellerman”?
A: The original singer is unknown since it’s a traditional sea shanty.
Q: What is a “tonguing” referenced in the lyrics?
A: This refers to processing and barreling whale blubber and oil.
Q: Is the story in “Wellerman” based on a real event?
A: It’s unlikely, though whaling voyages like this did occur. The details are probably fictionalized.
Q: What instruments are used in “Wellerman”?
A: Traditionally just vocals, but modern versions may add instruments like guitar, bass, drums, etc.
Q: Where does the name “Wellerman” come from?
A: It refers to the supply ship coming to provide the whalers with supplies from the Weller company.
