Still 2000 miles to go and the men are dressed in rags
But the horses are still fit and strong, still eager yet to run
Sony Jim you'll ride the drag for you are the youngest here
And before this day is out you'll be crying for your mum
Eight hours in the saddle with but one change of horse
Your body thick with dust and cowshit
A voice now harsh and coarse
Charlie, ***, you'll ride the flanks for I need them held in tight
And when we hit the camping ground you'll be my riders in the night
The cows are getting thirsty but waters still ten miles away
But still we must stop and rest them at the dying of the day
***, Charlie ride softly found the herd
Sing or whistle a gentle song
The rest of you now sleep close by, reins tied to your hand
Keep your horses saddled, keep your boots on tight
For you all might be required to ride like madmen in the night
UP, Up for they are up and running free
You've got to reach the head and turn them
Before they crash down on the scree
Close in, close in and get the head to turn
Force them to the centre force the head to wheel
But a man and horse are down and trampled in the dust
But before he died he turned the herd and very few were lost
First light and we ride out to find our fallen friend
Alas it was poor Sony Jim, just sixteen years of age
Yes Sony gave his life doing what he loved
Nobody ever forced him to ride the drivers road
In America they had the cattle trails, in Australia the drovers roads. Which ever country brave men and boys road thousands of miles in all weathers to make sure the herds of cattle got through