Downunder (Aus/NZ) the 'knee-irons' were called 'bowyangs'. Just a bit of string, not the 'half-chap' you'll get as 2nd hit on a Google search on "bowyang". They were used by shearers and bushmen (lumberjacks). The primary function was to stop various beasties shinning up your shin - there's nothing worse than a WETA in your crutch - they have spiny legs - so it gets wetter and wetter as the blood drips!

i'm not sure abou Aus, but in NZ the term "Bowyanger" reffered to any of us 'country hicks'.

Anyway, back to the tune! In 1960'ish, when NZ thrahed the Aussies at RUGBY, the Howard Morrison Quartet had a fine parody of the Donnie Lonnigan song called 'My Old Man's an All Black.

Umm.. I'll leave it there!

Bowyangers of the world UNITE!

Cheers - Sam