Out on the board the old shearer stands,

Grasping his shears in his long, boney hands,

Fixed is his gaze on a bare-bellied "Joe,

"Glory if he gets her, won't he make the "ringer" go.

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

"In the middle of the floor, in his cane-bottomed chair

Is the boss of the board, with eyes everywhere;

He notes well each fleece as it comes to the screen

Paying strict attention if it's taken off clean.

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

The colonial experience man, he is there, of course,

With his shiny leggin's, just got off his horse,

Casting round his eye like a real connoisseur,

Whistling the old tune, "I'm the Perfect Lure.

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

"The tar-boy is there, awaiting in demand,

With his blackened tar-pot, and his tarry hand;

Sees one old sheep with a cut upon its back,

Hears what he's waiting for, "Tar here, Jack!

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

"Shearing is all over and we've all got our cheques,

Roll up your swag for we're off on the tracks;

The first pub we come to, it's there we'll have a spree,

And everyone that comes along it's "Come and drink with me!

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

"Down by the bar the old shearer stands,

Grasping his glass in his thin honey hands;

Fixed is his gaze on a green-painted keg,

Glory he'll get down on it, ere he stirs a peg. 

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.

 

There we leave him standing, shouting for all hands,

Whilst all around him, every "shouter" stands

His eyes are on the cask, which is now lowering fast,

He works hard, he drinks hard, and goes to hell at last!

 

Chorus:

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 he curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "Joe.