Australia - Steeleye Span

When I was a young man, my age seventeen

I ought to have been serving Victoria, my Queen

But them hard-hearted judges, oh how cruel they be

For to send us poor lads to Australia

I fell in with a damsel, she was handsome and gay

I neglected my work more and more everyday

And to keep her like a lady, I went on the highway

And for that I was sent to Australia

Australia, Australia, I would ne’er see no more

Worn out with the fever, cast down to Death’s door

And if I ever live, say, seven years more

I would soon bid adieu to Australia

Now the judges, they stand with their whips in their hands

And they drive us like horses to plough up the land

You should see us poor young fellows, a-working in the gaol-yard

How cruel is our fate in Australia

Australia, Australia, I would ne’er see no more

Worn out with the fever, cast down to Death’s door

And if I ever live, say, seven years more

I would soon bid adieu to Australia