THE WELLERMAN

There was a ship that put to sea, And the name of the ship was the Billy at Tea The wind came up, her bow dipped down, Blow, my bully boys, blow.

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, She dived down below.

A line we dropped all in pursuit She raised her tail, a last salute. But the harpoon lodged there’s no dispute She dived down below.

For six long days and six long nights She drove us south with all her might, Until we were too tired to fight, Then we let her go.

The line was cut, the whale was freed; The Captain’s mind was not on greed. He belonged to the sailor’s creed And he let that whale go.

Sugar, tea, and rum.