Trumby (video)

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1. Trumby was a ringer, a good one, too, at that,

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he could rake and ride a twister, throw a rope and fancy plait.

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He could count a line, a saddle, track a man lost in the night,

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Trumby was a good boy, but he couldn’t read or write.

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2. Trumby was dependable, he never took to beer,

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the boss admired him so much, one day made him overseer.

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It never went to Trumby's head, he didn't boast or skite,

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Trumby was a good boy, but he couldn't read or write.

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3. The drought was on the country, and grass in short supply,

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the tanks were getting lower and the water holes near dry.

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Cattle started dying, and relief was not in sight,

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to estimate the losses, Trumby couldn't read or write.

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4. He rode around the station pulling cattle from the bog,

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to save them being torn apart by eagles, crows and dogs.

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He saw a notice on a tree, it wasn't there last night,

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Trumby tried to understand, but he couldn't read or write.

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5. On bended knee down in the mud, Trumby had a drink,

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swung the reigns and to his horse said, "We go home, I think.

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"Tell 'im boss about the sign, 'im read 'im good alright,

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one day boss's missus teach 'im Trumby read and write".

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6. Concern was felt for Trumby, he hadn't used his bed,

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next day beside that muddy hole they found the ringer dead.

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And a piece of tin tied to a tree then caught the boss's eye,

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and he read the words of 'Poison Here', and signed by Dogger Bry.

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7. Now the stock had never used that hole along that stoney creek,

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and Trumby's bag was empty, it had frayed and sprung a leak.

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The dogs were there in hundreds and the dogger in his plight,

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told the boss he never knew poor Trumby couldn't read or write.

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8. Now, Trumby was a ringer, as solid as a post, his skin was black

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but his heart was white, and that’s what mattered most.

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Sometimes I think how sad it is in this world with all its might,

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that a man like Trumby met his death because he couldn't read or write,

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couldn't read or write, couldn’t read or write.

(Slim Dusty)