In 1803 we sailed out to sea Out from the sweet town of Derry For Australia bound if we didn’t all drown And the marks of our fetters we carried.
In the rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains As our good wives we left in sorrow. As the mainsails unfurled our curses we hurled On the English and thoughts of tomorrow.
Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry. Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
I cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell. Our ship danced like a moth in the firelights. White horses rode high as the devil passed by Taking souls to Hades by twilight.
Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three Our comrades we buried each morning. In our own slime we were lost in a time. Endless night without dawning.
Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry. Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry.
Van Dieman’s land is a hell for a man To live out his life in slavery. When the climate is raw and the gun makes the law. Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery.
Twenty years have gone by and I’ve ended me bond And comrades’ ghosts are behind me. A rebel I came and I’ll die the same. On the cold winds of night you will find me
Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry. Oh Oh Oh Oh I wish I was back home in Derry