The Poetry Corner

Another Fall Of Rain

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

(Air: Little Low Log Cabin in the Lane.) The weather had been sultry for a fortnights time or more, And the shearers had been driving might and main, For some had got the century whod neer got it before, And now all hands were wishing for the rain. Chorus For the boss is getting rusty and the ringers caving in, For his bandaged wrist is aching with the pain, And the second man, I fear, will make it hot for him, Unless we have another fall of rain. A few had taken quarters and were coiling in their bunks When we shore the six-tooth wethers from the plain. And if the sheep get harder, then a few more men will funk, Unless we get another fall of rain. But the sky is clouding over, and the thunders muttering loud, And the clouds are driving eastward oer the plain, And I see the lightning flashing from the edge of yon black cloud, And I hear the gentle patter of the rain. So, lads, put on your stoppers, and let us to the hut, Where well gather round and have a friendly game, While some are playing music and some play ante up, And some are gazing outwards at the rain. But now the rain is over, let the pressers spin the screw, Let the teamsters back the waggons in again, And well block the classers table by the way well put them through, For everything is merry since the rain. And the boss he wont be rusty when his sheep they all are shorn, And the wringers wrist wont ache much with the pain Of pocketing his cheque for fifty pounds or more, And the second man will press him hard again.