Last Work, We Go Home

Unknown



We been leaving Mackay,
Going to Bell Cay, eh
For our work, our work,
Last work this year now, eh.
Last work, we go home,
Last work, we go home,
Back again, eh,
For our home, our home far away,
I won't come back any more, South, eh
Last work, we go home,
Last work, we go home,
Back again, eh,
For our home, our home far away,
I won't come back any more, South, eh

From Ron Edwards Big Book of Australian Folk Song with the following notes:

LAST WORK WE GO HOME is a homesick cry from the trochus boats. It was sung to me by Mat. Savage, who learned it while working as a shell diver. The song tells of the final trip before the close of season after which the luggers will head north to Thursday Island and home, before the coming of the monsoons.