> Trevor Lucas > Songs > Shanties By the Way

Shanties By the Way

[trad. arr. Alf Edwards]

This song is from Trevor Lucas' rare second Australian solo album of 1966, Overlander.

Lyrics

It's in the first strait business section
Where four bush roads cross and meet;
It stands in a quiet and neat location
To rest the weary travellers feet.

Kerosene lamps are burning brightly,
Cards, and lo, the billiard balls.
Men and maids are dancing sprightly
To the music in the halls.

Chorus (after each verse):

Oh rows of bottles standing upright
Labelled with bright blue and gold
Beer so cold it needs no ice in
From the cellars' dear dark hold

There's quoits and games and bagatelle
All to suit your fancy-o;
But better far behind the bar
Stands smiling darling Nancy-o.

Well Nancy's smiles are quite bewitching,
To have some fun she's willing-o.
You give a wrap, she turns the tap
And thanks you for your shilling-o.

(Chorus)

Oh the landlord shouting is uncommon,
He's kidding you to dance and play.
Oh how de devil can a man keep sober
In those shanties by the way.

(Chorus)