We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
supported by
sassy66
sassy66 thumbnail
Will Gluckin
Will Gluckin thumbnail
khadam
khadam thumbnail
/

about

Trad

lyrics

There 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.

Chorus

Soon may the Wellerman come
And 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.

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.

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.

For forty days, or even more,
The line went slack, then tight once more.
All boats were lost (there were only four)
But still the whale did go.

As far as I know, the fight’s still on;
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone.
The Wellerman makes his regular call
To the Captain, crew, and all.

credits

from Ahoy!, released June 25, 2018

license

tags

about

Wellington Sea Shanty Society image

Wellington Sea Shanty Society Wellington, New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand's Most 'Sea Worthy' Shanty Group™

contact / help

Contact Wellington Sea Shanty Society

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Wellington Sea Shanty Society recommends:

If you like Wellington Sea Shanty Society, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now