Paddy William

(album: Looking Forward Looking Back - 2000)

Said he was born on Marble Bar, been a drover all his life
With his old dark skin, a wrinkled grin, grandchildren and a wife
He drove cattle through to Camooweal and up the Isa too
And his old eyes shone of the days long gone and the mates, he knew

Well I met him there, in Turkey Creek as he sat in a four-wheel drive
I was glad to find his mind was sharp and the memories still alive
Of the droving days and the stockyard camp when he rode at the boss' side
For he'd been a ringer all his life on the western side

Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way from home
Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way, from home

Well he looked so old and weary as he proudly spoke his name
His old eyes shone like beacons when he talked of the droving game
He said he was born on Marble Bar, been a drover all his life
With his old dark skin, a wrinkled grin, said he loved the life

And I guess he's still in Turkey Creek, near the hills of Misty Blue
And I hope his dreams of the cattle run, all come true
And I hope he finds a horse so fine to carry him away
And on the droving run, he'll be number one
Like the good old days

Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way from home
Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way, from home

So if you're driving through the Kimberleys or around the Isa way
You might see him slowly riding with a big mob on the graze
He'll be tall and straight don't hesitate, just call out his name
Say: "G'day there Paddy William, hey, how's the droving game?"

Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way from home
Oh Paddy William is his name
And droving was his game
But a thousand miles on the outback trails is a long, long way from home