The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #162780   Message #3877173
Posted By: GUEST,henryp
15-Sep-17 - 04:53 AM
Thread Name: Folksongs about journeys/travel
Subject: RE: Folksongs about journeys/travel
Two songs about transportation to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania);

Van Diemen's Land - from the singing of Shirley Collins

Come all you gallant poachers that ramble void of care
That walk out on a moonlight night with your dog, your gun and snare
The harmless hare and pheasant you have at your command
Not thinking of your last career out on Van Diemen's Land

As I lay on the deck last night a-dreaming of my home
I dreamed I was in Harbouree, the fields and woods among
With my true love beside me and a jug of ale in hand
But I woke quite brokenhearted out in Van Diemen's Land.

Bound for Van Diemen's Land - written by Jock Purdon

And as we sail, blows wild the gale,
Dark shadows guard the grill;
They try in vain our minds to chain,
Our thoughts of freedom kill,
And as we sulk in convict hulk,
Aye, shackled feet and hand,
But men be free who poachers be
Bound for Van Diemen's land.

Bound for Van Diemen's land, brave boys,
Far, far across the sea;
If you don't stand with cap in hand,
Transported you will be.