I come from Down Under
where the sun shines all day,
where the kookaburras laugh
and the kangaroos play;
where the sun burns sharply,
where the rivers are few,
where the night sky is sparkling,
where the ocean is blue.

The great land down under
is barren and dry,
it's the colours of the rainbow,
and trees reach to the sky;
it's a never-ending wilderness,
it is cities so grand;
it's "owyagoin mate"
and a warm shake of the hand.

This is Australia
the land I hold dear;
there's freedom and happiness,
there's no favour nor fear.
It's a land of adventure,
excitement and calm,
of all one can wish for —
a nation of charm.


© by Gordon d'Venables.
Used here with the author's permission.