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