``oh hark! the dogs are barking, i can no longer stay

The men have all gone mustering, i heard the publican say

And i must be off in the morning, love, before the sun does shine

To meet the contract shearers on the banks of the condamine.''



``oh willie, dearest willie, don't leave me here to mourn

Don't make me curse and rue the day that ever i was born

For parting with you willie is like parting with me life

So stay and be a selector, love, and i will be your wife.''



``oh nancy, dearest nancy, you know that i must go

Old hallerand is expecting me, his shearing for to do

But while i'm on the bogs, me love, i'll think of you with pride

And our shears they will go freely when i'm on the whippin' side.''



``oh i'll cut off my yellow hair and go along with you

I'll dress myself in men's attire and be a shearer too

I'll cook and count your tally, love while, ringer, you will shine?

And i'll wash your greasy moleskins on the banks of the condamine.''



``oh nancy, dearest nancy, you know that can't be so

The boss has given order, love, no woman shall do so

And your delicate constitution's not equal unto mine

To eat the ramstack mutton on the banks of the condamine.



But when the shearing's over, love, i'll make you me wife

I'll take up a selection and i'll settle down for life

And when the day's work's over, love, and the evening's clear and fine

I'll tell of them sandy cobblers on the banks of the condamine.''




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