The Wellerman

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
Blow, my bully boys, blow

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some day, when the tonguing 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
But she dived down below

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some 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
Some day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go

For 40 days and 40 nights
The line went slack, then went tight
All boats were lost, they sank from sight
Still, the whale did go

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go

Well, as far as I've heard, the fight's still on
The line's not cut, the whale's not gone
The Wellerman will arrive at dawn
To encourage the crew and all

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go

But still, the whale kept fighting on
'Til our supplies were almost gone
Thank God the Wellerman comes at dawn
The rum is running low

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go

Well, the captain says, "It seems to me
She's the bravest whale I ever did see
Well, cut the line and set her free
And perhaps we'll meet her again one day"

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Some 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
Some day, when the tonguing is done
We'll take our leave and go (go!)