The Wellerman

1 / 19
next
Slide 1: Video
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvmbo t, havo, vwoLeerjaar 4

This lesson contains 19 slides, with interactive quizzes, text slides and 3 videos.

time-iconLesson duration is: 45 min

Items in this lesson

Slide 1 - Video

The Wellerman - Nathan Evans
TikTok sensation Nathan Evans dropped this cover of the sea shanty 
The Wellerman. 
Soon, people started joining in and the result was a beautiful
orchestra of people singing a swashbuckling song.
The song and other sea shanties took off on TikTok and people
started singing them together via TikTok during lockdown.

Slide 2 - Slide

Slide 3 - Video


How high is Wellerman up in the charts?
A
1st
B
2nd
C
3rd
D
4th

Slide 4 - Quiz


What does Nathan think about his transition from postman to pop star?
A
He doesn't really feel a difference.
B
He hates it and wants to quit as soon as the hype is over.
C
He finds it terrifying how quickly it went.
D
He hasn't had time to think about it.

Slide 5 - Quiz


What does the music remind the hosts of being in?
A
A club
B
A pub
C
At home with family
D
A festival

Slide 6 - Quiz


With which artist does Nathan want to collaborate in the future?
A
Michael Ball
B
David Guetta
C
Ed Sheeran
D
Sam Smith

Slide 7 - Quiz

The Wellerman
Let's look at the lyrics of the song and the meaning of words and sentences.
Afterwards, we'll look at the origins of sea shanties and why they were used.
At the end, there will be a pop quiz about the things that I am going to tell. Make sure to listen closely!

Slide 8 - Slide

Slide 9 - Video


What does Tonguin' mean?
A
Whale Hunting
B
Selling goods across the world
C
Sailing the ship
D
French Kissing

Slide 10 - Quiz

How could you rephrase ''To take that whale in tow''?

Slide 11 - Open question

Soon may the Wellerman
.......
We'll take our leave and go

Before the boat had hit the water
The whale's tail came up and caught her
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
When she dived down below (huh)
(Wellerman chorus again)

Slide 12 - Slide

Why do you think that the song can be sung endlessly?

Slide 13 - Open question

The Wellerman
A lot of ships participated in whale hunting. Whales were valuable for their meat and their whale oil, which is used in medical supplies. 
The Wellerman is a folksong/sea shanty from New Zealand. The song is about supply ships from The Weller Brothers, which were called Wellerman by the people. 
The crew of the supply ships used these songs to get through the days. They were exposed to harsh labour for too little money and were away from home for many days. They were on a ship together and to fight their depression and sad thoughts, they would band together and sing songs while working to make it all bearable.
Sea Shanties originated from Irish and Scottish folk songs and are used a lot by working men. These songs would usually have a certain rhythm which makes it easier to combine with working. Other songs are Drunken Sailor and Johnny leave her. (Also used on TikTok!)

Slide 14 - Slide


What was whale oil used for?
A
To make food tastier
B
Medical products
C
Beauty products
D
Shaving cream

Slide 15 - Quiz


Where did Sea Shanties originate from?
A
New Zealand and Ireland
B
Ireland and Wales
C
Ireland and Scotland
D
The United Kingdom

Slide 16 - Quiz


Why were shanties sung by the men on the ships?
A
To get through tough times together.
B
Because they were forced to.
C
For talent shows each night on deck.
D
For fun.

Slide 17 - Quiz

Where does the Wellerman originate from? (The song)
A
Scotland
B
New-Zealand
C
Australia
D
Ireland

Slide 18 - Quiz


How could you link people singing sea shanties in the past to present day corona lockdown?

Slide 19 - Open question