Some talk about Taxation, and mighty big J.P.’s,
And some of Corporations, and such great things as these;
But let your minds be easy; for here, to calm your fears,
With a tow, row, row, and a row, dow, dow, come the Melbourne Volunteers.

Now then, ye wives and daughters, you’ll have a gala day,
When you see these men of slaughter ranged up in grand array;
What waiving then of handkerchiefs, what patriotic cheers,
When you see advance, with a row, dow, dow, the Melbourne Volunteers.

And hark! Ye bold bush rangers, who take such liberties
With other peoples’ purses – ye Aboriginies
Don’t makes so free with mutton, or you’ll have about your ears,
With a tow, row, row, and a row, dow, dow, the Melbourne Volunteers.

Advance, Australia Felix! – God bless our gracious Queen! -
And may our band of Volunteers in action ne’er be seen -
May peace be in our colonies – and now my boys three cheers,
With a tow, row, row, and a row, dow, dow, for the Melbourne Volunteers.

AULD REEEIE

Note: This does not reflect current sensibilities, policy or doctrine of the Australian Defence Force.