Van Diemens Land
View chords used in this chart
CAPO: 3
Intro: (**Didgeridoo**)
verse 1:
Am F G Am G
Come all ye gallant poachers that ramble void of care
Am C D F G Am
That walked out on a moonlight night with your dog, your gun, your snare
C G Am G
The hare and the lofty pheasant, you have at your command
Am C D F G Am
Not thinking on your last career upon Van Diemen's Land
verse 2:
F G Am G
Poor Thomas Brown from Nenagh Town, Jack Murphy and poor Joe
Am C D F G Am
Were three determined poachers, as the county well does know
C G Am G
By the keepers of the land, me boys, one night they were trepanned
Am C D F G Am C D Am Am7 Am
And for fourteen years transported unto Van Diemen's Land
verse 3:
F G Am G
The first day that we landed upon that fatal shore
Am C D F G Am
The planters came around us there might be twenty score
C G Am G
They ranked us off like horses and they sold us out of hand
Am C D F G Am
And they yoked us to the plough, brave boys, to plough Van Diemen's Land
verse 4:
F G Am G
The cottages we live in are built with sods of clay
Am C D F G Am
We have rotten straw for bedding, but we dare not say them nay
C G Am G
Our cots we fence with wire and we slumber when we can
Am C D F G Am C D Am Am7 Am
To keep the wolves and tigers from us in Van Diemen's Land
VERSE 5:
F G Am G
Oft times when I do slumber, I have a pleasant dream
Am C D F G Am
With my sweetheart sitting near me, close by a purling stream
C G Am G
I am roaming through old Ireland with my true love by the hand
Am C D F G Am
But awaken, broken hearted, upon Van Diemen's Land
VERSE 6:
F G Am G
Oh, if I had a thousand pounds, all laid out in my hand
Am C D F G Am
I'd give it all for liberty, if that I could command
C G Am G
Again to Ireland I'd return and I'd be a happy man
Am C D F G Am C D Am Am7 Am
And I'd bid farewell to poaching and to Van Diemen's Land
OUTRO: (## fade to end ##)
Am
How to play Van Diemens Land
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Am. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.