The Road to Gundagai

 The mountain road goes up and down 
From Gundagai to Tumut Town 
And, branching off, there runs a track 
Across the foothills grim and black, 

Across the plains and ranges grey 
To Sydney city far away.
 

It came by chance one day that I 
From Tumut rode to Gundagai, 

And reached about the evening tide 
The crossing where the roads divide; 

And, waiting at the crossing place, 
I saw a maiden fair of face, 

With eyes of deepest violet blue, 
And cheeks to match the rose in hue -- 

The fairest maids Australia knows 
Are bred among the mountain snows.
 

Then, fearing I might go astray, 
I asked if she could show the way.
 

Her voice might well a man bewitch -- 
Its tones so supple, deep, and rich.
 

"The tracks are clear," she made reply, 
"And this goes down to Sydney Town, 
And that one goes to Gundagai.
" 

Then slowly, looking coyly back, 
She went along the Sydney track 

And I for one was well content 
To go the road the lady went; 

But round the turn a swain she met -- 
The kiss she gave him haunts me yet! 

I turned and travelled with a sigh 
The lonely road to Gundagai.

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