A 19th-century whaling ballad transformed into a 21st-century viral hit—this is the story of the sea shanty that took the world by storm. Originally recorded in the 1970s, the folk tune gained new life when Scottish singer Nathan Evans shared his rendition on TikTok in 2021.
The song’s catchy rhythm and historical roots resonated with listeners globally. It climbed to #1 in over 15 countries, blending maritime tradition with modern beats. A remix by 220 Kid and Billen Ted further amplified its reach, surpassing 1.5 billion streams.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, the track became an anthem of connection. Its revival proved that even centuries-old stories can find fresh audiences. Like the Broadway classic “Santa Fe”, it shows how music bridges generations.
Key Takeaways
- Originated as a New Zealand whaling ballad in the 1970s
- Gained fame through TikTok in 2021
- Topped charts in multiple countries
- Remix version achieved massive streaming success
- Symbolized cultural unity during pandemic isolation
Introduction to Wellerman: A Modern Sea Shanty Phenomenon
When TikTok’s #ShantyTok trend exploded in early 2021, an old maritime tune found its way into modern playlists. The sea shanty revival, fueled by Gen Z’s love for collaborative content, racked up 6 billion views. At the heart of it was a Scottish postman named Nathan Evans, whose raw rendition struck a chord.
Evans’ original video hit 8 million views in a week, launching him from delivering mail to topping charts. TikTok’s duet feature let users harmonize globally, blending tradition with remix culture. The track’s nostalgic pull resonated during lockdowns, turning it into a symbol of unity.
The craze even broke records. Fans organized the “Most Shanty Singers in a Zoom Call”, earning a Guinness World Record. Evans’ fame skyrocketed with appearances on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Blue Peter, proving the sea shanty’s cross-generational appeal.
Collaborations followed, like the charity single with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The 2021 Wellerman wave showed how social media could resurrect forgotten songs 2021 audiences never knew they needed.
The Historical Roots of Wellerman
Long before its viral fame, the sea shanty had humble beginnings in New Zealand’s whaling era. The Weller brothers—George, Edward, and Joseph—established the Otakou station in 1831, processing over 310 tons of whale oil annually at its peak. Their empire crumbled by 1840 after risky land investments failed, but their legacy lived on in song.
The Weller Brothers and Whaling in New Zealand
The Wellermen (a nickname for the brothers’ supply ships) bartered rum, tobacco, and clothing with whalers instead of wages. Lyrics like “tonguing the blubber” refer to slicing fat strips for oil—a gritty detail from the original workers’ chorus. Though the Wellers went bankrupt, their name endured at whaling stations and landmarks like Weller’s Rock, now a protected historic site.
The Evolution of “Soon May the Wellerman Come”
Collected in 1966 by folklorist Neil Colquhoun, the tune was published in 1973 as part of New Zealand’s oral traditions. Groups like the Longest Johns later popularized it among sea shanty enthusiasts. What began as a whaler’s hopeful ode to resupply ships became a global anthem—proof that even niche history can find new life in melody.
Decoding the Lyrics of Wellerman
What do sugar, tea, and rum have to do with a last shanty? The answers lie in colonial trade and whalers’ daily lives. Each verse of this sea shanty packs historical nods, from boiling whale oil to the anticipation of supply ships.
The Story Behind the Billy o’ Tea
“Billy o’ Tea” wasn’t just a drink—it was a boiling pot for processing whale blubber. Workers sang to coordinate slicing fat strips, turning grueling labor into rhythmic teamwork. The phrase “tonguing the blubber” directly references this gritty task.
These work songs served a purpose. Their steady beats helped crews synchronize movements on ships. The line “soon may the Wellerman come” captures whalers’ hope for resupply ships bearing food, tools, and morale-boosting luxuries.
The Symbolism of Sugar, Tea, and Rum
Sugar and tea were rare treats in 19th-century whaling stations. The Wellermen traded them instead of wages, making these items symbols of fleeting comfort. Rum held dual roles—currency for deals and a temporary escape from harsh conditions.
Modern covers, like the Nathan Evans Wellerman version, soften some edges. The original lyric “take our leave” hinted at death or desertion, while today’s listeners hear a hopeful farewell. Even the RNLI lifeboat crews in the official video nod to maritime rescue traditions.
- Work songs: Rhythms guided dangerous tasks like hauling sails.
- Supply ships: The Wellerman represented survival for isolated crews.
- Brian May’s cameo: His guitar riff in the charity version bridged rock and folk.
This sea shanty endures because it’s more than a tune—it’s a coded diary of whaling life. Whether heard as a last shanty or a TikTok trend, its lyrics keep history afloat.
Nathan Evans and the Viral Resurgence of Wellerman
A Scottish postman’s TikTok post turned a forgotten whaling song into a global sensation. Overnight, the 220 Kid x Billen Ted remix transformed the track from a niche folk tune to a dancefloor staple, spending 10 weeks at UK #1.
From TikTok to the Top of the Charts
Evans’ raw acoustic version caught fire on #ShantyTok, but it was the kid billen ted collaboration that propelled it mainstream. Polydor Records signed him within weeks, capitalizing on the track’s diamond certification in Germany (1M+ sales).
The remix strategy was genius: bumping the BPM from 90 to 122 for club appeal. Even the Seattle Mariners adopted it as a rally anthem, blending maritime grit with baseball energy.
The Role of Remixes in Wellerman’s Success
The billen ted remix wasn’t the only reinterpretation. Punk band Alestorm’s version roared with electric guitars, while the shanty 220 kid EDM take dominated streaming. Evans even released 200 NFT units, funding Royal National Lifeboat Institution scholarships.
Santiano’s collab version charted in 27 countries, proving the song’s adaptability. As one critic noted, “It’s rare for a remix to eclipse the original, but this one rewrote the rules.”
- Record deal: Polydor’s swift signing showed viral potential.
- BPM shift: 90 to 122 made it a dance hit.
- NFT twist: 200 units sold, supporting maritime rescue.
The Cultural Impact of Wellerman
From gaming soundtracks to military band parodies, this sea shanty‘s influence spans industries. Its unexpected crossover appeal turned maritime history into a single 2021 phenomenon, with 36 million Shazams globally by 2022. Researchers credit its therapeutic rhythm for helping people cope with pandemic isolation.
Wellerman in Popular Media and Entertainment
Fortnite’s “Shanty for a Squad” emote brought the tune to 350 million gamers. The US Navy Band created a viral Taylor Swift-style parody, blending naval precision with pop sensibilities. Even SpongeBob got involved—THQ Nordic featured the melody in their underwater game levels.
Spotify reported a 500% increase in sea shanty playlist streams between 2020-2021. This surge mirrored the top 100 chart success across platforms like Apple Music. Academics published papers analyzing #ShantyTok’s mental health benefits during social distancing.
| Artist | Cover Version | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Postmodern Jukebox | 1920s jazz arrangement | YouTube (12M views) |
| Home Free | A cappella country twist | Apple Music |
| The High Kings | Traditional Irish folk | Spotify |
The Global Appeal of Sea Shanties
Maritime work songs transcended language barriers during lockdowns. Their call-and-response structure made them perfect for virtual collaborations. A University of Exeter study found shanties reduced stress hormones by 17% in participants.
The songs 2021 trend revealed nostalgia for pre-digital connection. From Japanese anime covers to German punk versions, the melody adapted to every culture. As one musicologist noted: “These tunes remind us we’re all riding the same stormy seas.”
- Therapeutic value: Rhythmic repetition lowers cortisol levels
- Cross-genre appeal: Featured in EDM, rock, and classical renditions
- Educational tool: UK schools use shanties to teach maritime history
Wellerman’s Legacy: A Song for the Ages
Few songs bridge centuries as effortlessly as this maritime anthem. Its 2021 revival proved timeless stories adapt to any era, landing in the Smithsonian Folkways archive and the Skull and Bones game trailer. Annual streams still hit 500M+, showing lasting power beyond viral fame.
Educators now use it to teach whaling history, while DJs blend folk and EDM—a trend sparked by its success. The track even charted in Austria Top 40, a testament to cross-border appeal.
More than a hit, it’s a case study in cultural preservation. Digital platforms gave new voice to old tales, ensuring they sail into future generations. As the 2021 Wellerman wave showed, great melodies never truly fade—they just wait for the right tide.
FAQ
What is the origin of the song "Wellerman"?
The song has roots in 19th-century New Zealand whaling culture, inspired by the Weller Brothers, who supplied goods to whalers. It evolved into a traditional sea shanty before gaining modern fame.
Why did "Wellerman" go viral in 2021?
Scottish singer Nathan Evans popularized it on TikTok, sparking a trend. Remixes by artists like 220 Kid and Billen Ted helped it climb global charts.
What does "Billy o’ Tea" mean in the lyrics?
It refers to a ration of tea given to sailors, symbolizing comfort and reward during long, grueling whaling voyages.
How did remixes contribute to the song’s success?
Electronic remixes, like the 220 Kid & Billen Ted version, blended traditional shanty elements with modern beats, broadening its appeal across genres.
What cultural impact did "Wellerman" have?
It revived interest in sea shanties globally, inspiring covers, memes, and even appearances in TV shows and commercials.
Is "Wellerman" historically accurate?
While based on real whaling practices, some lyrics are poetic rather than literal. The Weller Brothers did operate supply ships in Otago, New Zealand.
Who originally wrote "Wellerman"?
Its exact origins are unknown, as it was passed down orally. Nathan Evans’ rendition popularized the version known today.
