156 - South Australia (L. A. Smith Version) - Capstan Shanty

"South Australia", is usually sung at capstan (anchor) and pumps. This version comes from L. A. Smith "Music Of The Waters" (1888), Stan Hugill claims this version is too sentimental and "Shore-ified" to ring genuine, also he says L. A. Smith make too much use of the word "main", word sailors never used for "sea".
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 195).


South Australia (L. A. Smith Version)


   - Heave away, Heave away,
   - Heave away, you Ruler King,
   - I am bound to South Australia,

                         *1*
South Australia is my native home,
   - Heave away! Heave away!
South Australia is my native home,
   - I'm bound to south Australia!

   - Heave away, Heave away,
   - Heave away, you Ruler King,
   - I am bound to South Australia,

                         *2*
There ain't but the one thing grieves my mind,
To leave my dear wife and child behind.

                         *3*
I see my wife standing on the quay,
The tears do start as she waves to me.

                         *4*
When I am on a foreign shore,
I'll think of the wife that I adore.

                         *5*
Those crosses you see at the bottom of the lines,
Are only to put me in mind.

                         *6*
As I was standing on the pier,
A fair young maid to me appeared.

                         *7*
As I am standing on a foreign shore,
I'll drink to girl that I adore.

                         *8*
For I'll tell you the truth, and I'll tell you no lie,
If I don't love that girl I hope I may die.

                         *9*
Liza Lee, she promised me,
When I retured she would marry me.

                         *10*
And now I am on a foreign strand,
With a glass of whisky in my hand,

                         *11*
And I'll drink a glass to the foreign shore,
And one to the girl that I adore.

                         *12*
When I am homeward bound again,
My name I'll publish on the main.

                         *13*
With a good captain and a jolly crew,
A good captain and chief mate, too,

                         *14*
Now fare thee well, fare thee well,
For sweet news to my girl I'll tell.