From a novel: The Selector: A Romance of an Immigrant by James Green (Sydney: N.S.W. Bookstall Co., 1907), page 142:

As he swung the instrument [a concertina] from side to side, it sobbed and sighed its soul out, then laughed and danced, and the men knew that it was in the hands of a master.

"Now, boys, you must learn the chorus," said the preacher, as he began the song.

    Out on a western ranch, one night, there met a reckless crew
    When one said to another, "Jack, this letter came for you."
    "I suppose it's from a sweetheart, boys," said one among the crowd.
    With laugh and jest they gathered round, and Jack replied aloud:

        Chorus—
            It's only a message from Home, Sweet Home,
                From loved ones down on the farm.
            Fond wife and mother, sister and brother,
                Praying to guard me from harm.
            And baby is lisping a prayer to-night,
                To bless me where'er I roam.
            "We'll welcome you, Jack, if you'll only come back,"
                Was the message from Home, Sweet Home.

And now the men took up the chorus, and as the preacher repeated it a great burst of song swept out from lusty throats.

    It's only a message from Home, Sweet Home,
        From loved ones down on the farm.

Then they waited for the next verse.

    "I'm going, boys; good-night," said Jack. "I know you'll understand."
    Then one by one his comrades came and shook him by the hand.
    Said one, "If we had homes like that, we'd all be better men;
    And now, before you go, just read that letter once again."

        Chorus—
            It's only a message from Home, Sweet Home,
                From loved ones down on the farm.
            Fond wife and mother, sister and brother,
                Praying to guard me from harm.
            And baby is lisping a prayer to-night,
                To bless me where'er I roam.
            "We'll welcome you, Jack, if you'll only come back,"
                Was the message from Home, Sweet Home.