Im one of the has-beens, a shearer I mean;
I once was a ringer and used to shear clean;
I could make the wool roll off like the soil from the plough,
But you may not believe me, because I cant do it now.
Chorus:
Im as awkward as a new chum, and Im used to the frown,
That the boss often shows me, saying, Keep them blades down!
Ive shore with Pat Hogan, Bill Bright and Jack Gunn,
Charlie Fergus, Tommy Layton and the great roaring Dunn;
They brought from the Lachlan the best they could find,
But not one among em could leave me behind.
Well, its no use complaining, Ill never say die,
Though the days of fast shearing for me have gone by;
Ill take the world easy, shear slowly and clean,
And I merely have told you just what I have been.
