We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Drovers, Stockmen and Bullockies

by The Queensland Tiger

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

1.
------------------ [ V.1 ] --------------------- I'm travellin' down the Castlereagh, and I'm a station-hand I'm handy with the ropin' pole, I'm handy with the brand And I can ride a rowdy colt, or swing an axe all day But there's no demand for a station-hand along the Castlereagh [ CHORUS 1 ] So it's shift, boys, shift, for there isn't the slightest doubt We've got to make a shift for the stations further out With the pack-horse runnin' after, for he follows me like a dog We must strike across the country at the old jig-jog ------------------- [ V.2 ] --------------------- This old black horse I'm riding, if you notice what's his brand He wears the crooked R, you see, none better in the land He takes a lot of beatin', and the other day we tried For a bit of a joke, with a racing bloke, for £20 a side [ CHORUS 2 ] It was shift, boys, shift, for there wasn't the slightest doubt That I had to make him shift, for the money was nearly out But he cantered home a winner, with the other one at the flog He's a red-hot sort to pick up with his old jig-jog ------------------- [ V.3 ] --------------------- I asked a cove for shearin' once along the Marthaguy We shear non-union here, says he "I call it scab," says I I looked along the shearin' floor before I turned to go There were 8 or 10 non-union men a-shearin' in a row [ CHORUS 3 ] It was shift, boys, shift, for there wasn't the slightest doubt It was time to make a shift with the leprosy about So I saddled up my horses, and I whistled to my dog And I left his scabby station at the old jig-jog ------------------- [ V.4 ] --------------------- I went to Illawarra, where my brother's got a farm He has to ask the landlord's leave before he lifts an arm The landlord owns the countryside - man, woman, dog and cat They haven't the cheek to dare to speak without they touch their hat [ CHORUS 4 ] It was shift, boys, shift, for there wasn't the slightest doubt Their little landlord god and I would soon have fallen out Was I to touch my hat to him? Was I his bloomin' dog? So I makes for up the country at the old jig-jog ------------------- [ V.5 ] --------------------- But it's time that I was movin', I've a mighty way to go Till I drink artesian water from a thousand feet below Till I meet the overlanders with the cattle comin' down And I'll work a while till I make a pile, then have a spree in town [ CHORUS 1 ] So it's shift, boys, shift, for there isn't the slightest doubt We've got to make a shift for the stations further out With the pack-horse runnin' after, for he follows me like a dog We must strike across the country at the old jig-jog ============================
2.
Clancy of the Overflow (1889) by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson (1864 - 1941) -------------------------------------------------- [V.1] I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better knowledge Sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago, He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him, Just `on spec', addressed as follows, `Clancy, of The Overflow ‘ -------------------------------------------------- [V.2] And an answer came directed in a writing unexpected, (And I think the same was written with a thumb-nail dipped in tar) 'Twas his shearing mate who wrote it, and verbatim I will quote it: `Clancy's gone to Queensland droving, and we don't know where he are.' --------------------------------------------------------- [V.3] In my wild erratic fancy visions come to me of Clancy Gone a-droving `down the Cooper' where the Western drovers go; As the stock are slowly stringing, Clancy rides behind them singing, For the drover's life has pleasures that the townsfolk never know ------------------------------------------------------- [V.4] And the bush hath friends to meet him and their kindly voices greet him In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars, And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, And at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars. … ------------------------------------------------ [V.5] I am sitting in my dingy little office, where a stingy Ray of sunlight struggles feebly down between the houses tall, And the fetid air and gritty of the dusty, dirty city Through the open window floating, spreads its foulness over all -------------------------------------------------------- [V.6] And in place of lowing cattle, I can hear the fiendish rattle Of the tramways and the 'buses making hurry down the street, And the language uninviting of the gutter children fighting, Comes fitfully and faintly through the ceaseless tramp of feet. … -------------------------------------------------- [V.7] And the hurrying people daunt me, and their pallid faces haunt me As they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste, With their eager eyes and greedy, and their stunted forms and weedy, For townsfolk have no time to grow, they have no time to waste. … ------------------------------------------------- [V.8] And I somehow rather fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy Like to take a turn at droving where the seasons come and go, While he faced the round eternal of the cash-book and the journal But I doubt he'd suit the office, Clancy, of ` The Overflow '. ================================================
3.
Andy’s Gone with Cattle (1888) by Henry Lawson (1867 – 1922) --------------------------------------------- 1896 version ----------------------------------------- [V.1] Our Andy’s gone to battle now ’Gainst Drought, the red marauder; Our Andy’s gone with cattle now Across the Queensland border. He’s left us in dejection now ; Our hearts with him are roving. It’s dull on this selection now, Since Andy went a-droving. --------------------------------------------------- [V.2] Who now shall wear the cheerful face In times when things are slackest ? And who shall whistle round the place When Fortune frowns her blackest ? Oh, who shall cheek the squatter now When he comes round us snarling ? His tongue is growing hotter now Since Andy cross’d the Darling. [V.3] The gates are out of order now, In storms the ‘riders’ rattle ; For far across the border now Our Andy’s gone with cattle. Poor Aunty’s looking thin and white ; And Uncle’s cross with worry ; And poor old Blucher howls all night Since Andy left Macquarie. ---------------------------------------------- [V.4] Oh may the showers in torrents fall, And all the tanks run over ; And may the grass grow green and tall In pathways of the drover ; And may good angels send the rain On desert stretches sandy ; And when the summer comes again God grant ’twill bring us Andy. ==========================
4.
The Man from Snowy River (1890 ) Words by A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson (1864 - 1941) Tune by The Queensland Tiger - -------------------------------- [V.1] ---------------------------- There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around That the colt from Old Regret had got away, And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray. All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far Had mustered at the homestead overnight, For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are, And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight. -------------------------------- [V.2] ---------------------------- There was Harrison, who made his pile when Pardon won the cup, The old man with his hair as white as snow; But few could ride beside him when his blood was fairly up — He would go wherever horse and man could go. And Clancy of the Overflow came down to lend a hand, No better horseman ever held the reins; For never horse could throw him while the saddle girths would stand, He learnt to ride while droving on the plains. -------------------------------- [V.3] ---------------------------- And one was there, a stripling on a small and weedy beast; He was something like a racehorse undersized, With a touch of Timor pony — three parts thoroughbred at least — And such as are by mountain horsemen prized. He was hard and tough and wiry — just the sort that won't say die — There was courage in his quick impatient tread; And he bore the badge of gameness in his bright and fiery eye, And the proud and lofty carriage of his head. -------------------------------- [V.4] ---------------------------- But still so slight and weedy, one would doubt his power to stay, And the old man said, "That horse will never do For a long and tiring gallop - lad, you'd better stop away, Those hills are far too rough for such as you." So he waited sad and wistful — only Clancy stood his friend — "I think we ought to let him come," he said; "I warrant he'll be with us when he's wanted at the end, For both his horse and he are mountain bred." -------------------------------- [V.5] ---------------------------- "He hails from Snowy River, up by Kosciusko's side, Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough, Where a horse's hoofs strike firelight from the flint stones every stride, The man that holds his own is good enough. And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home, Where the river runs those giant hills between; I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam, But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen." -------------------------------- [V.6] ---------------------------- So he went; they found the horses by the big mimosa clump, They raced away towards the mountain's brow, And the old man gave his orders, "Boys, go at them from the jump, No use to try for fancy riding now. And, Clancy, you must wheel them, try and wheel them to the right. Ride boldly, lad, and never fear the spills, For never yet was rider that could keep the mob in sight, If once they gain the shelter of those hills." -------------------------------- [V.7] ---------------------------- So Clancy rode to wheel them — he was racing on the wing Where the best and boldest riders take their place, And he raced his stockhorse past them, and he made the ranges ring With the stockwhip, as he met them face to face. Then they halted for a moment, while he swung the dreaded lash, But they saw their well-loved mountain full in view, And they charged beneath the stockwhip with a sharp and sudden dash, And off into the mountain scrub they flew. -------------------------------- [V.8] ---------------------------- Then fast the horsemen followed, where the gorges deep and black Resounded to the thunder of their tread, And the stockwhips woke the echoes, and they fiercely answered back From cliffs and crags that beetled overhead. And upward, ever upward, the wild horses held their way, Where Mountain Ash and Kurrajong grew wide; And the old man muttered fiercely, "We may bid the mob good day, No man can hold them down the other side." -------------------------------- [V.9] ---------------------------- When they reached the mountain's summit, even Clancy took a pull - It well might make the boldest hold their breath; The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full Of wombat holes, and any slip was death. But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head, And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer, And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed, While the others stood and watched in very fear. -------------------------------- [V.10] ---------------------------- He sent the flint-stones flying, but the pony kept his feet, He cleared the fallen timbers in his stride, And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat — It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride. Through the stringy barks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground, Down the hillside at a racing pace he went; And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound, At the bottom of that terrible descent. -------------------------------- [V.11] ---------------------------- He was right among the horses as they climbed the farther hill And the watchers on the mountain standing mute, Saw him ply the stockwhip fiercely; he was right among them still, As he raced across the clearing in pursuit. Then they lost him for a moment, where two mountain gullies met In the ranges - but a final glimpse reveals On a dim and distant hillside the wild horses racing yet, With the man from Snowy River at their heels. -------------------------------- [V.12] ---------------------------- And he ran them single-handed till their sides were white with foam. He followed like a bloodhound on their track, Till they halted cowed and beaten, then he turned their heads for home, And alone and unassisted brought them back. But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot, He was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur; But his pluck was still undaunted, and his courage fiery hot, For never yet was mountain horse a cur. -------------------------------- [V.13] ---------------------------- And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise Their torn and rugged battlements on high, Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze At midnight in the cold and frosty sky, And where around the Overflow the reed -beds sweep and sway To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide, The man from Snowy River is a household word today, And the stockmen tell the story of his ride. ======================================
5.
Where the Dead Men Lie by Barcroft Boake (1866 - 1892) Tune by Doug Owen ----------------------------- [V.1] Out on the wastes of the "Never Never," That's where the dead men lie, There where the heat-waves dance forever, That's where the dead men lie; That's where the Earth's lov'd sons are keeping Endless tryst - not the west wind sweeping Feverish pinions, can wake their sleeping - Out where the dead men lie ! [V.2] Where brown Summer and Death have mated, That's where the dead men lie, Loving with fiery lust unsated, That's where the dead men lie; Out where the grinning skulls bleach whitely, Under the saltbush sparkling brightly, Out where the wild dogs chorus nightly, That's where the dead men lie. [V.3] Deep in the yellow, flowing river, That's where the dead men lie, Under the banks where the shadows quiver, That's where the dead men lie; Where the platypus twists and doubles, Leaving a trail of tiny bubbles; Rid at last of their earthly troubles, That's where the dead men lie. [V.4] East and backward pale faces turning, That's how the dead men lie; Gaunt arms stretched with a voiceless yearning, That's how the dead men lie; Oft in the fragrant hush of nooning, Hearing again their mother's crooning, Wrapt for aye in a dreadful swooning, That's how the dead men lie. [V.5] Nought but the hand of Night can free them; That's when the dead men fly; Only the frightened cattle see them - See the dead men go by; Cloven hoofs beating out one measure, Bidding the stockman know no leisure, That's when the dead men take their pleasure, That's when the dead men fly. [V.6] Ask, too, the never-sleeping drover, He sees the dead pass by, Hearing them call to their friends - the plover, Hearing the dead men cry. Seeing their faces stealing, stealing, Hearing their laughter pealing, pealing, Watching their grey forms wheeling, wheeling Round where the cattle lie. [V.7] Strangled by thirst and fierce privation - That's how the dead men die Out on "Moneygrub's" furthest station, That's how the dead men die; Hard-faced greybeards, youngsters callow, Some mounds cared for, some left fallow, Some deep down, yet others shallow, Some having but the sky. [V.8] "Moneygrub" as he sips his claret Looks with complacent eye Down at his watch-chain, eighteen-carat, There in his club hard by: Recks not that every link is stamped with Names of the men whose limbs are cramped with Too long lying in grave-mould, camped with Death where the dead men lie.
6.
Paddy Magee by "Breaker" Morant ( 1864 – 1902 ) published in The Bulletin : 20 Dec. 1892 ----------------------------- [V.1] What are you doing now, Paddy Magee ? Grafting, or spelling now, Paddy Magee ? Breaking, or branding ? Or overlanding, Out on the sand ridges, Paddy Magee ? [CHORUS] Up on the station - or in the town - Or on the Warrego, droving down, Whatever you're doing - wherever you be ! "There's lashin's o' luck to ye!" Paddy Magee ! ------------------------------------------------ [V.2] Is your mouth parched, from an all-night spree ? Taking a pick-me-up, Paddy Magee ? Cocktail – or simple soda and b. ? - Which is the "antidote," Paddy Magee ?- [CHORUS] Up on the station - or in the town - Or on the Warrego, droving down, Whatever you're doing - wherever you be ! "There's lashin's o' luck to ye!" Paddy Magee ! -------------------------------------------- [V.3] Still "shook" on some beautiful, blushing she? Girl in the Bogan side, Paddy Magee ? A hack providing for moonlight riding, Side-saddle foolery, Paddy Magee ? [CHORUS] Up on the station - or in the town - Or on the Warrego, droving down, Whatever you're doing - wherever you be ! "There's lashin's o' luck to ye!" Paddy Magee ! ===========================================
7.
West By North Again OR “ Stirrup Song ” (1895) by Harry 'Breaker' Harbord Morant (1864 – 1902) First published in The Bulletin, 5 January 1895. ---------------------------------------------------- We've drunk our wine, we've kissed our girls, the funds are sinking low, The horses must be thinking it's a fair thing now to go; So sling the swags on Condamine and strap the billies fast, And stuff a bottle in the bags and let's be off at last. What matter if the creeks are up - the cash, alas, runs down ! A very sure and certain sign we're long enough in town- Old Bobby rides the boko, and you'd better take the bay, Quart Pot will do to carry me the stage we go today. No grass this side the Border fence! and all the mulga's dead ! The horses for a day or two will have to spiel ahead; Man never yet from Queensland brought a bullock or a hack But lost condition on that God-abandoned Border track. When once we're through the rabbit-proof - it's certain since the rain - There's whips o' grass and water, so, it's West by North again! There's feed on Tyson's country - we can 'spell' the mokes a week Where last year Billy Stevens trapped his brumbies on Bough Creek. The Paroo may be quicldy crossed - the Eulo Common's bare. And, anyhow, it isn't wise, old man to dally there ! Alack-a-day! Far wiser men than you and I succumb To woman's wiles, and potency of Queensland wayside rum. Then over sand and spinifex and on, o'er ridge and plain ! The nags are fresh - besides, they know they're westward-bound again. The brand upon old Darkie's thigh is that upon the hide Of bullocks we must muster on the Diamantina side. We'll light our camp-fires where we may, and yarn beside the blaze; The jingling hobble-chains shall make a music through the days. And while the tucker-bags are right, and we've a stick of weed, A swagman shall be welcome to a pipe-full and a feed. So, fill your pipe ! And, 'ere we mount, we'll drink another nip - Here's how that West by North again may prove a lucky trip; Then back again - I trust you'll find your best girl's merry face, Or, if she jilts you, may you get a better in her place. ======================================
8.
The Brigalow Brigade (1902) by "Breaker" Morant (1864 - 1902) ------------------------- [V.1] ------------------------ There's a band of decent fellows on a cattle-run outback You'll hear the timber smashing if you follow in their track Their ways are rough and hearty, and they call a spade a spade; And a pretty rapid party are the Brigalow Brigade. ------------------------- [V.2] ------------------------ They are mostly short of 'sugar' and their pockets if turned out, Would scarcely yield the needful for a decent four man 'shout'. But they'll scramble through a tight place or a big fence unafraid, And their hearts are in the right place in the Brigalow Brigade. ------------------------- [V.3] ------------------------ They've painted Parkes vermilion and they've coloured Orange blue, And they've broken lots of top-rails 'twixt the sea and Dandaloo; They like their grog and palings just as stiff as they are made These are two little failings of the Brigalow Brigade. ------------------------- [V.4] ------------------------ The Brigalow Brigade are fastidious in their taste In the matter of a maiden and the inches of her waist; She must be sweet and tender and her eyes a decent shade Then her Ma may safely send her to the Brigalow Brigade. ------------------------- [V.5] ------------------------ But women, grog, and horses, with polo in between, Are mighty potent forces in keeping purses lean But spurs are never rusty, though they seldom need their aid For 'the cuddles ain't too dusty' in the Brigalow Brigade. ==================================
9.
The Broken Down Squatter words by Charles Augustus Flower (1856 – 1948) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Come, Stumpy, old man, we must shift while we can; All your mates in the paddock are dead. Let us wave our farewells to Glen Eva's sweet dells And the hills where your lordship was bred ; Together to roam from our drought-stricken home -- It’s tough that such things have to be, And it's hard on a "hoss" to have nought for a boss But a broken-down squatter like me ! For the banks are all broken, they say And the merchants are all up a tree When the bigwigs are brought to the bankruptcy court What chance for a squatter like me ? No more shall we muster the river for fats, Nor spiel on the Fifteen-mile plain, Nor rip through the scrub by the light of the moon, Nor see the old stockyard again. Leave the slip-panels down, it don't matter much now, There’s none but the crows left to see, Sitting gaunt on yon pine, as though longing to dine On a broken-down squatter like me. For the banks are all broken, they say And the merchants are all up a tree When the bigwigs are brought to the bankruptcy court What chance for a squatter like me ? When the country was cursed with the drought at its worst, And the cattle were dying in scores, Though down on my luck, I kept up my pluck, Thinking justice might temper the laws. But the farce has been played, and the Government aid Ain't extended to squatters, old son; When my money was spent . why they doubled the rent, And resumed the best half of the run. For the banks are all broken, they say And the merchants are all up a tree When the bigwigs are brought to the bankruptcy court What chance for a squatter like me ? 'Twas done without reason, for leaving the season No squatter can stand such a rub; For it’s useless to squat, when the rents are so hot You can't save the price of your grub; There's not much to choose 'twixt the banks and the screws Once a fellow gets put up a tree ; No odds what I feel, there's no court of appeal For a broken-down squatter like me. For the banks are all broken, they say And the merchants are all up a tree When the bigwigs are brought to the bankruptcy court What chance for a squatter like me ? ===============================
10.
The Dying Stockman (1885) Words by Horace Flower Tune – “The Old Stable Jacket” -------------------------------------------------------- [V.1] A strapping young stockman lay dying His saddle supporting his head His two mates around him were crying As he rose on his elbow and said : CHORUS Wrap me up in my stockwhip and blanket And bury me deep down below Where the dingoes and crows won't molest me In the shade where the coolibahs grow [V.2] Oh had I the flight of a wedgetail Far over the plains would I fly Straight to the place of my childhood And there I would lay down and die [V.3] Then cut down a couple of saplings Place one at my head and my toes Carve on them cross, stockwhip and saddle To show there's a stockman below CHORUS [V.4] Hark there's the wail of a dingo Watchful and weird--I must go For it tolls the death-knell of the stockman From the gloom of the scrub down below [V.5] There's tea in the battered old billy Place pannikins out in a row And we'll drink to our next merry meeting In the place where all good fellows go CHORUS [V.6] And oft in the shades of the twilight When the soft winds are whispering low And the darkening shadows are falling Sometimes think of the stockman below CHORUS =========================
11.
The Overlanders Traditional ---------------------------------- [ V.1 ] Now there's a trade you all know well it's bringing the cattle over I'll tell you all about the time that I became a drover I wanted stock for Queensland to Kempsey I did wander And bought a mob of duffers there and began as an overlander ------------------------------------------------ [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander ---------------------------- [ V.2 ] Well, when the cattle were counted and the outfit ready to start The lads were all well mounted with their swags left in the cart I had all sorts of men there, from Germany, France and Flanders Lawyers, doctors, good and bad, in the mob of the overlanders --------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander -------------------------------------------- [ V.3] The very next morning I fed up where the grass was green and young And the squatter said he'd break my snout if I didn't push along Says I, “My lad you're very hard, but don’t you raise my dander For I'm a regular knowing card, a Queensland overlander” -------------------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander ------------------------------------------- [ V.4 ] It’s true we pay no license, and our run is rather large Not often can they catch us, so they cannot lay a charge They think we live on store beef, but I'm no flamin' gander, If a fat little stray should come our way, he’ll do the overlander. --------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander --------------------------------------------- [ V.5] If ever our horses get done up of course we turn 'em free And you can't expect a drover to walk if a pony he can see So now and then we bone a prad … believe me it's no slander To say there's many a clever trick done by an overlander ------------------------------------------------ [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander ------------------------------------------------- [ V.6 ] Now I would scorn to prigl a shirt 'tis all me mates can say, But if we chance to pass a town, all on a washing day, The dirty brats of kids would shout, and quickly raise me dander, Crying, “Mother quick, bring in the clothes, here comes an overlander.” ----------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander ----------------------------------------------- [ V.7 ] In town we drain the whiskey glass and go to see a play We never think of being hard up, nor how to spend the day We shear up to them pretty girls, who rig themselves with grandeur And as long as we spend our cheque, my lads, they love the overlander -------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander --------------------------------------------------- [ V.8 ] A little girl on Sydney side, said, “ Don’t leave me lonely “ I said, “ It's sad but my old prad has room for one man only ” So now I must be jogging on, this pony she's a goer We'll pick up a job with a crawling mob along the Maranoa -------------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] So pass the bottle round, boys , don’t you leave it stand there For tonight we'll drink the health of every overlander, of every overlander ===================================
12.
Brisbane Ladies ------------------------------------ [ V.1 ] Farewell and adieu to you, Brisbane ladies Farewell and adieu, you maids of Toowong We've sold all our cattle and it’s northwards we’ll travel But we hope we shall see you again before long. --------------------------------------- [ V.2 ] The first camp we make, will be down by the river We’ll off with our swags, and lay the place flat We'll bed down the herd and before the sun rises We’ll move them again, and we’ll cross the Blackbutt. ................................ ----------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] We'll rant and we'll roar like true Queensland drovers Rant and we'll roar as onward we push Until we return to the Augathella station It's flamin' dry goin' through the old Queensland bush. …………….. ------------------------------------------- [ V.3] Then on to Taromeo and Yarraman Creek, lads, It's there we shall make our next camp for the day Where the water and grass are both plenty and sweet, lads And maybe we'll butcher a fat little stray --------------------------------------------------------------- [ V.4 ] Then on to Nanango, that hard-bitten township Where the out-of-work station-hands sit in the dust, Where the shearers get shorn by old Tim, the contractor Well I wouldn't go near there, but I flaming well must ! ………………… -------------------------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] --------------------------------------------------------------- [ V.5 ] The girls of Toomancie, they look so entrancing Like bawling young heifers they're out for their fun With the waltz and the polka and all kinds of dancing To the rackety old banjo of Bob Anderson …………….. --------------------------------------------------------------- [ V.6 ] Then fill up your glasses, and drink to the lasses, We'll drink this town dry, then farewell them all And when we return to the Augathella Station, We hope you'll come by there and pay us a call. ………. --------------------------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] ====================================
13.
The Maranoa Drovers Published in The Queenslander in 1894, with lyrics attributed to A. W. Davis. --------------------------------------------- [ V.1 ] Oh, the night is dark and stormy and the sky is clouded o'er, Our horses we will mount and ride away, To watch the squatter's cattle through the darkness of the night And we'll keep them on the camp till break of day. -------------------------------------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] Cos we're going, going, going to Gunnedah so far, We’ll soon be into sunny New South Wales. And we'll bid farewell to Queensland with its swampy coolibah Happy drovers from the sandy Maranoa. ------------------------------------------------------------- [ V.2 ] With our fires burning bright through the darkness of the night, And the cattle keeping quiet, well, I'm sure That I wish for two o'clock, when I call the other watch - This is droving on the sandy Maranoa. [ V.3 ] With our beds made on the ground we are sleeping oh so sound, When we're wakened by the distant thunder's roar, And the lightning's vivid flash followed by an awful crash - This is droving on the sandy Maranoa. ------------------------------------------------------ [ CHORUS ] ------------------------------------------------- [ V.4 ] We're up at break of day and we' soon be on our way, We always have to go ten miles or more. But it don't do to loaf about for the squatter will come out - He's rough on drovers from the Maranoa. [ V.5 ] We'll soon be on the Moonie and we'll cross the Barwon too, Then out upon the rolling plains once more. Then we'll shout, “Hurrah for Qld.” and its swampy coolibah, And the cattle that come off the Maranoa. ------------------------------------------------------ [ FINAL CHORUS ] Cos we're coming, coming, coming from Gunnedah so far, We'll soon be out of sunny New South Wales. And we'll say “hello” to Queensland with its swampy coolibah Happy drovers from the sandy Maranoa. ======================================
14.
The Stockman’s Last Bed by Elizabeth and Maria Gray -------------------------------------------- [V.1] Whither stockman or no, for a moment give ear Poor Jack’s breathed his last, no more shall we hear The crack of his whip or his steed’s lively trot, His clear “Go ahead” and his jingling quart pot [CHORUS] For he rests where the wattles their sweet fragrance shed, And the tall gum trees shadow the stockman’s last bed. -------------------------------------------------- [V.2] When drafting one day, he was horned by a cow, “Alas”, cried for poor Jack, “It’s all up with me now ; I’ll no more return to my saddle again, Or bound like a wallaby over the plain. [CHORUS] I’ll rest where the wattles their sweet fragrance shed And the tall gum trees shadow the stockman’s last bed. “ ------------------------------------------------ [V.3] His whip must be silent, his dogs they will mourn, His horse look in vain for his master’s return, Unknown and forgotten, unheeded he’ll die, Save Australia’s Koori none will know where he lies. [CHORUS] For he’ll rest where the wattles their sweet fragrance shed And the tall gum trees shadow the stockman’s last bed. ---------------------------------------------------- [V.4] Oh ! Stranger if ever on some future day, When after a herd, you may happen to stray, Where lone and forgotten poor Jack's bones are laid Far, far from the place where in childhood he played. [CHORUS] Tread lightly where wattles, their sweet fragrance spread, And the tall gum trees shadow the stockman's last bed. ===========================================
15.
The Diamantina Drover by Hugh McDonald ( 1956 – 2016 ) ------------------------------------------------------------ [ V.1 ] The faces in the photograph are faded And I can't believe he looks so much like me Been ten long years today Since I left for Old Cork Station Sayin' I won't be back till the drovin's done [ CHORUS ] For the rain never falls on the dusty Diamantina And a drover finds it hard to change his mind For the years have surely gone Like the drays from Old Cork Station And I won't be back till the drovin's done I won't be back till the drovin's done ----------------------------------------------- [ V.2 ] Well it seems like the sun comes up each mornin’ Sets me up, then takes it all away For the dreaming by the light Of the camp fire at night Ends with the burning light of day --------------------------------- [ CHORUS ] --------------------------------- [ V.3 ] Sometimes I think I'll settle back in Sydney But it's been so long and it's hard to change your mind For the cattle trail goes on and on And fences roll forever And I won't be back when the drovin's done ------------------------------------------------------ [ CHORUS ] And I won't be back when the drovin's done ----------------------------------------- REPEAT [ CHORUS ] And I won't be back when the drovin's done. ================================================
16.
The Teams ( 1889 ) by Henry Lawson ( 1867 – 1922 ) Tune by Mike Jackson --------------------------------------- [ V.1 ] A cloud of dust on the long white road, And the teams go creeping on Inch by inch with the weary load; And by the power of the green-hide goad The distant goal is won. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.2 ] With eyes half-shut to the blinding dust, And necks to the yokes bent low, The beasts are pulling as bullocks must; And the shining tires might almost rust While the spokes are turning slow. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.3 ] With face half-hid 'neath a broad-brimmed hat That shades from the heat's white waves, And shouldered whip with its green-hide plait, The driver plods with a gait like that Of his weary, patient slaves. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.4 ] He wipes his brow, for the day is hot, And spits to the left with spite; He shouts at 'Bally', and flicks at 'Scot', And raises dust from the back of 'Spot', And spits to the dusty right. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.5 ] He'll sometimes pause as a thing of form In front of a settler's door, And ask for a drink, and remark 'It's warm', Or say 'There's signs of a thunder-storm'; But he seldom utters more. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.6 ] But the rains are heavy on roads like these; And, fronting his lonely home, For weeks together the settler sees The teams bogged down to the axletrees, Or ploughing the sodden loam. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.7 ] And then when the roads are at their worst, The bushman's children hear The cruel blows of the whips reversed While bullocks pull as their hearts would burst, And bellow with pain and fear. ----------------------------------------------- [ V.8 ] And thus with little of joy or rest Are the long, long journeys done; And thus — 'Tis a cruel war at the best — Is distance fought in the mighty West, And the lonely battles won. ============================
17.
Nine Miles from Gundagai by Jack Moses ---------------------------------------------- [V.1] I'm used to punching bullock teams across the hills and plains I've teamed outback these forty years in blazing droughts and rains I've lived a heap of troubles down without a blooming lie But I can’t forget what happened to me nine miles from Gundagai ------------------------------------------------ [V.2] ‘ Twas getting dark the team got bogged the axel snapped in two I lost my matches and my pipe ah what was I to do ? The rain came on ‘twas bitter cold and hungry too was I And the dog shat in the tucker box nine miles from Gundagai ---------------------------------- [V.3] Some blokes I know have stacks of luck no matter how they fall But there was I lord luvva duck no blessed luck at all I couldn't make a pot of tea nor get my trousers dry And the dog shat in the tucker box nine miles from Gundagai ------------------------------- [V.4] I can forgive the blooming team, I can forgive the rain I can forgive the dark and cold, … Go through it again I can forgive my rotten luck, but hang me till I die I can’t forgive that flamin’ dog, nine miles from Gundagai ------------------------------- [V.5] But that's all dead and past and gone, I've sold the team for meat And where I got the bullocks bogged, there’s now an asphalt street The dog ah well he took a bait and reckoned he would die So I buried him in that tucker box nine miles from Gundagai So I buried him in that tucker box nine miles from Gundagai =============================
18.
Song of the Old Bullock-Driver (1891) by Henry Lawson (1867 – 1922) --------------------------------------------------- [V.1] Far back in the days when the blacks used to ramble In long single file 'neath the evergreen tree, The wool-teams in season came down from Coonamble, And journeyed for weeks on their way to the sea, 'Twas then that our hearts and our sinews were stronger, For those were the days when the bushman was bred. We journeyed on roads that were rougher and longer Than roads where the feet of our grandchildren tread. --------------------------------------- [V.2] With mates who have gone to the great Never-Never, And mates whom I've not seen for many a day, I camped on the banks of the Cudgegong River And yarned at the fire by the old bullock-dray. I would summon them back from the far Riverina, From days that shall be from all others distinct, And sing to the sound of an old concertina Their rugged old songs where strange fancies were linked ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [V.3] We never were lonely, for, camping together, We yarned and we smoked the long evenings away, And little I cared for the signs of the weather When snug in my hammock slung under the dray. We rose with the dawn, were it ever so chilly, When yokes and tarpaulins were covered with frost, And toasted the bacon and boiled the black billy, Where high on the camp-fire the branches were tossed. --------------------------------------------------------------- [V.4] On flats where the air was suggestive of 'possums, And homesteads and fences were hinting of change, We saw the faint glimmer of appletree blossoms And far in the distance the blue of the range; And here in the rain, there was small use in flogging The poor, tortured bullocks that tugged at the load, When down to the axles the waggons were bogging And traffic was making a marsh of the road. --------------------------------------------------------------- [V.5] 'Twas hard on the beasts on the terrible pinches, Where two teams of bullocks were yoked to a load, And tugging and slipping, and moving by inches, Half-way to the summit they clung to the road. And then, when the last of the pinches was bested, (You'll surely not say that a glass was a sin?) The bullocks lay down 'neath the gum trees and rested The bullockies steered for the bar of the inn. ------------------------------------------------------------- [V.6] Then slowly we crawled by the trees that kept tally Of miles that were passed on the long journey down. We saw the wild beauty of Capertee Valley, As slowly we rounded the base of the Crown. But, ah! the poor bullocks were cruelly goaded While climbing the hills from the flats and the vales; 'Twas here that the teams were so often unloaded That all knew the meaning of ‘counting your bales.' ------------------------------------------------------------- [V.7] And, oh! but the best-paying load that I carried Was one to the run where my sweetheart was nurse We courted awhile, and agreed to get married, And couple our futures for better or worse. And as my old feet grew too weary to drag on The miles of rough metal they met by the way, My eldest grew up and I gave him the waggon — He's plodding along by the bullocks to-day. ===================================

about

November 2023 - A journey into the lives of itinerant rural workers in Australia in the nineteenth-century
------------------------------
The Queensland Tiger is an artist who focuses on traditional Australian folk songs, which are known for their timeless essence and personal themes. Featured are his distinctive keyboard melodies and heartfelt vocal style, which fit seamlessly within this genre's style and narrative.
--------------------------------
"Drovers, Stockmen and Bullockies" is his fifth release. His previous albums have included a tribute to the Australian poet Henry Lawson, a national literary icon. This release is also deeply tied to the history and lore of Australia, and features an extensive track list of eighteen songs, which includes literary ballads by highly respected Australian poets such as Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, as well as many traditional songs. Despite the adversity of the times , there’s room for some lighter, more humorous songs too.
---------------------------------
But why have these particular songs and poems been chosen ? Firstly, because the works of this period have a genuine directness and lyrical charm : many of the stories are down to earth, and come from the heart. Secondly, because they best depict the hard lives of rural workers in the century when Australia was still considered a new frontier: a difficult land that offered many challenges to people, some from the other side of the world, who were looking to build new lives. What followed were new generations, born into this tough environment, which fostered distinctive Australian traditions. This album can feel like a musical time capsule that takes the audience back to the 19th century : one can easily imagine the lives of these stockmen, drovers and (often forgotten) bullockies.
-----------------------------------
This artist puts a lot of passion and resources into a project, creating an album that encapsulates the spirit of folk music while presenting a fresh approach. He sets the mood with clear vocals and immersive keyboards, using lengthy bridges. In these bridges, and throughout the songs, a diverse range of talented musicians provide engaging breaks and supporting lines, broadening the sound. These include : international cellist Natasha Jaffe ; the delightful, brilliant young fiddler, Jessie Morgan ; violinist John Joe Murray ; violist Mikhail Bugaev ; and the lyrical multi instrumentalist, Lillian Penner.
--------------------------------
The album has many highlights : one is the opening track, "Travelling Down the Castlereagh" , a political poem by Banjo Paterson. This musical rendition offers a sparse yet interesting piano arrangement. The lead vocal is backed up on the chorus by Lillian Penner, who also plays some wonderful strings linking the verses.
--------------------------------
"Andy's Gone with Cattle" is another notable moment. The track features words by Henry Lawson paired with a great tune by the late Hugh McDonald. John Joe Murray provides a stunning violin track, which brings the emotion of the song sharply into focus, enabling the audience to immerse themselves in the story and listen to the moving words of this famous poem, one of three of Lawson’s on the album.
-------------------------------
Transforming poems into music presents a unique set of challenges for musicians and songwriters. One of the primary difficulties lies in maintaining the essence and emotional depth of the original poem, while fitting this into the constraints of melody, rhythm, and verse structure. The Queensland Tiger’s arrangements stay true to the spirit of the original work, and in most cases, he sings the entire poem. About half the melodies are traditional, while others were written by Australian folk artists like Mike (and Michelle) Jackson, Hugh McDonald, and Graham Jenkin. It was Graham Jenkin who wrote the tunes for the three “Breaker” Morant poems on the album.
------------------------------
This production isn't just entertaining and relatable, it's also educational and thought-provoking. It shines a light on Australia's rich history, focusing on one of the country's most colourful eras. The Queensland Tiger manages to go beyond mere historical facts, offering listeners a profound glimpse into the humanity of the period, delving into the depths of people's experiences and capturing the struggles, triumphs, and nuances of colonial times, breathing new life into history.
--------------------------------
"Drovers, Stockmen and Bullockies" belongs to a series of traditional folk albums from this artist which explore different aspects of Australia's colonial history. It is the aim of The Queensland Tiger to keep these important musical and literary traditions alive.
======================

credits

released November 7, 2023

Natasha Jaffe (cello) ; Jessie Morgan (violin) ; John Joe Murray (violin); Mikhail Bugaev (viola) ; Lillian Penner ( multi-instrumentalist - cello, violin, flute)

license

tags

about

The Queensland Tiger

The Queensland Tiger covers traditional Australian ballads mainly from 19C.: e.g. Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson, Breaker Morant, Charles Thatcher, etc…. true to the original works.
website : www.thequeenslandtiger.com or Youtube channel : The Queensland Tiger
... more

contact / help

Contact The Queensland Tiger

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like The Queensland Tiger, you may also like: