The Banks of the Condamine (Harmonica by Paul)

An old bush song, one of the most popular of it's time, from the late 19th century. It was taken from an English song of that era called "The Banks of the Nile". Harmonica, photo and presentation by me, Paul A.L. Hall. The photo was from my travels in Australia back in the '80's. Popular words to the song: Banks of the Condamine




Hark, hark, the dogs are barking, I can no longer stay
The boys have all gone shearing , I heard the publican say
And I must be off in the morning love before the sun do shine
To meet the Roma shearers on the banks of the Condamine

Oh Willie dearest Willie dont leave me here to mourn
Dont make me curse and rue the day that ever I was born
For parting with you Willie is like parting with my life
So stay and be a selector love and I will be your wife

Oh Nancy dearest Nancy you know that I must go
The squatters are expecting me their shearing for to do
And when I'm on the board my love I'll think of you with pride
And my shears they will go freely when I'm on the whipping side

Oh I'll cut off my yellow hair and go along with you
I'll dress myself in men's attire and be a shearer too
I'll cook and count your tally love whilst ringer-o you shine
And I'll wash your greasy moleskins on the banks of the Condamine

Oh Nancy dearest Nancy you know you cannot go
The boss has given his orders no woman may do so
And your delicate constitution isn't equal unto mine
To eat the ramstag mutton on the banks of the Condamine

But when the shearing's over I'll make of you my wife
I'll get a boundary riding job and settle down for life
And when the days' work's done my love and the evening it is fine
I'll tell of them sandy cobblers on the banks of the Condamine

Category:

Music

Tags:

• The Banks of the Condamine
• The Banks of the Nile
• 19th century English song
• Australia
• hamonica
• music
• old Australian brick building
• Australian
• back
• yard.