Song: Boys of the Southern Cross

Boys of the Southern Cross was a popular song sung by New Zealand soldiers during the South African War.

Lyrics

We've heard about your trouble, Tom,
In rousting out the Boer;
You shall not fight out there alone
Amid the cannon's roar,
The blood that stirred our noble sires
To build up England's Fame,
Re-kindles in Colonial sons
Their prestige to maintain. For-

We are the boys of the Southern Cross
Our stars shine on our flags-
Emblazoned with the Union Jack,
To show we're Empire lads.

From storm-torn hills where tussocks wave,
And dells where tree-ferns grow;
From snow-capp'd peaks, and rock-bound coast,
We come,-to strike the blow.
Rest, British sons, till South-cross boys
Canadian brothers meet-
Then on we'll press, an Empire's strength,
And make the foe retreat. For-

Chorus

If seditious traitors cross our path
And parley for the Vaal,
We'll hang them up at Kruger's-dorp-
Thus settle matters well.
We'll gather now the camp fire round,
And make the billy sing;
Be ready, boys, at bugle's call
To fight for stars and Queen. For-

Chorus

With three cheers for the Empire loud;
And for the Queen,-Hurray!
We'll stick tight in our saddles, boys,
To drive the foe away;
When once again our land shall loom
And Kruger is no more,
Welcome we our native home-
And fair New Zealand's shore. For-

Chorus

Community contributions

3 comments have been posted about Song: Boys of the Southern Cross

What do you know?

Patricia Taylor

Posted: 26 May 2010

Charles Clarke-Irons was my Grandfather. He attended the Slade School of Art, and was an artist and writer with offices in Fleet Street and Bouverie Street. He was also an Alderman and had the Freedom of the City of London.

MATT MINCH

Posted: 22 Oct 2009

He was my great-grandfather, my grandmother has many of his etchings and paintings of Bexley in Kent (UK).

Jane Armitage

Posted: 29 Dec 2008

Charles Clarke-Irons was my Grandfather. In his early life he was much influenced by Charles Dickens and had a keen interest in social reform especially among the blind in London.