Years ago out in the wilds of Australia Out in the minefields there once stood a camp The miners were made up of all sorts of classes many a scapegrace and many a scamp. When into their midst came a young man from England and with him he brought a small thrush in a cage, to hear the bird sing they would flock 'round in dozens. That dear little songster became quite the rage. CHORUS: There fell a deep hush. As the song of the thrush, Was heard by that motley throng. Many a rough fellows eyes grew moist As the notes rang out clearly and strong. Eyes lighted up with a bright yearning look As the bird trilled his beautiful lay For it brought to their minds dear old England and home Thousands of miles away. The miners though rough and fierce looking fellows were human and idolised, worshipped that bird in the midst of a quarrel they'd leave off and listen when the voice of their charmer, their favourite they heard. That bird from Old England at last got quite famous To hear it the miners would come from afar and many declared they preferred the bird's singing To the card and the dice at the round liquor bar. It made them all think of the corn fields and meadows Of many a shady and quiet little lane And hearts ached and yearned as they thought of some village And some they had dearly loved, but all in vain. The bird still sang on and the miners still listend P'r'aps they got tired of the bird? no such thing: As one rough expressed it, "He came like and angel And make you feel good like to hear that bird sing.
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