Words: traditional
Music: traditional arr. the London Sea Shanty Collective

A huge favourite in its day and still a shanty standard. Sung during a range of jobs aboard ship and as a forebitter, an entertainment song for off-watch sailors.

In South Australia I was born,
Heave away, haul away,
In South Australia round Cape Horn,
We’re bound for South Australia.

Haul away you rolling kings,
Heave away, haul away,
Haul away, oh hear me sing,
We’re bound for South Australia.

As I walked out one morning fair,
’Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair.

I shook her up, I shook her down,
I shook her round Southampton town.

There ain’t but one thing grieves me mind,
To leave Miss Nancy Blair behind.

And as we wallop around Cape Horn,
You’ll wish to Christ you never was born.

In South Australia I was born,
In South Australia round Cape Horn.