There once was a ship that put to sea
O b-low, my bully boys, blow
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
She'd 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, huh!
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
Da-da dat da da-da da dat da
Before the boat had hit the water
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
No line was cut, no whale was freed
The captain's mind was not of greed
She took that ship in tow
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
Da-da dat da da-da da dat da
For forty days, or even more
But still that whale did go
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
The Wellerman makes his regular call
To encourage the Captain,
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go
Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done,
We’ll take our leave and go