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Title
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Botany Bay
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Singer
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Harvey, Henry [Wassail]
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
Come, all young men of learning, a warning take by me,
I'd have you quit night walking and shun bad company;
I'd have you quit night walking, or else you'll rue the day,
When you are transported and gone to Botany Bay.
Verse 2
I was brought up in London Town, a place I know full well,
Brought up by my honest parents, the truth to you I'll tell;
Brought up by honest parents, and reared so tenderly,
Till I became a roving blade which proved my destiny.
Verse 3
My character soon taken was and I was sent to gaol,
My parents tried to clear me, but nothing could prevail;
At the Old Bailey Sessions the judge to me did say -
'The jury have found you guilty - you must go to Botany By.'
Verse 4
To see my aged father dear as he stood at the bar,
Likewise my tender mother, her old grey locks she tore;
In tearing off her old grey locks, these words she then did say -
'Oh, son! Oh, son! What hast thou done? Thou'rt going to Botany Bay.'
Verse 5
As we sailed down the river all at the breaking of day,
On every ship that we passed by we could hear the sailors say -
'There goes some clever young men, we're sorry for they say,
Oh, for some crime or other, my lads, they're bound for Botany Bay.'
Verse 6
There is a girl in London town, a girl I know full well,
If ever I get my liberty along with her I'll dwell;
If ever I get my liberty I'll forsake all other girls,
And shun all evil company, then adieu to New South Wales.
