Celebrating The Things That Make Australia Unique
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AUSTRALIAN SONGS
I've Been Everywhere
Originally recorded and made popular by singer Lucky Starr in 1962.
John Grenell (John Hore) recorded a New Zealand version in 1966. Geoff Mack also wrote the later American version with American cities replacing the originals.
It became the # 1 hit in Country Music in November 1962 when Hank Snow's recorded it.
It's also been recorded by Johnny Cash (1996), Willie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and others and used in numerous commercials.
This is the Australian version.
What the words mean
Wangaratta ~ usually pronounced so that the "Wang" rhymes with "sang", but on the recording it is pronounced "Wongaratta"
Well, I was humpin' my bluey on the dusty Oodnadatta road,
When along came a semi with a high and canvas-covered load.
(Spoken) "If you're goin' to Oodnadatta, mate, um, with me you can ride."
So I climbed in the cabin and I settled down inside.
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand,
I said "Listen, mate, I've travelled ev'ry road in this here land."
Cos "I've been everywhere, man,
I've been everywhere, man.
'Cross the deserts bare, man;
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've had my share, man.
I've been ev'rywhere.
Been to Tullamore, Seymour, Lismore, Mooloolaba,
Nambour, Maroochydore, Kilmore, Murwillumbah,
Birdsville, Emmaville, Wallaville, Cunnamulla,
Condamine, Strathpine, Proserpine, Ulladulla,
Darwin, Gin Gin, Deniliquin, Muckadilla,
Wallumbilla, Boggabilla, Kumbarilla, I'm a killer.
(Spoken) "Yeah but listen here, mate, have you been to..."
I've been to Moree, Taree, Jerilderie, Bambaroo,
Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Caringbah, Woolloomooloo,
Dalveen, Tamborine, Engadine, Jindabyne,
Lithgow, Casino, Brigalow and Narromine,
Megalong, Wyong, Tuggerawong, Wangarella,
Morella, Augathella, Brindabella, I'm the feller.
(Spoken) "Yeah, I know that, but have you been to..."
I've been to Wollongong, Geelong, Kurrajong, Mullumbimby,
Mittagong, Molong, Grong Grong, Goondiwindi,
Yarra Yarra, Boroondara, Wallangarra, Turramurra,
Boggabri, Gundagai, Narrabri, Tibooburra,
Gulgong, Adelong, Billabong, Cabramatta,
Parramatta, Wangaratta, Coolangatta, what's it matter?
(Spoken) "Yeah, look that's fine, but how about..."
I've been to Ettalong, Dandenong, Woodenbong, Ballarat,
Canberra, Milperra, Unanderra, Captain's Flat,
Cloncurry, River Murray, Kurri Kurri, Girraween,
Terrigal, Fingal, Stockinbingal, Collaroy and Narrabeen,
Bendigo, Dorrigo, Bangalow, Indooroopilly,
Kirribilli, Yeerongpilly, Wollondilly, don't be silly.
I've been here, there, ev'rywhere, I've been ev'rywhere.
(Spoken) "Okay, mate, you've been ev'ry place except one,
and ya don't need my help t'get there."
(Sound of door slamming and truck driving off.)
