Grade 3 - ...Upon Van Diemen's Shore

They chain us two by two, and whip and lash along, 
They cut off our provisions if we do the least thing wrong,
They march us in the burning sun, until our feet are sore, 
So hard’s our lot now we are got upon Van Dieman’s shore.
We labour hard from morn to night, until our bones do ache, 
Then every one they must obey, their mouldy beds must make;
We often wish, when we lay down, we ne’er may rise no more,
To meet our savage governors upon Van Dieman’s shore.
Every night when I lay down, I wash my straw with tears,
While wind upon that horrid shore do whistle in our ears;
Those dreadful beasts upon that land around our cots do roar;
Most dismal in our doom upon Van Dieman’s shore.
Come all young men and maidens, do bad company forsake,
If tongue can tell our overthrow, it would make your heart to ache;
You girls, I pray, be ruled by me, your wicked ways give o’er,
For fear, like us, you spend your days upon Van Dieman’s shore.

INSTRUMENTATION

Flute, Oboe*, Bassoon*, Bb Clarinet 1 2 3, Bass Clarinet*, Alto Sax 1 2, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, F Horn*, Bb Trumpet 1 2, Trombone 1 2, Euphonium* (BC & TC), Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1 2 3

* = This work can be performed without these instruments.