First, thanks to Charlie and Brett for the great singing, I loved all of them, including Dead Dog Cider (would the original have been known to Adge Cutler and the Wurzels?). But the one that made the hair stand on end, and for me the highlight of the night, was Northwest Passage. There was someone or something else present in the room. Does it always come out for you like that Brett, or were you temporarily possessed? Maybe you came over here just to do that.

Secondly, as requested:

We Are The Rugby Ones (Parody of 'I Am Australian')

Sometimes for no reason
We form those weird scrums
A form of male bonding
With our heads between our bums
Other times we line up
And leap into the air
But we look so silly when
The ball just isn't there.

Chorus:
We are large, but we are stupid
And from all the rugby lands we come
With leather balls, and silly headgear,
I am, youse are, we are the Rugby Ones.

Welsh sing 'Bread of Heaven'
In parts, for they are hot
English sing the chorus of
'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'
And other songs are sung
In the bath after the game
But their words I would not
Repeat to you for shame.

by Chris Clarke

Coupla notes: for the visitors, the original is a pseudo-patriotic song you might hear sung by a choir on TV ads for Qantas. 'Youse' is second person plural in parts of Queensland (corrections welcome) - corresponds I think to 'y'all'. 'In the bath' - traditionally, rugby players do not shower after a game but all climb together into a huge tiled bath of hot water where they sing much as we did at the Loaded Dog (and for as long), but with rude words. I shudder to think what they would do to 'Northwest Passage'. 'Stupid' - I'm still trying to find the original, but I think it was Rod Kafer, former Wallaby (Aussie rep) rugby player who was quoted in a match program: "Rugby is a stupid game, played by fifteen stupid men". Rugby players don't take it too seriously!

Thirdly, sorry we missed out on Sunday. It was just a bit complicated all travelling together and with gear.

Finally, what and when Thursday on the James Craig? I have sung on it recently, and part of my heart remains 'tween-decks. I have to be there!