Arthur Henry Adams - The Wonderful Aussie Waler lyrics

When Allenby's Army smashed the Turk Who was the bloke who did all the work The Aussie knows and he'll tell you straight That most of the job was done by his mate The wonderful Aussie Waler It was umpty-nine in the shade each day And the wells were spoiled in the Turkish way But with nothing to eat and plenty to do The heart of the Waler carried him through The wonderful, wonderful Waler For ten long weeks through the desert hot He plugged along and all that he got Was a drink, or not a drink a day But did the stamina once give way Of the wonderful Aussie Waler? Was he the one to desert his mate? Just watch him coming up the straight With twenty stone of harness and man No wonder the Turk was an also ran With the wonderful, wonderful Waler When drinks were not and feeds were few There still was his harness that he could chew With a nibble or two at another's mane He plucked up heart to march again The wonderful Aussie Waler And when everything edible seemed to be stale A hair or two from a neighbour's tail Makes a pleasant meal and there's no doubt They took it turn and turn about The wonderful, wonderful Waler A great Australian through and through There's a good time coming old horse for you There's a paddock green with gra** to your knees And there you shall roll at your lordly ease My wonderful Aussie Waler With a gallop or two to keep you fit And won't it bring back the thrill of it! There 're no more hardships and little work For the cobber who broke the heathen Turk My wonderful, wonderful Waler But what is that the orders tell? This mate of mine they're going to sell To the old home paddock you'll never come back They are selling you as a local's hack My wonderful, wonderful Waler The times together that we've been through When all that I had in the world was you Out there! Out there in a world of men You were more than wife or sweetheart then My wonderful, wonderful Waler There was trust and mateship in your eyes A horse has no soul - All lies I All lies! And more than a kiss or soft eyes that speak Was your muzzling nose against my cheek You wonderful Aussie Waler A life long slavery is your fate Not while a mate can still shoot straight Your eyes - I need a steady hand - Good bye old chap - you understand You wonderful, wonderful Waler.