Sovereign Town

Betty I know that I was raised to work the land
I’m not afraid of hard labour
Or dirt in my nails

Lately I’m hearing of these new fortunes found
And all I need’s to take the journey
They say it’s laying all around

I’ve heard of madmen all gripped by a fever
But mine is a calling
I’ll be guided by the Angels

I sold my plough and my beasts of burden
For a ticket on a clipper
A pick & shovel, pan and a wheelbarrow

Sovereign town road x 2

Seven months since I staked my claim
And I don’t know where the gold is
But I’ve found where it ain’t

Life ain’t nothin’ here but flies, dirt & and heat
Yeah, there’s dust in the damper
And mud in my tea

I’ve seen lucky strikes a dozen times over
They’re always back before the week’s out
New hat & boots and a hangover

There’s better pickings selling victuals & beer
Or just sly grog I hear
Getting rich off men’s needs

Sovereign town road x 2

My clothes are wet and my fingers are numb
I sifted half a ton of silt
For a speck on my thumb

Don’t lose faith in our fortune unfound
I just know safe and it’s sound
Somewhere deep underground


© Geoff Achison 2018