Lyrics:

So, it was to be a colony for convicts

Toorali-oorali-addity
Toorali-oorali-ay
Sing toorali-oorali-addity
We're bound for Botany Bay

Oh, what a tale I tell
They thought that they had me for raising hell
I never raised no hell
Nor did I rebel
They told me they knew me well
I said 'you've made a mistake, you've got the wrong man'
And screamed as they cuffed my hands
But they pushed me, hooded me into the back of a plane
Deprived of my senses and locked in chains

They asked me again and again
Until I could barely remember my name
What part I played
But it's hard through pain
To see their process, it seemed hopeless
To seem less dangerous, I admit
I named some total strangers
I'm ashamed to say it, but I think I'll say what they want me to say

And I know there's a freedom that's still in me
But they've taken all I have away
And the torture they do
Well it's killing me
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape

Oh, somewhere my name was put on a list
That's left me feeling the weight of your fists
Apparently I'm the risk
Worst of the worst
Where is the lawyer in this
Let alone trial
Just give me some sleep
Night the same ones weep and dream of home
Across the seas
Away from wherever this may be

And I know there's a freedom that's still in me
But they've taken all I have away
And the torture they do
Well it's killing me
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape

Toorali-oorali-addity
Sing toorali-oorali-ay
Sing toorali-oorali-addity
We're bound for Botany Bay

Swept up in your net
I didn't forget
I never knew
I wasn't there
Months turned to years
And I turned to despair

Man, I'm sorry I blinked
It could've been me that put you in the drink
I didn't have time to think what they're doing
Divide and ruin
Maybe I spoke too soon
A lapse in judgement
But what they're doing to me is beyond repugnant
At least I know I could never do that
So let's not talk of judgement

And I know there's a freedom that's still in me
But they've taken all I have away
And the torture they do
Well it's killing me
And we're doomed but there'll be no escape

Sing toorali-oorali-addity
Toorali-oorali-ay
Sing toorali-oorali-addity
And we're bound for Botany Bay

Toorali-oorali-addity
Sing toorali-oorali-ay
Sing toorali-oorali-addity
Conditions in Botany Bay