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This song was first released on the live at the sydney opera house album. it is the only album it has been released on. |
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One sunday morning as i was walking |
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By brisbane waters i chance to stray |
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I heard a convict his fait bewhaling |
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As on the sunny riverbank he lay |
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I am a native of erin, ireland |
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But banished now from my native shore |
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They stole me from my independence |
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And from the maiden whom i do adore |
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I've been a prisoner at port macquarie |
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At norfolk island and emu plains |
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At castle ule and curstune garbby |
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At all these settlements i've been enchained |
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But of all places of condemnation |
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And penal stations in new south wales |
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To moreton bay i have found no equal |
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Excessive tyranny each day prevails |
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For three long years i was beastly treated |
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And heavy irons on my legs i wore |
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My back from flogging was lacerated |
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And oft times covered with my crimson gore |
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And many a man from downright starvation |
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Lies smouldering now beneath the cave |
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And captain logan he had us mangled |
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On the triangles of moreton bay |
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Like the egyptians and ancient hebrews |
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We were oppressed under logan's yoh |
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Till a native black lying bare and ambush |
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Did deal out tyrant with his mortal stroke |
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My fellow prisoners be exhilerated |
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Let all such monsters like death shall find |
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And when from bondage we're extricated |
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Our former suffering shall will fade from mind |
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One sunday morning as i was walking |
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By brisbane waters i chance to stray |
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I heard a convict his fait bewhaling |
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As on the sunny riverbank he lay |
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Words and music - traditional |