Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Guitar
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Ukulele
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Piano
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Banjo
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Mandolin
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.
Amtap to play
Dmtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · Dm · F · C
Wellerman Chords – Harmonica
Nathan Evans’ viral sea shanty about a whaling ship awaiting supplies. Beginner difficulty in the key of A.
Shanty Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Emphasize the downstrokes to drive the rhythm like a work song.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song
Verse 1
A
There once was a ship that put to sea
E A
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
A
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
E A
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 2
A
She had not been two weeks from shore
E A
When down on her, a right whale bore
A
The captain called all hands and swore
E A
He’d take that whale in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 3
A
Before the boat had hit the water
E A
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
A
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
E A
When she dived down low
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 4
A
No line was cut, no whale was freed
E A
The captain’s mind was not on greed
A
But he belonged to the whaleman’s creed
E A
She took that ship in tow
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 5
A
For forty days, or even more
E A
The line went slack, then tight once more
A
All boats were lost, there were only four
E A
But still that whale did go
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Verse 6
A
As far as I’ve heard, the fight’s still on
E A
The line’s not cut and the whale’s not gone
A
The Wellerman makes his regular call
E A
To encourage the captain, crew, and all
Chorus
A
Soon may the Wellerman come
E A
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
A
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
E A
We’ll take our leave and go
Practice tip: Practice the A to E chord change until it’s automatic, as it’s the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Wellerman"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, Dm, F and C.
Is "Wellerman" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Wellerman" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Wellerman"?
It was written by Traditional, and released in 2021.