“Soon may the Wellerman come to bring us sugar and tea and rum.”
These captivating lyrics have taken the world by storm, thanks to the viral sensation created by Scottish singer Nathan Evans on TikTok. The song, known as Wellerman, is a sea shanty with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
In this article, we will delve into the origins, meaning, and popularity of the Wellerman lyrics, exploring the fascinating story behind this beloved sea shanty.
Origins of the Wellerman Sea Shanty
The Wellerman sea shanty, also known as ‘Soon May the Wellerman Come,’ has its roots in New Zealand. It was originally sung by shore whalers in the mid-19th century as they hunted giant sea mammals for flesh and oil. The song provided a sense of rhythm, comfort, and camaraderie during long and arduous days at sea.
The title of the song, Wellerman, is a reference to the supply ships owned by the Weller brothers, early European settlers in New Zealand.
These ships would bring essential provisions like sugar, tea, and rum to the whalers. The lyrics of the song depict the anticipation of the whalers for the arrival of the Wellerman, who would bring these much-needed supplies.
The Meaning Behind the Wellerman Lyrics
The Wellerman Sea Shanty tells the tales and legends of the whaling industry during that era. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the hardships faced by sailors embarking on dangerous whaling expeditions. The song captures the struggles, sacrifices, and often meagre rewards of a whaler’s life.
The chorus of the Wellerman sea shanty encapsulates the longing for the arrival of the Wellerman, who would bring sugar, tea, and rum – luxuries that were considered valuable commodities during that time.
However, the reality was that these items were often used as a form of payment for the underpaid sailors. The lyrics reflect the sailors’ hopes for a better future once their work, known as “tonguing” (the process of cutting strips of whale blubber), is done.
The Whaling Industry in New Zealand
Whaling in New Zealand was a thriving industry from the late 1700s to the mid-20th century. The Weller brothers, prominent figures in New Zealand’s whaling history, established a whaling station at Otakou on the South Island in 1831. They supplied the whalers with essential items and became known as “wellermen,” hence the reference in the song.
The whaling operations in New Zealand were primarily shore-based, requiring the processing of whale carcasses on land. This labour-intensive work demanded physical strength and endurance. The Wellerman sea shanty provided a sense of stability and motivation to the whalers as they toiled to extract valuable whale oil.
Nathan Evans and the TikTok Phenomenon
In 2021, Scottish singer Nathan Evans reignited interest in the Wellerman sea shanty with his rendition on TikTok. His cover of the song quickly went viral, captivating audiences around the world with its catchy melody and evocative lyrics. Evans’ passion for sea shanties and his ability to breathe new life into traditional songs captured the imagination of millions.
The popularity of Evans’ Wellerman cover sparked a resurgence of interest in sea shanties, leading to a wave of renditions and covers by various artists. The power of social media platforms like TikTok allowed the Wellerman sea shanty to reach a global audience, transcending time and geography.
The Wellerman Lyrics in Popular Culture
Over the years, the Wellerman sea shanty has been recorded and performed by numerous artists. In 1990, the folk trio Gordon Bok, Ann Mayo Muir, and Ed Trickett included a version of the song on their album, ‘And So Will We Yet.’
In 2013, the Wellington Sea Shanty Society released their rendition on the album ‘Now That’s What I Call Sea Shanties Vol. 1.’ The Bristol-based a cappella group, The Longest Johns, also recorded a version of the Wellerman sea shanty on their album ‘Between Wind and Water’ in 2018.
However, it was Nathan Evans’ interpretation that propelled the Wellerman sea shanty to new heights of popularity. His cover reached the top of the U.K. Singles Chart, captivating listeners worldwide. The Wellerman lyrics became ingrained in popular culture, inspiring countless remixes, mash-ups, and creative interpretations.
The Legacy of the Wellerman Sea Shanty
The enduring appeal of the Wellerman sea shanty lies in its ability to transport listeners to a bygone era, evoking the spirit of the whalers and their arduous lives at sea. The song captures the essence of camaraderie, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. Its timeless melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Wellerman sea shanty serves as a reminder of the rich maritime heritage and the human stories behind historical industries such as whaling. Its resurgence in popularity through Nathan Evans’ TikTok rendition has brought this cultural treasure to a new generation, ensuring its legacy for years to come.
Conclusion
The Wellerman sea shanty, with its captivating lyrics and rich history, has captivated audiences around the world. From its origins in New Zealand’s whaling industry to its recent resurgence through social media platforms like TikTok, the song continues to inspire and enthral listeners.
Nathan Evans’ rendition has breathed new life into this timeless sea shanty, bridging the gap between the past and the present. As we sing along to the words “Soon may the Wellerman come,” we are reminded of the power of music to connect us to our shared human experiences and to keep the stories of the past alive.