WEST BY NORTH AGAIN
(Harry Morant)

We've drunk our wine, we've kissed our girls and funds are sinking low
The horses must be thinking it's a fair thing now to go
Sling the swags on Condamine and strap the billies fast
And stuff a bottle in the bags and let's be off at last

What matter if the creeks are up - the cash, alas, runs down
A very sure and certain sign we're long enough in town
Old Bobby rides the boko and you'd better take the bay
Quart Pot will do to carry me the stage we go today

No grass this side the border fence and all the mulga's dead
The horses for a day or two will have to spiel ahead
Man never yet from Queensland brought a bullock or a hack
But lost condition on that God-abandoned border track

When once we're through the rabbit-proof - it's certain since the rain
There's whips o' grass and water so it's west by north again
There's feed on Tyson's country - we can spell the mokes a week
Where Billy Stevens last year trapped his brumbies on Bough Creek

The Paroo may be quickly crossed - the Eulo Common's bare
And, anyhow, it isn't wise, old man, to dally there
Alack-a-day, far wiser men than you and I succumb
To woman's wiles, and potency of Queensland wayside rum

Then over sand and spinifex and o'er the ridge and plain
The nags are fresh - besides, they know we’re north by west again
The brand upon old Darkie's thigh is that upon the hide
Of bullocks we must muster on the Diamantina side

We'll light our campfires where we may and yarn beside their blaze
The jingling hobble-chains shall make a music through the days
And while the tuckerbags are right, and we've a stick of weed
A swagman shall be welcome to a pipe-full and a feed

So, fill your pipe and, ere we mount, we'll drink another nip
Here's how that west by north again may prove a lucky trip
Then back again - I trust you'll find your best girl's merry face
Or, if she jilts you, may you get a better in her place

Repeat stanza 1

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Harry 'Breaker' Morant

--Stewie.