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Van Dieman’s Land
The Bushwackers
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Lyrics
Original
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Three friends and I went out one night in the noble squire's park
We were hoping we might get some game, the night being proven dark
But by the squire's keepers we were taken well in hand
And for fourteen years transported unto Van Dieman's Land
The ship that bore us from the shore, The Fitzroy was her name
For a full five months and onwards, we ploughed the raging main
No sun, no land, and no harbour, I tell you it's no lie
All around us one black ocean, above us one blue sky
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
The first day that we landed upon that painted shore
The planters gathered round us, full twenty score or more
They tied us up like horses, and sold us out of hand
Then they yoked us to the ploughs, me boys, to plough Van Dieman's Land
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
It's often when in slumber, I dream a pleasant dream
A-lyin' home in Richmond, beside a ripplin' stream
With my true love beside me, and a jug of ale in hand
But I wake a broken-hearted man, in cursed Van Dieman's Land
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Come all you wild and reckless youths, this warning take by me
Mark ye well the story that I tell, and guard your destiny
It's all about transported lads, I'll have you understand
All the hardships we did undergo, in cursed Van Dieman's Land
Young men, all be aware
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Young men, all be aware (all be aware)
Lest you be drawn into a snare
Young men, all be aware (all be aware)
Lest you be drawn into a snare (all be aware)
Young men, all be aware (all be aware)
Lest you be drawn into a snare (all be aware)
Young men, all be aware (all be aware)
Lest you be drawn into a snare (all be aware)
Young men, all be aware (all be aware)
Lest you be drawn into a snare