Characters...

In the Darling Ranges, many years ago,
There lived a daring outlaw, by the name of 'Moondyne Joe'.
He stole the squatter's horses, and a sheep or two or three,
He loved to roam the countryside, and swore he would be free.
The troopers said we'll catch him, but we know it's all in vain,
Every time we lock him up he breaks right out again.

'Cause in he goes, and out he goes, and off again he'll go,
There's not a gaol in W. A. can keep in 'Moondyne Joe'.

He rode an unmarked horse to York, they gaoled him once again;
He said "I didn't brand him, 'cause he couldn't stand the the pain."
From Toodyay to Fremantle his fame grew far and wide,
The Commissioner said "We'd spoil him if he'd only stay inside."
The Governor called the gaolers and said "Goodness gracious me,
The next time 'Moondyne Joe' escapes I'm going to turn him free.

'Cause in he goes and out he goes and off again he'll go,
There's not a gaol in W. A. can keep in 'Moondyne Joe' -
There's not a gaol in W. A. can keep in 'Moondyne Joe'.

With kind permission:
Bryan Lynch
SCARBOROUGH, Western Australia
(Copyright 1999)