Traditional
Oh, the wind is free an’ we’re bound for the sea
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
The lassies are wavin’ to you an’ to me
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
They’re shoutin’ goodbye, an’ the gals they do cry
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
So sing up, me darlin’s, an’ wipe yer tears dry
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
They’re cryin’, Come back, my dear John an’ dear Jack
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
There’s water in front an’ no door at the back
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
But we’re Johnnies bold who can work for our gold
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
An’ stand a good dousin’ wi’out catchin’ cold
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
The gals to the south’ard are bully an’ fine
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
When we gits to Melbourne we’ll have a good time
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
A John he is true to his Sal an’ his Sue
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
So long as he’s able to keep ’em in view
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
We’ll heave her up, bullies, an’ run her away
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
We’ll soon be a’headin’ out on a long lay
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
They’re crying, ‘Come back, my dear sailor in blue
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For no one can fill the place vacant by you’
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
They love us for money, whoever he be
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
But when it’s all gone we are shanghaied to sea
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
Then sing, ‘Goodbye Sally, your wonders I’ll tell
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
But when with another, I’ll wish you in hell
As off to the south’ard we go
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
Sing, me lads, cheerily
Heave, me lads, cheerily
Heave away cheerily o-ho!
For the gold that we prize an’ for sunnier skies
Away to the south’ard we go!
