The Catalpa - The Real McKenzies

A noble whale ship and commander

Called the Catalpa, they say

She sailed into Western Australia

And took six poor Fenians away

So come all you screw warders and jailers

Remember Perth regatta day

Take care of the rest of your Fenians

Or the Yankees will steal them away

You kept them in Western Australia

Till their hair it began to turn grey

When a Yank from the States of America

Came out here and stole them away

Now all the Perth boats were a-racing

And making short tacks fot the spot

But the Yankee she tacked into Fremantle

And took the best prize of the lot

So come all you screw warders and jailers

Remember Perth regatta day

Take care of the rest of your Fenians

Or the Yankees will steal them away

The Georgette armed with bold warriors

Went out the poor Yanks to arrest

But she hoisted her star-spangled banner

Saying you’ll not board me i guess

So remember those six Fenians colonial

And sing o’er these few verses with skill

And remember the Yankee that stole them

And the home that they left on the hill

So come all you screw warders and jailers

Remember Perth regatta day

Take care of the rest of your Fenians

Or the Yankees will steal them away