I love the idea of doldrums being dreadlocks,but I susspect it refers to that which can be seen through his ragged clothing the size growing with the retelling of the tale as is wont to happen.
I would also love to find a copy of the chords or tabs for this song if anybody can help it would be much appriecated. If you're still following this thread Jon thanks for that fantastic performance at the Folkstation last sunday,I'm still ringing the sweat out of my shirt.