Australia Steeleye Span

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