“Wellerman” or “Soon may the Wellerman come” to give it its full title, is a sea shanty originating in New Zealand
This sea shanty reflects the experiences and emotions of sailors as they navigated the challenges of whaling in the South Pacific.
The English born Weller brothers, Joseph, Edward and George had moved to Sydney in 1839 and went on to found a whaling station near what is now Dunedin in the South Island of New Zealand.
The song tells the tale of a whaling ship, the Billy O’ Tea, and its crew who eagerly await the arrival of the "Wellerman," a supply ship from the Weller brothers, who were known for providing provisions to whalers. The refrain encapsulates the themes of hope and camaraderie among sailors as they anticipate the arrival of supplies, including sugar and tea, while also facing the perilous realities of their trade, including encounters with sperm whales.
The WellermanMusically, "Wellerman" is characterized by its catchy melody and repetitive choruses, making it ideal for group singing. The call-and-response format typical of sea shanties allows crew members to synchronize their efforts while working on deck, whether hauling lines or performing other tasks. This traditional maritime genre often served to boost morale and create a sense of unity among sailors during long voyages.
Craig McLeish's arrangement of this song will be introduced to Canto on Tuesday 22 April.