Oh you ask me if I've ever been a drovin'
You wouldn't know the meaning of that word
With the gravel road beside you and a fence along to guide

And a brand new caravan behind the herd
Car and caravan behind the herd


I'd like to have seen you young'uns in the old days
With a wagonette and horses for your plant
Where the desert land commences and there isn't any fences

And the country wouldn't feed a flamin' ant
The barren country wouldn't feed an ant


Did you ever take a turn at ridin' night watch?
Round the cattle on a dark and rainy camp
Did you ride around them singing with your mole skins wet and clinging?

And you seemed to ache all over with the cramp
Your body ached all over with the cramp


Did you ever plod along behind the tailers
And you couldn't see your horses head for dust
And the cattle that you followed they are very weak and hollow

And you wonder if you'll get em there or bust
And you're doubtful if you'll get there or bust


Did you ever take your turn at tailing horses
When there wasn't any grass within your sight
Did you ever use the pliers did you cut the squatters wires

And you fed 'em on the squatters grass all night
And got 'em out before the east was light


Did you ever have to shoe a mob of cattle
With horseshoes cut in halves to make them fit
Did you shoe them by the hour with your temper gettin' sour

And you worked all day until the lamps were lit
You worked all day until the lamps were lit


So you ask me if I've ever been a drovin'
Oh boy you wouldn't know the meaning of that word
With the gravel road beside you and a fence along to guide

And a brand new caravan behind the herd
Car and caravan behind the herd


Steak and ice cream served behind the herd
That's the American influence
Oh they watch TV each night behind the herd

Square eyes
Oh they really gettin' soft behind the herd
Inner spring mattresses too

Oh things just aint the same behind the herd