The Story of the Famous Sea Shanty: The Wellerman
The Origin of the Wellerman Sea Shanty
The Wellerman is a sea shanty that originated from New Zealand, where it was sung by whalers in the early 19th century. Its lyrics were based on the real-life experiences of whaling crews who sailed in search of whales in the southern seas. The song was sung during a time when whaling brought about great wealth, as whale oil was a valuable commodity in the 19th century. The Wellerman, therefore, was a song about the hope and joy that sailors felt upon spotting a whaling vessel.
The Lyrics of the Wellerman
The lyrics of the Wellerman are simple yet catchy, and they have remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. The song's lyrics describe the life of a whaler, how they would work hard to catch whales, and how they would be rewarded with precious whale oil. The lyrics also talk about how the whalers would look forward to the arrival of the Wellerman, a supply ship that would bring them sugar, tea, and other luxuries.
The Wellerman's Comeback in the 21st Century
Although the Wellerman was a popular sea shanty in the 19th century, it was largely forgotten after the decline of whaling. However, in recent years, the Wellerman has made a comeback thanks to social media. In 2020, a TikTok video of a Scottish postal worker named Nathan Evans singing the Wellerman went viral, and soon after, numerous musicians and TikTok users began creating their versions of the song.
Today, the Wellerman has become a global phenomenon, with people from all over the world making videos of themselves singing the sea shanty. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it popular among people of all ages, and it has even inspired a dance challenge on TikTok.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wellerman is a fascinating sea shanty that tells the story of whalers in the 19th century. Its simple lyrics and catchy melody have made it a popular song among people of all ages, and its recent resurgence on social media has introduced the song to a whole new generation. The Wellerman is not just a sea shanty but a testament to the power of music and how it can bring people together, no matter how far apart they may be.
