In 1803 we sailed out to sea

Out from the sweet town of Derry

For Australia bound if we didn't all drown

And the marks of our fetters we carried



In the rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains

As our good wives we left home in sorrow

As the mainsails unfurled our curses we hurled

On the English and thoughts of tomorrow



I wish I was back home in Derry

I wish I was back home in Derry



I cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell

Our ship danced like a moth in the firelights

White horses rode high as the devil passed by

Taking souls to Hades by twilight



Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three

Our comrades we buried each morning

In our own slime we were lost in a time

Endless nights without dawning



I wish I was back home in Derry

I wish I was back home in Derry



Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man

To live out his life in slavery

The climate is raw and the gun makes the law

Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery



Twenty years have gone by and I've ended my bond

And comrades' ghosts are behind me

A rebel I came and I'll die just the same

On the cold winds of night you will find me



I wish I was back home in Derry

I wish I was back home in Derry

I wish I was back home in Derry

I wish I was back home in Derry