South Australia
Nathan Carter Lyrics


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In South Australia I was born
Heave away, haul away
In South Australia, 'round Cape Horn
We're bound for South Australia

Haul away your rolling king
Heave away, haul away
Haul away, you'll hear me sing
We're bound for South Australia

As I walked out one morning fair
Heave away, haul away
'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair
We're bound for South Australia

There's just one thing that's on my mind
Heave away, haul away
That's leaving Nancy Blair behind
We're bound for South Australia

And as we wallop 'round Cape Horn
Heave away, haul away
You'll wish to God you've never been born
We're bound for South Australia

In South Australia I was born
Heave away, haul away

In South Australia, 'round Cape Horn
We're bound for South Australia

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nathan Carter's song, "South Australia," describe the singer's journey from South Australia around Cape Horn with his crew. The song starts and ends with the line "In South Australia I was born, in South Australia, 'round Cape Horn, we're bound for South Australia" indicating the cyclical nature of the journey. The journey around Cape Horn is treacherous, and the singer warns of the dangers saying, "You'll wish to God you've never been born." Despite these dangers, the crew seems enthusiastic and sings, "Haul away your rolling king, Haul away, you'll hear me sing, We're bound for South Australia."


The mood turns sentimental as the singer recounts meeting Miss Nancy Blair during his journey. He laments that he must leave her behind but it's evident that he must continue his journey around Cape Horn. The story paints a picture of a rough and perilous journey with a bittersweet tone, highlighting the realities of life as a sailor.


Overall, "South Australia" is a song that celebrates the strength and courage of the sailors who braved dangerous waters to travel across the globe. It's an ode to the adventurous spirit of those who set sail and the sacrifices they must make along the way.


Line by Line Meaning

In South Australia I was born
The singer was born in South Australia.


Heave away, haul away
A chant to keep the crew's spirits up and coordinate their efforts.


In South Australia, 'round Cape Horn
The singer is heading to South Australia via Cape Horn.


We're bound for South Australia
The artist and the crew are on their way to South Australia.


Haul away your rolling king
Another chant to motivate the crew and coordinate their efforts.


Haul away, you'll hear me sing
Another chant to keep the crew's spirits up and coordinate their efforts.


As I walked out one morning fair
The singer went for a walk on a pleasant morning.


'Twas there I met Miss Nancy Blair
The artist met a woman named Nancy Blair on their walk.


There's just one thing that's on my mind
The artist is preoccupied with one thought.


That's leaving Nancy Blair behind
The artist will have to leave Nancy Blair behind on their journey.


And as we wallop 'round Cape Horn
The crew is sailing around Cape Horn.


You'll wish to God you've never been born
Cape Horn is difficult to sail around and the crew find it challenging.




Writer(s): Composer & Author Trad, Nathan Kane Tyrone Carter

Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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