This is by a Queensland singer/songwriter:

HANGING ON FOR THE RAIN
(Anne Infante)

Well Christmas is coming across this dry land
I’m hanging on, I’m hanging on
I’ve drawn the line, I’m making a stand
Hanging on for the rain
The shepherds who watched o’er my flocks have all gone
I’m hanging on I’m hanging on
The few sheep I’ve left I can watch on my own
I’m hanging on for the rain

Chorus
I’m hanging, on I’m hanging on, this drought can’t last for ever
And I’m searching the skies blinking sweat from my eyes
While I wait for a break in the weather

The wise men flew in to this land scorched and parched
They said the drought won’t break til maybe next March
Well I’ve sold all the cattle that I can afford
And now I’m hand rearing the best of my herd

And the kids they’re excited that Christmas is near
They’ll think Santa’s a mean old bugger this year
For Jill wants a raggy doll, Jack wants a train
But my Christmas wish is for good summer rain

When they close the long paddock, you know times are hard
There’s no use going droving with no grass to be had
And I’ve thought about walking off hundreds of times
But I’m tied to the land with invisible chains.

This song was recorded by Danny Spooner's for his final album 'Home'. Danny's note:

Australia is a country of extreme weather patterns: flood and fire, wind and drought are part of the rural weather cycle. In Anne Infante's song, we hear a farmer enduring these devastating extremes to restock when conditions improve.

Phil's intro:

This song was written about 10 or 15 years ago and, taking away references to toy trains for example, could easily describe the Australia of the 1800s. The fact that it would have been as relevant then as it is now demonstrates how little has changed in the bush. This ancient land changes slowly.

Anne Infante

--Stewie.