THE WELLERMAN (score & parts)

The Wellerman is a folk song from New Zealand which probably dates from the mid-19th century, but was not formally documented until the 1960s. The song’s lyrics describe a whaling ship called the Billy o’ Tea and the ship’s crew’s hopes for a ‘wellerman’ to arrive bringing them supplies of luxuries. ‘Wellermen’ were employees of the Weller brothers who owned supply ships.

The song consists of numerous verses. In this version for wind quintet each ‘verse’ is taken in turn by the players. Each verse alternates with a chorus, beginning with:

[Verse 1]

There once 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
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)

[Chorus]

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

In 2020, during the covid pandemic, a cover by Scottish singer Nathan Evans became a viral hit on the social media site TikTok, leading to a broader social media craze around sea shanties and maritime songs.

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