Printable Coloring Pages
Sea Shanty Coloring Pages: The Wellerman
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
About "The Wellerman"
"The Wellerman" is a traditional New Zealand sea shanty that dates back to the 19th century. It gained widespread popularity in recent years due to social media platforms like TikTok, where it was revived and performed by various artists, most notably by Scottish singer Nathan Evans in 2021.
Lyrics and Themes: The song's lyrics tell the story of a whaling ship and its crew awaiting the arrival of a supply ship, known as the "Wellerman." The Wellerman brings essential provisions, including "sugar and tea and rum," to sustain the crew during their long and arduous whaling voyages. The song vividly describes the life of whalers and the anticipation of the much-needed supplies.
Historical Context: The term "Wellerman" refers to employees of the Weller Brothers, a prominent whaling and trading company operating in New Zealand in the early 19th century. The song provides a glimpse into the whaling industry and the role of supply ships in maintaining the morale and operational efficiency of whaling crews.
Musical Style: "The Wellerman" is characterized by its catchy, repetitive melody and rhythm, making it an ideal work song for sailors. The shanty's structure typically features a call-and-response format, with a lead singer calling out lines and the crew joining in the chorus, enhancing the communal aspect of shipboard labor.
Cultural Impact: The resurgence of "The Wellerman" on platforms like TikTok has introduced sea shanties to a new generation, sparking a global trend of shanty singing. This revival has also led to numerous covers and adaptations, further solidifying the song's place in contemporary popular culture.
Notable Recordings: Nathan Evans' viral TikTok rendition of "The Wellerman" propelled the song to international fame, leading to recording contracts and chart success. His version retains the traditional elements while bringing a modern twist, appealing to both folk music enthusiasts and new listeners.
The Wellerman | KidZone Maritimes History >