South Australia Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords
Recorded by Country singer Nathan Carter. Included are the 5 string banjo chords. Also recorded by The Pogues and before that The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem recorded in in 1964. The song is over 100 years old. The most recent ballad group I came across that recorded the song were The Whistlin' Donkeys in 2019. The tin whistle sheet music notes are included in the keys of G and D Major. Now also here is the standard sheet music in C Major with the lyrics.South Australia tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA Tuning now included along with the fingerstyle ukulele tab.
Song Meaning.
"South Australia" is a traditional sea shanty that originated during the 19th century and was popular among sailors on voyages between England and Australia. It is a lively, rhythmic work song that was used to help sailors coordinate tasks like hoisting sails or hauling anchor.
Meaning and Themes:
Sailing and Maritime Life:
The song reflects the life of sailors who made the long, arduous journey from England to South Australia. The repetitive and energetic nature of the song helped sailors maintain a steady pace while working.
Adventure and Exploration:
South Australia, during the 19th century, was a popular destination for emigrants and explorers seeking new opportunities. The song captures the spirit of adventure and travel across the seas.
Homesickness and Nostalgia:
Some versions of the song express longing for home or loved ones, a common theme in sea shanties. For many sailors, life at sea was marked by separation from family and home for extended periods.
“Bound for South Australia” serves both as a literal statement of destination and a metaphor for new beginnings or life’s journeys.
Camaraderie and Unity:
Sea shanties like "South Australia" were not just work songs—they were also a source of entertainment and solidarity. Singing together helped build morale and unity among the crew.
Cultural Significance:
Popular Sea Shanty: "South Australia" remains one of the most recognizable sea shanties. It has been recorded by many artists, including The Pogues, The Dubliners, and The Clancy Brothers.
Revival of Interest: The recent revival of sea shanties in popular culture has brought new attention to this traditional song, with its catchy tune and spirited lyrics making it a favorite in folk music circles.
Song Meaning.
"South Australia" is a traditional sea shanty that originated during the 19th century and was popular among sailors on voyages between England and Australia. It is a lively, rhythmic work song that was used to help sailors coordinate tasks like hoisting sails or hauling anchor.
Meaning and Themes:
Sailing and Maritime Life:
The song reflects the life of sailors who made the long, arduous journey from England to South Australia. The repetitive and energetic nature of the song helped sailors maintain a steady pace while working.
Adventure and Exploration:
South Australia, during the 19th century, was a popular destination for emigrants and explorers seeking new opportunities. The song captures the spirit of adventure and travel across the seas.
Homesickness and Nostalgia:
Some versions of the song express longing for home or loved ones, a common theme in sea shanties. For many sailors, life at sea was marked by separation from family and home for extended periods.
“Bound for South Australia” serves both as a literal statement of destination and a metaphor for new beginnings or life’s journeys.
Camaraderie and Unity:
Sea shanties like "South Australia" were not just work songs—they were also a source of entertainment and solidarity. Singing together helped build morale and unity among the crew.
Cultural Significance:
Popular Sea Shanty: "South Australia" remains one of the most recognizable sea shanties. It has been recorded by many artists, including The Pogues, The Dubliners, and The Clancy Brothers.
Revival of Interest: The recent revival of sea shanties in popular culture has brought new attention to this traditional song, with its catchy tune and spirited lyrics making it a favorite in folk music circles.
[C]In South Australia I [F]was [C]born!
[F]Heave a[C]way! [F]Haul aw[C]ay!
In [C]South Australia [G7]round Cape [C]Horn!
We're [C]bound for South Austra[G7]li[C]a!
[F]Haul away, you rolling [C]king,
[F]Heave a[C]way! [F]Haul a[C]way!
[F]Haul away and hear me [C]sing
We're [C]bound for South Aus[G7]trali[C]a!
As I walked out one morning fair,
Heave away! Haul away!
'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair.
We're bound for South Australia!
I shook her up, I shook her down,
Heave away! Haul away!
I shook her round and round the town.
We're bound for South Australia!
There ain't but one thing grieves my mind,
Heave away! Haul away!
To leave Miss Nancy Blair behind.
We're bound for South Australia!
And as you lollop round Cape Horn,
Heave away! Haul away!
You'll wish to Christ you'd never been born!
We're bound for South Australia!
[F]Heave a[C]way! [F]Haul aw[C]ay!
In [C]South Australia [G7]round Cape [C]Horn!
We're [C]bound for South Austra[G7]li[C]a!
[F]Haul away, you rolling [C]king,
[F]Heave a[C]way! [F]Haul a[C]way!
[F]Haul away and hear me [C]sing
We're [C]bound for South Aus[G7]trali[C]a!
As I walked out one morning fair,
Heave away! Haul away!
'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair.
We're bound for South Australia!
I shook her up, I shook her down,
Heave away! Haul away!
I shook her round and round the town.
We're bound for South Australia!
There ain't but one thing grieves my mind,
Heave away! Haul away!
To leave Miss Nancy Blair behind.
We're bound for South Australia!
And as you lollop round Cape Horn,
Heave away! Haul away!
You'll wish to Christ you'd never been born!
We're bound for South Australia!
Key of G Major
[G]In South Australia I [C]was [G]born!
[C]Heave a[G]way! [C]Haul aw[G]ay!
In [G]South Australia [D7]round Cape [G]Horn!
We're [G]bound for South Austra[D7]li[G]a!
[C]Haul away, you rolling [G]king,
[C]Heave a[G]way! [C]Haul a[G]way!
[C]Haul away and hear me [G]sing
We're [G]bound for South Aus[D7]trali[G]a!
Key of D Major
[D]In South Australia I [G]was [D]born!
[G]Heave a[D]way! [G]Haul aw[D]ay!
In [D]South Australia [A7]round Cape [D]Horn!
We're [D]bound for South Austra[A7]li[D]a!
[G]Haul away, you rolling [D]king,
[G]Heave a[D]way! [G]Haul a[D]way!
[G]Haul away and hear me [D]sing
We're [D]bound for South Aus[A7]trali[D]a!
[G]In South Australia I [C]was [G]born!
[C]Heave a[G]way! [C]Haul aw[G]ay!
In [G]South Australia [D7]round Cape [G]Horn!
We're [G]bound for South Austra[D7]li[G]a!
[C]Haul away, you rolling [G]king,
[C]Heave a[G]way! [C]Haul a[G]way!
[C]Haul away and hear me [G]sing
We're [G]bound for South Aus[D7]trali[G]a!
Key of D Major
[D]In South Australia I [G]was [D]born!
[G]Heave a[D]way! [G]Haul aw[D]ay!
In [D]South Australia [A7]round Cape [D]Horn!
We're [D]bound for South Austra[A7]li[D]a!
[G]Haul away, you rolling [D]king,
[G]Heave a[D]way! [G]Haul a[D]way!
[G]Haul away and hear me [D]sing
We're [D]bound for South Aus[A7]trali[D]a!
South Australia tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA Tuning
South Australia 5 string banjo chords for the key of C Major.
South Australia tin whistle sheet music notes.
South Australia sheet music notes in D Major
South Australia sheet music in the key of C MAJOR
South Australia sheet music in the key of C MAJOR
South Australia fingerstyle ukulele tab
South Australia Song Lyrics [2]
Down in South Australia, where the sun shines bright
The land is vast and wild, a beautiful sight
From the rugged coastline, to the rolling hills
There's a magic in the air, that gives me thrills
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Verse 2:
In the city of Adelaide, the streets come alive
With music and art, a vibrant vibe
And further out, in the outback plains
The spirit of the land, forever remains
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Bridge:
From the Barossa Valley, to Kangaroo Island
There's so much to see, and so much to learn
In this diverse state, of beauty and charm
I'll always feel at home, in your warm embrace
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Outro:
So here's to South Australia, my heart's true home
Forever and always, I'll never roam
For in your embrace, I'll always be free
South Australia, you mean everything to me.
Down in South Australia, where the sun shines bright
The land is vast and wild, a beautiful sight
From the rugged coastline, to the rolling hills
There's a magic in the air, that gives me thrills
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Verse 2:
In the city of Adelaide, the streets come alive
With music and art, a vibrant vibe
And further out, in the outback plains
The spirit of the land, forever remains
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Bridge:
From the Barossa Valley, to Kangaroo Island
There's so much to see, and so much to learn
In this diverse state, of beauty and charm
I'll always feel at home, in your warm embrace
Chorus:
South Australia, land of the brave
Where the red dirt meets the ocean's wave
I'll sing your praises, loud and clear
For you hold my heart, my dear
Outro:
So here's to South Australia, my heart's true home
Forever and always, I'll never roam
For in your embrace, I'll always be free
South Australia, you mean everything to me.
