"Wellerman" is a traditional sea shanty originating from New Zealand's whaling era, popularized worldwide through TikTok and folk revival bands like The Longest Johns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Wellerman" is a traditional New Zealand sea shanty popularized by The Longest Johns' folk arrangement, which gained massive traction on TikTok during the 2020-2021 sea shanty revival trend.
Originally composed by whalers in the 1800s, this work saw unprecedented
global popularity in 2020 through social media platforms.
Modern revival of traditional New Zealand whaling ballad popularized through TikTok
"Wellerman" reflects the interplay between European whalers and Māori communities in 19th-century New Zealand, with lyrics referencing the Weller brothers' whaling ships and the anticipation of supplies.
