I found myself in rural Victoria over the weekend for a friend's 40th birthday party, at a disused scout camp. So this is written from the perspective of the land, which was heavily mined for gold in the 1850-1870s.

Kept things simple to get it out in one sitting so I can catch up!

#folk #blues

Pack up your bag, and say your goodbyes, One pair of socks, that better stay dry,

You won’t need your teddy, out here on the land, Only the fittest survive with their hands,

Listen to Skipper, don’t you talk back, Best not hang round with that troublesome Jack,

Don’t spill the beans, when you open the can, Carry yourself, soon you’ll be a man.

Weathered and worn, battered and bruised, Once they struck gold, I was upturned and used

All but forgotten, destined for draught, Now only used for the boys who camp out,

All those who prospered, kicked me to the ground, If only they left the world how it was found They said be prepared, from the last heavy round If only they left the world how it was found