The Devil Went Down To The Billabong

Charlie Daniels ("The Devil Went Down to Georgia") meets Banjo Patterson ("Waltzing Matilda")

A swagman went down to the billabong,
He was looking for a sheep to steal
He was in a bind, 'cause it was dinnertime
So he was willing to make a deal
He came across this jumbuck,
Stuffed it in his tucker sack
But the squatter jumped up on a coolabah stump
And said "just put that back."

The swagman said "You've caught me, mate
And I'm surrounded, too
But if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
You may think I'm a bludger,
But I've shorn a sheep or two
I bet if I shear more, you'll let me go
'Cause I think I'm better than you.

The squatter said "Well, I'm certain
That what you've done's a crime
But I'll take your bet. You're gonna regret
'Cause you'll be doing time."

Swagman waltzed Matilda all across the great outback
But the squatter caught him with a jumbuck in his tucker sack
He'll once more roam the land that's girt by sea should he prevail,
But if he loses he will go to gaol!

The squatter grabbed a sheep
And then he brought the clippers near
And fire flew from his fingertips
As he began to shear.
He tossed the wool into the bag
And it made an evil hiss
And a band of troopers joined in,
And it sounded something like this:

[solo]

When the squatter finished, the swagman said
"You're pretty good, old bloke.
But you'll be amazed at the sheep I shave,
'Cause my boast is not a joke.

He sheared:
38 Merinos chewin' their cud
40 ewes sired by one fine stud
John McArthur's whole darn flock
Cut all the wool from that squatter's stock

The squatter was defeated,
But he didn't keep his word
The troopers closed in, laughing
Like some kookaburra birds
The swagman jumped into the pond,
Avoiding all the strife
And his ghost sings along at that billabong:
"Well mate, such is life."

He sheared:
38 Merinos chewin' their cud
40 ewes sired by one fine stud
John McArthur's whole darn flock
Cut all the wool from that squatter's stock

Back to
Songs

All material © 2000-2014 by Eemeet Meeker Online Enterprises, to the extent that slapping up a copyright notice constitutes actual copyright protection.