MY OLD BLACK BILLY


I've humped my bluey in all the states
With my old black billy the best of mates,
For years I've camped and toiled and tramped
Over roads that are rough and hilly,
With my highly sensible, indispensable,
Old Black Billy

Ch.
My old black billy, my old black billy
whether the wind is warm or chilly
I always find when shadows fall
My old black billy's the best mate of all.

I've carried my swag on the parched Paroo
Where water is scarce and the houses few,
On many a track on the great outback
Where the heat would drive you silly,
I've carried my sensible, indispensable,
Old Black Billy.

When my tramping days are o'er
And I drop my swag at the Golden Door,
Saint Peter will stare when he sees me there
Then he'll say, "Poor wandering Willie,
Come in with your sensible, indispensable,
Old Black Billy."



Like with a lot of songs, I can’t find my preferred version that’s in my memory, but here is one from “Me 'n Me Mates” who seem to be a trio of blokes from South Australia : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atuHbdlfcaU

I think this song (once presumed traditional) was written by Edward Harrington and was featured in the famous “Reedy River” Aussie musical of 1953. One source has a Roy Jeffries writing the chune, but I have others that state Edith Harrhy – I dunno, but Catter, Sandra-in-Sydney, will no doubt have all The Gen.



Cheers, R-J