The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55078   Message #854547
Posted By: Tiger
28-Dec-02 - 11:34 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Botany Bay (another) - Masterless Men
Subject: Lyr Add: BOTANY BAY (Masterless Men)
This was requested recently.

I found it some time ago while searching for other Botany Bay versions. I've heard it only by Masterless Men, for which I have the MP3 - you can also probably find that on the web. It's a great song, very up-tempo. I can't find the lyrics on the web, and have no idea of authorship.

It's a keeper, though.

Botany Bay — Masterless Men


My ship, she sails in the morning
For half a world away.
So, raise your glasses just once more,
Ye friends of yesterday.
We've laughed, we've cried, but side by side,
We've lived on, day to day,
And I wonder are there friends like you,
On the shores of Botany Bay?

        CHORUS
        Farewell, you little narrow streets,
        I wandered as a child.
        Farewell, you kindly neighbors,
        I used to drive you wild.
        I'm bound for South Australia,
        The land of great renown.
        Have a drink today, before I'll say,
        Farwell to my native town.

The doors were never bolted,
And the hearth it shon' like steel
The kettle always boilin',
And the welcome you can feel.
Well, there was bread upon the table,
And whiskey in the tay,
And I wonder are there friends like you,
On the shores of Botany Bay?

        CHORUS

The mem'ries flow, but I must go,
Good neighbors, take my hand.
It's not for want of comrades,
I leave my native land.
We've laughed and sang, the rafters rang,
Sure as in my Spring day,
And I'll shed a tear every mile from here,
To the shores of Botany Bay.

        CHORUS

        Have a drink today, before I'll say,
        Farwell to my native town.