[Chorus]
GCGC G Hold me now, oh hold me now
Em CD Til this hour has gone around.
BmEm C And I'm gone on the rising tide
G DGC G For to face Van Diemen's Land.
GCGC G It's a bitter pill I swallow here
Em CD To be rent from one so dear.
BmEm C We fought for justice and not for gain
G DGC G But the magistrate sent me away.
GCGC G Now kings will rule and the poor will toil
EmCD And tear their hands as they tear the soil.
BmEm C But a day will come in this dawning age
G DGC G When an honest man sees an honest wage.
 [Chorus]
GCGC G Hold me now, oh hold me now
Em CD Til this hour has gone around.
BmEm C And I'm gone on the rising tide
G DGC G For to face Van Diemen's Land.
GCGC G Still the gunman rules and widows pay
Em CD A scarlet coat now a black beret.
BmEm C They thought that blood and sacrifice
G DGC G Could out of death bring forth a life.
 [Chorus]
GCGC G Hold me now, oh hold me now
Em CD Til this hour has gone around.
BmEm C And I'm gone on the rising tide
G DGC G