The Backblock Shearer

I’m only a back-block shearer, boys, as easily can be seen
I’ve shore in all the famous sheds on the plains of the Riverine
I’ve shore in most of the famous sheds and I’ve seen big tallies done
But somehow or other, I don’t know why, I never became a gun
I’ve opened up the windpipe straight, I’ve opened behind the ear
I’ve shore in every possible style in which a man can shar
I’ve studied all the cuts and drivs of famous men I’ve met
But I’ve never succeeded in plastering up those three little figures yet
Well, hurrah, me boys, me blades are set, and I feel both fit and well
Tomorrow you find me at me pen when the gaffer rings the bell
With Hayden’s patent thumb guards fixed and both of me blades pulled back
Tomorrow I’ll go with me sliding blow, for a century or the sack
Well, the boss walked in this morning, I saw him stare at me
I’d mastered Moran’s great shoulder-cut, as he could plainly see
But I’ve another surprise for him that’ll give his nerves a shock
Tomorrow I’ll show him I have mastered Pierce’s rang-tang block
Well, hurrah, me boys, me blades are set, and I feel both fit and well
Tomorrow you find me at me gate when the gaffer rings the bell
With Hayden’s patent thumb guards fixed and both of me blades pulled back
Tomorrow I’ll go with me sliding blow, for a century or the sack
When I succeed as I plan to do, then I intend to shear
At the Wagga demonstration that’s held there every year
It’s there I’ll lower the colours, me boys, the colours of Mitchell and Co
And instead of Deeming you will hear of Widgeegoara Joe
Well, hurrah, me boys, me blades are set, and I feel both fit and well
Tomorrow you find me at me gate when the gaffer rings the bell
With Hayden’s patent thumb guards fixed and both of me blades pulled back
Tomorrow I’ll go with me sliding blow, for a century or the sack
Well, hurrah, me boys, me blades are set, and I feel both fit and well
Tomorrow you find me at me gate when the gaffer rings the bell
With Hayden’s patent thumb guards fixed and both of me blades pulled back
Tomorrow I’ll go with me sliding blow, for a century or the sack