New Zealand Minstrelsy
Come to the Bush
Come to the Bush.
Come to the bush, my boys,
Where Fortune’s way ’s before ye;
Leave the city’s idle joys,
And follow fame and glory.
Work; WarYour billhooks get, and have them whet,
Your axes put in order;
By morning’s light, with all your might,
Attack the forest border.
Come to the bush, &c.
WorkBy sweat of face the human race
Was doom’d to gain a living;
So let us till the fertile soil,
Nor be in doubts misgiving.
Come to the bush, &c.
WorkFor Industry is still the way
To gain wild fortune’s favour;
ReligionAnd Heaven will bless with good success
A manly bold endeavour.
Come to the bush, &c.
CommerceLet traders pore their ledgers o’er,
Contrasting gains with losses;
While we shall try a better ploy,
Nor dread the fear of crosses.
Come to the bush, &c.
Now, why sit down, complain and frown,
Though stubborn fate should teaze ye?
But, up, be brave! down with the knave!
Should England’s flesh-pots please ye?
ColonyCome to the bush, my boys,
Where fortune’s way ’s before ye;
Leave the city’s idle joys,
And follow fame and glory.