Botany Bay
During the 18th and 19th centuries thousands of
British convicts were shipped to Australia. This
song tells of a chap sent to Botany Bay for nothing
more than stealing a pocket watch!
Farewell to Merry old England
Farewell to my old pals as well
Farewell to the famous Old Baily
Where they swapped me my freedom for hell.
CHORUS:
Its seven long years I've been serving
And seven I has for to stay
All for bashing a bloke down our alley
And taking his ticket away.
Its not that they don't give us grub enough
Its not that they don't give us clothes
But all of us convicted gentery
Goes around with a log on our toes !
Now if I had the wings of a turtle dove
Across the broad ocean I'd fly
Right into the arms of my only love
And on her soft bosom I'd lie.
Now all you dukes and you duchesses
Take heed and mind what I say
And mind all your own what you touch it is
Or you'll join us in Botany Bay.