Australian working song - Click go the Shears

Maestro has his violin exam this weekend; it's only days away now. The extra times spent practicing with the accompanist are very exciting, as the music just comes to life.

One of his pieces this year is the Australian working song "Click Go the Shears". Learning about how this song came about and what some of the lyrics mean has been part of the necessary preparation.

Years ago, I had a recording of this sung by the Play School group, and the singer used to pause before each verse to explain the slang. I wish I still had that recording, as it was excellent. (The album was called "There's a Bear in There" (1987).)

picture from here

Click Go the Shears

Out on the board the old shearer stands,

Grasping his shears in his long, bony hands,

Fixed is his gaze on a bare-bellied 'joe'

Glory if he gets her, won't he make the ringer go.

Chorus: Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click,

Wide is his blow and his hands move quick,

The ringer looks around and is beaten by a blow,

And curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied 'joe'

In the middle of the floor in his cane bottomed chair

Is the boss of the board, with eyes everywhere;

Notes well each fleece as it comes to the screen,

Paying strict attention if it's taken off clean.

The tarboy is there, awaiting in demand,

With his blackened tar pot, and his tarry hand;

Sees one old sheep with a cut upon its back,

Hears what he's waiting for, 'Tar here Jack!'

I found a page where the terms are explained here.

This has been a lovely way to tie in violin lessons, music/songs, poetry, Australian history and art (see painting) into an impromptu lesson.