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Jim Jones at Botany Bay

Listen for a moment lads and hear me tell my tale
How over the sea from England's shore I was compelled to sail.

The jury said 'He's guilty sir' and said the judge, said he:
"For life Jim Jones I'm sending you across the stormy sea.

"And take my tip before you ship to join those iron gangs,
Don't be too gay on Botany Bay or else you'll surely hang.

Or else you'll hang!" he said, said he, "And after that Jim Jones,
High upon the gallows tree the crows will pick your bones.

"You'll have no chance for mischief then, remember what I say,
They'll flog the poaching out of you there on Botany Bay."

The winds blew high upon the sea; the pirates came along,
But the soldiers on our convict ship were full 500 strong.

They opened fire and somehow drove that pirate ship away,
But I'd rather have joined that pirate ship then come to Botany Bay.

For day and night the irons clang and like poor galley slaves,
We toil and toil and when we die must fill dishonoured graves.

But some black night when everything is silent in the town,
I'll shoot the bastards one and all; I'll shoot the floggers down.

I'll give the law a little shock, remember what I say,
You'll yet regret you sent Jim Jones in chains to Botany Bay.
You'll yet regret you sent Jim Jones in chains to Botany Bay. . .

(Note: Lyrics traditional, .New Musical Setting: Joe Dolce)

 

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