South Australia
Capstan and pumping shanties were usually fast and short, with an unlimited number of verses, being made up on the spot. Depending on the length of the job, i.e. manning a pump could last for hours, sailor's made up verses as they worked at the job.
Oh, in South Aus-tral-ia where I was born, Heave a-way, haul a-way!
In South Aus-tral-ia 'round Cape Horn, I'm bound for South Aus-stral-ia!
Heave a-way, you rovin' kings, Heave a-way, haul a-way!
Heave a-way, haul a-way, don't ya hear me sing? We're bound for South Aus-tral-ia!
As I walked out one morning fair
'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair
I shook her up and I shook her down
I shook her round and round the town
I run her all night and I run her all day
And I run her until we sailed away
There ain't but one thing grieves me mind
To leave Miss Nancy Blair behind
And as we wallop around Cape Horn
You'll wish to God you'd never been born
In South Australia my native land
Full of rocks and thieves and fleas and sand
I wish I was on Australia's strand
With a bottle of whiskey in my hand
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