Steeleye Span
"Australia"

Traditional

When I was a young man, my age seventeen,
I ought to have been serving Victoria, my Queen,
But them hard-hearted judges, oh how cruel they be
For to send us poor lads to Australia.

I fell in with a damsel, she was handsome and gay,
I neglected my work more and more everyday,
And to keep her like a lady, I went on the highway,
And for that I was sent to Australia.

Chorus:
Australia, Australia, I would ne'er see no more
Worn out with the fever, cast down to Death's door,
And if I ever live, say, seven years more,
I would soon bid adieu to Australia.

Now the judges, they stand with their whips in their hands
And they drive us like horses to plough up the land.
You should see us poor young fellows, a-working in the gaol-yard,
How cruel is our fate in Australia.

Chorus

Australia, Australia, I would ne'er see no more
Worn out with the fever, cast down to Death's door,
And if I ever live, say, seven years more,
I would soon bid adieu to Australia.