Click Go The Shears
Originally a bush ballad about sheep shearing, "Click Go The Shears" was widely adopted by Australian soldiers as a marching song. Its upbeat rhythm and distinctly Australian character made it a favourite among the Diggers during both World Wars.
- Video
- Lyrics
Out on the board the old shearer stands,
Grasping his shears in his thin bony hands,
Fixed is his gaze on a bare-bellied joe,
Glory if he gets her, won't he make the ringer go.Click go the shears boys, click, click, click,
Wide is his blow and his hands move quick,
The ringer looks around and is beaten by a blow,
And curses the old snagger with the bare-bellied joe.In the middle of the floor in his cane-bottomed chair,
Is the boss of the board, with eyes everywhere;
Notes well each fleece as it comes to the screen,
Paying strict attention if it's taken off clean.Click go the shears boys, click, click, click,
Wide is his blow and his hands move quick,
The ringer looks around and is beaten by a blow,
And curses the old snagger with the bare-bellied joe.