 When played live, the song utilizes a characteristic variety of instruments, with Chris Funk on mandolin, Nate Query on stand-up bass and bowed bass, Colin Meloy on vocals and guitar, John Moen on floor tom, and Jenny Conlee on accordion.The band usually brings out a large whale prop, encouraging the audience to "scream like you're being swallowed by a whale" during the part of the song when the whale attacks the ships.On March 21, during their "Twilight in the Fearful Forest Tour 2007" at The Landmark Lowes Theater in Jersey City, New Jersey, the song was "revived" and brought back from retirement as the last song played in the regular set.