When first we left old England's shores
Such yarns as we were told
As how folks in Australia
could pick up lumps of gold
So when we got to Melbourne Town
We were ready soon to slip
And get even with the captain
We scuttled from the ship
With my swag all on my shoulder
Black billy in my hand
I travelled the bush of Australia
Like a true born native man
We steered our course for Portland Town
Then north west of Ballarat
Where some of us got mighty thin
And some got sleek and fat
Some tried their luck at Bindigo
And some at Fiery Creek
I made a fortune in a day
And spent it in a week
With my swag all on my shoulder
Black billy in my hand
I travelled the bush of Australia
Like a true born native man
So round the tucker tracks I tramp
Nor leave them out of sight
My swag's on my left shoulder
And then upon my right
And then I take it on my back
And oft upon it lie
These are the best of tucker tracks
So I'll stay here till I die
With my swag all on my shoulder
Black billy in my hand
I travelled the bush of Australia
Like a true born native man
I travelled the bush of Australia like a true born native man