Song Description

This is the story of the colonization and settlement of Australia, by the English. It recounts some of the details of the people sent on the first fleet in 1788 and the hardships that were endured by the early settlers. Historically, Australia was settled by the English partly because of the war of independence in the United States. Following the defeat of the English in the USA, they were needing a new place to settle, colonize and utilize the resources. Australia had been partly mapped 18 years earlier by Captain James Cook, and England being the global power at the time, took control of the the land that was previously known as "Terra Australis" ... Australia.

Lyrics

Words & Music by Russell J Clifton
© ASCAP / APRA







TERRA AUSTRALIS




V.1 This is a tale - of a man who set sail -
To search out the Great Southern Land
The man's name was Cook - nearly two years it took
And the land known as Terra Australis

V.2 A crisp April dawn - and our nation was born
A place for the convicts - said the King
The First Fleet was sent - and hard years were spent
In this land known as Terra Australis

CHORUS

Soldiers and sailors and Ladies of Sin
All bound for Botany Bay
Builders and bankers and doctors came in
To this land known as Terra Australis


V.3 Here in this land - people grew, people planned
Life offered something in return
Sheep in the field & harvest's that yield
In this land known as Terra Australis


Instrumental Verse


V.4 Now, we are one - every mother, every son
The eyes of the world all agree
A place in the sun - still a dream held by some
Of this land known as Terra Australis

CHORUS