The Shores of Botany Bay

I'm on my way down to the quay Where the big ship at anchor lays To command a gang of navvys I was told to engage I thought I'd drop in for a drink Before I went away For to take a trip on an emigrant ship To the shores of Botany Bay

The boss came up this morning He says "Well, Pat you know If you didn't get your navvys out I'm afraid you'll have to go" So I asked him for my wages I demanded all my pay And I told him straight I was going to emigrate To the shores of Botany Bay

And when I reach Australia I'll go and I'll look for gold There's plenty there for digging up Or so I have been told Or else I'll go back to my trade Eight hundred bricks I'll lay And eight bob I'll lift for an eight-hour shift On the shores of Botany Bay