Shel Silverstein

Son of a Scoundrel

Big Barney Fitch, he got soddenly rich
He got a big fancy house in Melbourne
With buckets of loot and big black leather boots
Acting so haughty and well-born
 
But we of Australia, we’re children of convicts
And some of us wear it quite proudly
So as he rides by in his carriage so fine
I wave and I call to him loudly
 
Refrain:
Was your grandma a whore, was your grandpa a thief
Were they forgers and grafters who fell to their grief
If you’re born of Australia, I know who ya be
You’re the son of a son of a scoundrel like me
 
Maggie McKay’s got a sweet-lovin’ way
And I know that she does adore me
But her parents, they feel it would be a bad deal
They say that she’s much too good for me
 
So as we said goodbye, with a tear in her eye
They were smiling and glad of the breakin’
But they didn’t look so proud when I shouted out loud
'Til the whole floggin’ town was awakened
 
Refrain
 
Madam Marie loves the men from the sea
She says that they’re good for business
Her daughters are found in a section of town
Known for a certain rudeness
 
Then the cops paid a call, and the judge says, 'That’s all
It’s time for a new profession’
Marie laughed out loud, and in front of the crowd
Says, 'Judge, will you answer this question’
 
Refrain
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