South Australia

A traditional capstan shanty dating back to the early 19th century; the earliest known printed version appears in an 1888 book titled The Music of the Waters by Laura Smith.^[1]

The band released their version of the song on the third Pieces of Eight EP, Uncharted.

Factoids

Some performers have added a modern verse referencing the demise of Skylab, the first U.S. space station, in 1979: "In South Australia Skylab fell / 15 billion shot to hell"^[2]

Lyrics

Lyrics as performed on the EP.

In South Australia I was born
(Heave away! Haul away!)
In South Australia round Cape Horn
(We're bound for South Australia!) [continues throughout]

{Chorus}
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
It's there I met Miss Nancy Blair

{Chorus}

I shook her up, I shook her down
I shook her round and round the town

{Chorus}

There ain't but one thing grieves me mind
To leave young Nancy Blair behind

{Chorus}

I'm Bristol born and Bristol bred
I'm thick in the arm and thick in the head

{Chorus 2x}

Recordings

Stream/Purchase

YouTube Videos

Album version

Gig Videos

Falmouth Festival 2014 (6 Jul 2014)

Full Band Streams

Gaming Streams

[1] ttps://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Music_of_the_Waters/k7FNAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=south%20australia

[2] ttps://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/Doe071.html

[1]

[2]