Digital Tradition Mirror

The Backblocks Shearer

The Backblocks Shearer

1.  I'm only a backblocks shearer, boys, as can be plainly seen,
    I've shore in almost every shed on the plains of the Riverine,
    I've shore in most of the famous sheds, I've seen big tallies done,
    But somehow or other, I don't know why, I never became a gun.

cho: Hurrah, me boys, my shears are set, I feel both fit and well
     Tomorrow will find me at my pen when the gaffer rings the bell
     With Haydon's patent thumbguards fixed and both my blades pulled back
     Tomorrow I go with a sliding blow for a century or the sack

2.  I've opened up the windpipe straight, I've opened behind the ear
    I've practiced every possible style in which a man can shear
    I've studied all the cuts and drives of the famous men I've met
    But I never succeeded in plastering up those three little figures yet

3.  As the boss walked down this morning, boys, I saw him stare at me
    For I'd mastered Morgan's shoulder-cut, as he could plainly see
    But I've another surprise for him that'll give his nerves a shock
    Tomorrow he'll find I've mastered Pierce's rang-tang block!

4.  If I succeed as I hope to, then I intend to shear
    At Wagga demonstration that they have there every year,
    Then down the colours will come, my boys, the colours of Mitchell & Co.
    Instead of Deeming, you will hear of Widgegoweera Joe!

Note: written by W. Tully at Nimidgee, NSW: in most Australian
     collections JB
JB

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!

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