Lyrics
There once was a ship that put to sea
Introduction of a ship setting sail
The name of that ship was the Billy o' Tea
Identifying the ship as the "Billy o' Tea"
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
Describing adverse weather conditions
Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh)
Expression of encouragement to sailors
She'd not been two weeks from shore
Not long at sea when a whale is sighted
When down on her a right whale bore
Encounter with a right whale
The captain called all hands and swore
The captain's reaction, calling the crew
He'd take that whale in tow (huh)
Expressing the intent to capture the whale
Soon may the Wellerman come
Awaiting the arrival of the Wellerman
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
Expectation of supplies: sugar, tea, and rum
One day, when the tonguing' is done
Anticipating the end of a specific task
We'll take our leave and go
Planning to depart when the task is complete
(Go, go, go, go)
Repetition of the desire to leave
(Go, go, go, go)
-(Go, go, go, go)
-Take our leave and go
-Soon may the Wellerman come
Reiteration of expectations from the Wellerman
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
-One day, when the tonguing' is done
-We'll take our leave and go
-(Hey)
Interjection, expressing attention
Before the boat had hit the water
Events unfold as the boat is launched
The whale's tail came up and caught her
The whale catches the ship's tail
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
Intense action as crew harpoons the whale
When she dived down low (huh)
The whale dives, adding to the challenge
She'd not been two weeks from shore
Recurrence of the initial encounter
When down on her a right whale bore
-The captain called all hands and swore
-He'd take that whale in tow
-Soon may the Wellerman come
Reiteration of waiting for the Wellerman
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
-One day, when the tonguing' is done
-We'll take our leave and go
-Take our leave and go
Repeating the intention to leave
Soon may the Wellerman come
Restating the expected arrival of the Wellerman
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
-One day, when the tonguing' is done
-We'll take our leave and go
-Soon may the Wellerman come
Final expression of anticipation for supplies and departure
To bring us sugar and tea and rum (hey)
-One day, when the tonguing' is done
-We'll take our leave and go
-
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