Salt Junk
(Composed by S. MENDELSOHN, Nanango.)
AIR-"Champagne Charlie."
I am a roving Jackaroo,
And often take pot luck,
From Maranoa to Paroo,
Of wonga, turkey, duck.
The squatter's pretty daughters vie
To serve me with the best;
I pass their dainties willing by,
And choose salt Junk for zest.
Chorus
Salt junk is my delight, it is my favourite-
The wealth of dear Australia, boys-
The common wealth of Australia, boys-
Whatever may betide, by this I will abide-
Of all the meats which grace the hall salt junk is king of all.
I am no glutton, no, not I;
But this I will avow:
I like a savoury mutton pie-
It's jam you must allow-
I also like a kidney stew.
Roast fowl is my delight;
Of oysters I can gorge a few;
Still junk's my favourite.
Invited by the Governor,
Sir Thomas and Sir Sam,
Or Tozer, Cowley, Theodore,
To cod and Wiltshire ham;
To fete the guests, they bave a knack-
And that is their vocation-
To English, French, or German tack,
But junk is my collation.
When my remittance comes once more
I am the favourite;
Again the invitations pour
To parties every night.
The civil service girls I treat,
The choicest in the land;
For jollity they can't be beat,
And I am in demand.
Notes
From The Queenslander 8 September 1894.
Many thanks to Rob Willis for suggesting this song for the collection.