South Australia

This is the version performed by the Morris dancers in the Midwest. The words in italics are sung by the dancers. The words in normal text are sung by the leader.

1. In South Australia I was born
   To me heave away, haul away
   In South Australia round Cape Horn
   We're bound for South Australia

   Chorus
   Haul away you rolling kings
   To me heave away, haul away
   Haul away, you'll hear me sing
   We're bound for South Australia

2. As I walked out one morning fair
   To me heave away, haul away
   'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair
   We're bound for South Australia
   Chorus
3. There ain't but one thing grieves me mind
   To me heave away, haul away
   To leave Miss Nancy Blair’s behind
   We're bound for South Australia
   Chorus
4. When as we wallop around Cape Horn
   To me heave away, haul away
   You'll wish to God you'd never been born
   We're bound for South Australia
   Chorus

A capstan shanty used by the wool traders who worked the clipper ships between Australia and England. It is a farewell song, sung at the docks as the ships were leaving port. It seems some grew a sentimental attachment to the song and were even known to request a rousing chorus on their death beds.