englishFolk, Pop
Wellerman (Sea Shanty) Lyrics
by Nathan Evans, 220 Kid & Billen Ted
Lyricist: Jonny Westenmark
1 views • Published on Sep 24, 2026
Wellerman (Sea Shanty) Lyrics
There once was a ship that put to sea
And the name of that ship was the Billy o' Tea
The winds blew hard, her bow dipped down
Blow, me bully boys, blow (Huh!)
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 (Hah!)
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tеa and rum
One day, when the tonguin' is donе
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-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 below (Huh!)
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 on greed
But 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 tonguin' 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-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
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 a 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
Meaning of Wellerman (Sea Shanty)
“Wellerman” is a deceptively simple shanty that builds into an unsettling meditation on obsession, duty, and the seductive power of relentless pursuit. Initially presented as a lighthearted sea shanty – a viral sensation fueled by TikTok’s earworm quality – its lyrical content reveals a far more tragic narrative centered around a whaling expedition. The song establishes a cyclical rhythm with the repeated refrain “Soon may the Wellerman come,” initially promising respite and supplies, but quickly transforming into an almost desperate plea for continued support. The story unfolds through stark imagery: a ship named ‘Billy o’ Tea,’ a sudden encounter with a massive whale, and ultimately, the crew's unwavering commitment to towing it – despite mounting evidence of futility and impending doom. The line “No line was cut, no whale was freed” is crucial; it highlights the captain’s adherence to a rigid code, devoid of empathy or rational judgment, reflecting a dangerous devotion to his profession.
Nathan Evans' raw vocal delivery initially contributes to the song’s charm, but as the track progresses and Billen Ted and 220 Kid add layers of atmospheric production, a sense of creeping dread emerges. The “da-da-da” sections, repeated throughout, become increasingly hypnotic, mirroring the crew’s obsessive focus. Ultimately, the artist's message isn’t about celebrating maritime adventure; it’s an unsettling commentary on the human capacity for self-destruction when driven by ingrained habits and a refusal to acknowledge defeat. The final verses, depicting a continuing struggle and the Wellerman’s persistent call, suggest a tragic loop of unwavering commitment leading to inevitable ruin – a powerful metaphor perhaps for any endeavor consumed by relentless drive and devoid of perspective.
Tags:
nathan evanssea shantyupbeatfolkwellerman
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