THE AUSSIE STOCKMAN

The thunder of the cattle hooves across the western plains
Dark clouds out on the horizon, not clouds that promise rain
But billowing plumes of blue grey smoke that pale the setting sun
To the horses lads and ride like mad, there’s a battle to be won.

She’s burnin’ on a three-mile front and the wind it’s risin’ fast
We’ll all be sore and sorry lads before this night is past
We’ll have to stop her at the river or kiss the stock goodbye
It seems a daunting battle boys, but at least we gotta try.

Go cut the boundary fences Stan, if we can’t stop this burnin’
There’ll be no livin’ creature left in them paddocks come the mornin’
And get that truck across the river Jack, don’t bog the heavy plow
Cos we gotta get that firebreak cut within the flamin’ hour.

She’s comin’ at a rate of knots, fanned by that swirlin’ wind
The skies, rainin’ red hot embers now, grab anything you can
Branches, bags, or saddle cloths, don’t let them spot fires spread
Cos we’ve lost the flamin battle boys, if she jumps that river bed.

Keep burnin’ back from the firebreak and I think we’ll have her beat
Where’s them water bags young fella? come on lad, back on ya feet
I know it’s bloody rough out here, it’s enough to break your heart
But them men, they’ll perish in this heat if you don’t play your part.

Strike me pink, you bloody beauty’s, you’ve stopped her in her tracks
Blackened faces streaked with tears, weary arms and achin’ backs
You fought it to a finish lads, though at times I thought you’d choke
You’ve earned yourself a just reward, come on mates, let’s have a smoke.

And that’s your Aussie stockman mate, don’t mind a beer, don’t mind a fight
And battlin’ grassfires in the dark, well, that’s just another night
And yet, better men you’ll never find, you can trust ‘em with your life
You can trust ‘em with your money mate, just don’t trust ‘em with your wife.

The Anointed.