Joy Durst dots here

060 INGLEWOOD COCKY - trad

1. 'Twas an Inglewood cocky of whom I've been told,
Who died, it is said, on account of the cold,
As he lay on his death-bed and wrestled with Fate,
He called on his children to share the estate.

2. "Let John have the pig and the pet native bear,
The old kangaroo can be Margaret's share,
Let Mike have the possum that comes when he's called,
And Katy the emu although he's gone bald."

3. "To Mary I'm leaving the pink cockatoo,
And that's about all your poor father can do.
There's fish in the creek and there's fowl on the lake,
Let each take as much as they're able to take."

4. "Farewell, my dear children, no more can I leave,
Don't quarrel, or else my poor spirit will grieve.
And if you should marry, and have children to rear,
Remember I nursed you on pumpkin and bear."

play midi

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NEW ENGLAND COCKY - trad (An Australian Folk Song A Day)

'Twas a New England Cocky, as late I've been told,
Who died, so 'tis said, on account of the cold.
When dying he called to his children "Come here!
"As I'm dying, I want you my fortune to share.

"Dear children, you know I've toiled early and late,
"I've struggled with Nature, and wrestled with Fate.
"Then all do your best to my fortune repair;
"And to my son John I leave a dear native bear.

"To Mary I give my pet kangaroo,
"May it prove to turn out a great blessing, too;
"To Michael I leave the old cockatoo,
"And to Bridget I'll give her the piebald emu.

"To the others whatever is left I will leave —
"Don't quarrel, or else my poor spirit will grieve;
"There's the fish in the stream, and the fowl on the lake,
"Let each have as much as any may take

"And now, my dear children, no more can I do,
"My fortune I've fairly divided with you,"
And these were the last words his children did hear —
"Don't forget that I reared you on pumpkin and beer."

audio of New England Cocky From Paterson's Old Bush Songs. Several versions can be found, including the Inglewood Cocky, collected by John Manifold.