The Poetry Corner

The Beautiful Land Of Australia

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

All you on emigration bent, With home and England discontent, Come, listen to my sad lament, All about the bush of Australia. I once possessed a thousand pounds. Thinks Ihow very grand it sounds For a man to be farming his own grounds In the beautiful land of Australia. Chorus Illawarra, Mittagong, Parramatta, Wollongong. If you wish to become an ourang-outang, Then go to the bush of Australia. Upon the voyage the ship was lost. In wretched plight I reached the coast, And was very nigh being made a roast, By the savages of Australia. And in the bush I lighted on A fierce bushranger with his gun, Who borrowed my garments, every one, For himself in the bush of Australia. Chorus Illawarra, Mittagong, Parramatta, Wollongong. If you wish to become an ourang-outang, Then go to the bush of Australia. Sydney town I reached at last, And now, thinks I, all dangers past, And I shall make my fortune fast In this promising land of Australia. I quickly went with cash in hand, Upon the map I chose my land. When I got there twas barren sand In the beautiful land of Australia. Chorus Illawarra, Mittagong, Parramatta, Wollongong- If you wish to become an ourang-outang, Then go to the bush of Australia. Of sheep I got a famous lot. Some died of hunger, some of rot, For the devil a drop of rain they got, In this flourishing land of Australia. My convict men were always drunk, They kept me in a constant funk. Says I to myself, as to bed I slunk, How I wish I was out of Australia! Chorus Booligal, Gobarralong, Emu Flat and Jugiong. If you wish to become an ourang-outang, Then go to the bush of Australia. Of ills, enough Ive had youll own. And then at last, my woes to crown, One night my log house was blown down That settled us all in Australia And now of home and all bereft, The horrid spot I quickly left, Making it over by deed of gift To the savages of Australia. Chorus Booligal, Gobarralong, Emu Flat and Jugiong. If you wish to become an ourang-outang, Then go to the bush of Australia I gladly worked my passage home, And now to England back Ive come, Determined never more to roam, At least, to the bush of Australia. And stones upon the road Ill break, And earn my seven bob a week, Which is surely better than the freak Of settling down in Australia. Chorus Currabubula, Bogolong, Ulladulla, Gerringong. If you wouldnt become an ourang-outang, Dont go to the bush of Australia.