The Opal Beds Of Australia by Graeme Miles

THE OPAL BEDS OF AUSTRALIA   Written by Graeme Miles.

Another great one from the “cache of songs” of Graeme Miles. Graeme always had an ambition to head off to Australia where the opal beds lie but this is the closest he got. Martyn

THE OPAL BEDS OF AUSTRALIA   Written by Graeme Miles.

My name is Jack Lumley I have just turned sixteen 

And I work in the factory at the lousy machine

I never was indentured never served out my time 

But now all my school friends have left me behind

But I am resolved now to pack up and go

And follow my instincts but where I don’t know

But I’ve got a feeling that some day I’ll fly 

Away to Australia where the opal beds lie.

Now they say that Australia’s a great open place 

Where the sun is so hot it set’s fire to your face 

Where they don’t see much rain and never no snow 

And sleet is unheard of wherever you go 

Yes I’am truly tempted to go there and see

If Tommy McDonald was lying to me 

Yes I’ve got a feeling that one day I’ll fly 

Away to Australia where the opal beds lie.

Yes they say that Australia’s a wondrous land 

With bright stones and silver wherever you stand 

Where the sun in the morning turns the mountains to gold 

And a man can make thousands before he’s too old

Yes I’m truly tempted to fill me old pack 

And set off for Sydney and never come back 

And I’ll cross the high mountains of The Great Wide Divide 

And make for the land where the opal beds lie.

Yes it’s true that Australia’s a great place to be 

For a lad with ambition the likes such as me 

If it’s true that the Outback holds treasures galore

Then these are temptations no man can ignore

‘Though I may throw the towel in before I am done 

From this lousy factory I am bound for to run

And in burning Australia I can only but try 

To go make my fortune where the opal beds lie.