In 1803 we sailed out to sea
Out from the sweet town of Derry
For Australia bound if we didn't all drown
And the marks of our fetters we carried

In the rusty iron chains we sighed for our wains
As our good wives we left home in sorrow
As the mainsails unfurled our curses we hurled
On the English and thoughts of tomorrow

I wish I was back home in Derry
I wish I was back home in Derry

I cursed them to hell as our bow fought the swell
Our ship danced like a moth in the firelights
White horses rode high as the devil passed by
Taking souls to Hades by twilight

Five weeks out to sea we were now forty-three
Our comrades we buried each morning
In our own slime we were lost in a time
Endless nights without dawning

I wish I was back home in Derry
I wish I was back home in Derry

Van Dieman's land is a hell for a man
To live out his life in slavery
The climate is raw and the gun makes the law
Neither wind nor rain cares for bravery

Twenty years have gone by and I've ended my bond
And comrades' ghosts are behind me
A rebel I came and I'll die just the same
On the cold winds of night you will find me

I wish I was back home in Derry
I wish I was back home in Derry
I wish I was back home in Derry
I wish I was back home in Derry