I'd like to do a song nowwhich I hope paints a pretty fair pictureof the Australian bushlandand I wrote this one in conjunctionwith my old friend Mac Cormackso I hope you like this onewhich Mac and I put together and calledA Picture of HomeMy story swings around a bunch of soldiersResting close behind the battle scenesThere were men from many nations representedA rugged, tough United Nations teamThey spoke about their own beloved homelandsResting far from all the tortured battle scenesOn this day the lad who claimed the most attentionWas a soldier of the United NationsA young Australian soldier who beganOh, I have never claimed to be an amateurAnd I've never taken up the painter's brushBut I hope, my lads, I'll paint for you a pictureOf my homeland and the white Australian bushHave you ever seen the weatherWest and plains at sundownAnd the fiery streaks that seem to blaze acrossAnd then later in the evening see a ghost comeStanding silently beneath the southern crossHave you ever heard the wild swan in its callingIn the stillness of some faraway lagoonOr seen the place where the wild swans flyOr seen the place where brumbies come to waterThey always come at rising of the moonHave you ever wandered through some ferny gullyIn springtime when the wattles are in bloomIf you've never, then you'll never know the sweetnessThat fills the air around with its perfumeHave you ever gazed upon the moonOn a peaceful homesteadWith the old blue mountain standing in the viewSee the homestead cattle grazing by the riverFrom the hillside bounds an old man kangarooIn the evening see the smoke rise from the chimneyTells that day is done and soon it's time for teaHear the jackass laughter ringing through the airTo the bushlandOh, that's God's own country and home sweet home to meHave you ever seen a wheat field in the morningWhen the dawn wind ripples through the golden grainOr wandered all the farmlands in the dawn timeAnd smelt their earthly sweetness after rainNo, I have never claimed to be an amateuristNo, I have never claimed to be an amateuristAnd I said before, I've never used the brushBut I hope, my lads, I've painted you a pictureOf my homeland and the white Australian bushHey!Thank you.