South Australia
Hugill says this probably made its appearance during emigrant days, when thousands travelled by sailing ship to Semaphore Roads, Port Adelaide, South Australia. It was usually sung at capstan (anchor) and pumps.
South Australia
In South Australia I was born
To me heave away, haul away
In South Australia round Cape Horn
We're bound for South Australia
Haul away you rolling kings
To me heave away, haul away
Haul away, you'll hear me sing
We're bound for South Australia
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