Wellerman ✧
A rolling whaling song with a rising chorus and a strong, steady pulse.
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
Verse
Chorus
D whistle · E minor · 4/4 · 100 BPM · + upper octave
Verse
Chorus
Lyrics
Follow along with the official lyric video.
Follow the lyrics · Nathan Evans official lyric video (opens in a new tab) ↗
About this tune
Wellerman tells a tall tale of a whaling crew caught in an endless pursuit, waiting for supplies and the chance to go home. Its minor-key verse leads into a higher, insistent chorus that invites everyone to join in.
The song belongs to New Zealand’s folk repertoire. A surviving 1969 radio recording predates its appearance in Song of a Young Country; its earlier origins remain debated. Nathan Evans’s TikTok performance helped bring it to a worldwide audience in 2021.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
Wellerman — whistle cover and tutorial
CutiePie
A D-whistle cover followed by a three-part tutorial and play-along tabs. Opens at the performance; melody details and rhythm may differ from this tab.
Watch on YouTube — Wellerman — whistle cover and tutorial by CutiePie (opens in a new tab) ↗