Kiwi Balladeer

I wrote Kiwi Balladeer after getting ribbed about my Kiwi Accent for two years. It pokes fun at the difference between Aussies and Kiwis, but also points out I wouldn't be anywhere else.

I Love it Here!

Yes, I’m New Zealand born, a Kiwi loud and proud,

I came over here a few years ago, from the land of the Long White Cloud,

With a Guitar on my back, I put aside my fears

And came to try my luck with the Aussie Bush Balladeers.

 I played my Country Music in that land across the creek

Oh, I played it far and wide, fame & fortune I did seek.

In little country pubs and Hotels by the coast,

A rowdy crowd on a Saturday Night were the gigs I liked the most. 

Now I’m getting used to ESKIES, and POTS of XXXX BEER

FEESH & CHEEPS, and HALF PAST SEEX, and the Sunshoine lasts all year

THONGS are for your feet and DOONAS on your bed

And you wonder why I don’t understand a bleedin’ word they’ve said. 

Yes, I’m New Zealand born, a Kiwi loud and proud,

I came over here a few years ago, from the land of the Long White Cloud,

With a Guitar on my back, I put aside my fears

And came to try my luck with the Aussie Bush Balladeers. 

It hasn’t rained for so long now, my lawn has turned to dirt

The sun beats down relentlessly, burning through my shirt

Redbacks on your dunny seat, snakes that bite your kids

But this big Kiwi, wouldn’t be, anywhere else for quids 

I’ve heard every story about the Kiwis shagging sheep

“Is that what you call a Stock Route?” … Good on you “Big Bo Peep”!

But there’s just one thing I want to know before I leave this Town

What are you guys getting up to when you tie your Kangaroo down? 

Yes, I’m New Zealand born, a Kiwi loud and proud,

I came over here a few years ago, from the land of the Long White Cloud,

With a Guitar on my back, I put aside my fears

And came to try my luck with the Aussie Bush Balladeers. 

Now I’m playing songs of Coster and the great one, Slim Dusty

My singing’s not too bad, but my strumming’s a bit rusty

I’m learning all the lingo, and I’m getting used to flies

But I don’t understand why you put Mushy Peas on Pies 

From the beaches on the Gold Coast to the barren outback plains

The battlers keep on battling, waiting till it rains

I’ve fallen in love with this big dry land, and the people that live on it.

Most are really nice, and some are full of sh..eer determination 

Yes, I’m New Zealand born, a Kiwi once that’s true,

A blow in, yes, but now I am, an Aussie boy, True Blue,

With a Guitar and a swag, and a schooner full of beer

I’m gonna do my best to be an Aussie Bush Balladeer. 

I’m gonna do my best to be an Aussie Bush Balladeer. 

© Garry Watson May 2007