There once was a ship that put to sea And the name of the ship was the Billy o' Tea The winds blew hard, her bow dipped down Blow, me bully boys, blow (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

She had 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

Before the boat had hit the water The whale's tail came up and caught her All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her When she dived down below (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

No line was cut, no whale was freed; The Captain's mind was not of greed But he belonged to the whaleman's creed; She took the ship 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

For forty days, or even more The line went slack, then tight once more All boats were lost (there were only four) 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

As far as I've heard, the fight's still on; The line's not cut and the whale's not gone The Wellerman makes his regular call To encourage the Captain, crew, and all

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