The Wellerman
View chords used in this chart
[Intro ]
Dm
[Verso 1]
Dm
There once was a ship that put to sea
Gm Dm
And the name of the ship was the Billy o' Tea
Dm
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
A Dm
Blow, me bully boys, blow (Huh!)
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
[Verso 2]
Dm
She had not been two weeks from shore
Gm Dm
When down on her a right whale bore
Dm
The captain called all hands and swore
A Dm
He'd take that whale in tow (Huh!)
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
[Verso 3]
Dm
Before the boat had hit the water
Gm Dm
The whale's tail came up and caught her
Dm
All hands to the side harpooned and fought her
A Dm
When she dived down low (Huh!)
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
[Verso 4]
Dm
No line was cut, no whale was freed;
Gm Dm
The Captain's mind was not on greed
Dm
But he belonged to the whaleman's creed;
A Dm
She took that ship in tow (Huh!)
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
[Verso 5]
Dm
For forty days, or even more
Gm Dm
The line went slack, then tight once more
Dm
All boats were lost (there were only four)
A Dm
But still that whale did go (Huh!)
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
[Verso 6]
Dm
As far as I've heard, the fight's still on;
Gm Dm
The line's not cut and the whale's not gone
Dm
The Wellerman makes his regular call
Gm Dm
To encourage the Captain, crew, and all
[Refrão]
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
Bb F
Soon may the Wellerman come
Gm Dm
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Bb F
One day, when the tonguing is done
A Dm
We'll take our leave and go
How to play The Wellerman
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Dm. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.