Like all of you, I’ve been stuck in my own home a lot for the last two years. Unlike many of you, though, at no point during that time did I make my own bread. Nor did I learn any Tik Tok dances or watch a single episode of Tiger King. Nearly every quarantine fad that came and went failed to grab my attention. But one did more than that. I was all in on sea shanties. All. In. I watched every single video that came out during the glorious two-week span when they flourished. And I continued watching them long after everyone else moved on to whatever other distraction followed. Now, finally(!) they’re back. The musician who started it all, Nathan Evans, has done a Doctor Who-inspired sea shanty remake to celebrate the return of the Sea Devils.
TikTok star and sea shanty enthusiast Nathan Evans kicked off my favorite quarantine craze. Now he’s back with a special Doctor Who sea shanty rendition of “Wellerman,” the song he turned into an online sensation. The updated lyrics (which you can find below, courtesy of Blogtor Who) celebrate the upcoming release of the Legend of the Sea Devils. The special set will debut on BBC and BBC America on April 17.
No one has seen those aquatic creatures, which debuted in 1972, since 1984. What brought them back? Isn’t it obvious? They heard sea shanties were having a moment and wanted to see what that was all about. Personally, we can’t begrudge them. We hope the Doctor Who sea shanty will kickoff a fandom sea shanty trend.
Are they a smidge late? Yes and no. (That’s always the case when you’re bouncing around time in a TARDIS.) However, as far as I’m concerned they’ll be right on time if they bring sea shanties back. Because I promise I’m never making my own bread.
“Wellerman (Doctor Who Version)” Sea Shanty Lyrics
There once was a ship, I’ll tell you this
The name of the ship was the TARDIS
When trouble blew up, they didn’t get down
Oh blow you bully boys blow
Soon may the Doctor come
To bring us danger, adventure then someOne day when the saving is done
She’ll take her leave and go
So, there is a secret we can’t keep
They’re coming back: the devils of the deep
Where have they been? Maybe asleep
Very soon you will know
Soon may the Doctor come
To bring us danger, adventure then some
One day when the saving is done
She’ll take her leave and go
Join the Sea Devils and a pirate crew
They’re causing trouble like in ‘72
What on earth will the Doctor do?
Very soon you will know
Soon may the Doctor come
To bring us danger, adventure then some
One day when the saving is done
She’ll take her leave and go
