THE BOTTLE RUN
(Barry Skipsey)

Sweating on the bloody board waiting for the bell
And the cocky's bending down, giving me hell
The wheels are spinning down the line
Seems everyone's the gun
And this we call the bottle run

Chorus:
The bottle run, well I smell it through the bottle
This shearer is waiting for his beer
Hang up your dungarees and drag that stubby clear
We'll wash the pain away with a quiet beer

Wethers in the first run, finally cut them out
Breaking combs and cutters, I made them pay
Kick that bastard down the chute, he's not worth the time
He's not worth the sixty cents I earn

Chorus

Roustie fetch the lambing boards and change the locks and pieces
Cheeky lad, you'll get my boot
I hear you drop that broom once more, you'll have the team upon you
And with black balls you won't look so cute

Chorus

I've smoked my share of rollies, I've cursed and sweated all day
I swear I'll give this bloody game away
But until I win the lottery or make it with the nags
You'll find me hear on board amongst the dags

Chorus

I travelled up from Melbourne town looking for a pen
I'm working Queensland sheds once again
Yes, I'm working for the Grazcos man until the setting sun
And waiting for that bottle run

Chorus

Another little bottler from Barry Skipsey of Alice Springs. This was first recorded for his 'NT Road' LP. Barry noted:

I was once told by a shearer that he considered the last two hours of his day to be called the bottle run. Why? Because he reckoned he could smell the beer through the bottle.

Youtube clip

Wongawilli did a fine cover:

Wongwilli

Grazcos

--Stewie.