Melrose Quartet: “A magnificent song learned from John Kirkpatrick, who recorded this English version of the classic Australian convict song “Moreton Bay” for the Song Links double album in 2003. The melody was collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams from Henry Burstow in 1903.”
The Melrose Quartet: https://melrosequartet.bandcamp.com/track/the-convicts-lamentation
https://melrosequartet.bandcamp.com/track/the-convicts-lamentation
Oh I was born in the land called England Now transported from my native shore And like Columbus in his circle sailing Left behind the girl that I adore Through bounding billows that were loudly raging Like a mariner bold my course did steer; Bound to Bermuda, my destination Till at length that harbour did appear 2.There we joined hands in congratulation For safe arrival from the briny waves; But I soon found out I was mistaken For I was transported to Moreton Bay There every morning as the day was dawning To trace from Heaven that falling dew Up we all started at a moment’s warning Our daily labour to r?new 3.As I walked out one summ?r’s morning I paid no need to where I took my way; I paid no heed to where I wandered By Brisbane water I chanced to stray In silent solitude and meditation As I stood watching of the flowing tide I spied a convict, he was loud complaining The tears of anguish down his cheeks did glide 4.Saying, “I’ve been a prisoner at Port Macquarie In Norfolk Island and Emu Plains In Castle Hill, likewise Toongabbie In all these places I have worked in chains “But in all those places of condemnation Each penal station in New South Wales To Moreton Bay I can find no equal Excessive tyranny each day prevails 5.”Now I am bereft of all consolation Yet hope of liberty for me remains; I am behoved in tribulation Infused with misery by wearing chains “Yet I have once more for to cross the ocean And leave this station called Moreton Bay Where many a man through downright starvation Now lies mouldering all in his clay “Like the Egyptians and ancient Hebrews We were oppressed under Logan’s yoke Till a native hunter lying there in ambush Did give our tyrant his mortal stroke “Now fellow prisoners, be exhilarated Your former sufferings though bear in mind Where from bondage you are extracted You will leave those tyrants far behind.”