Boys of the Southern Cross was a popular song sung by New Zealand soldiers during the South African War (also known as the Second Anglo-Boer War) (11 Oct 1899 ~ 31 May 1902)
The South African War was the first war that New Zealand sent troops to. The song references the New Zealand landscape and other patriotic symbols of the country. This song was written during a time when New Zealanders did not consider themselves as citizens of an independent country, but rather subjects of the British Crown and Empire.
I personally think that this song is the closest thing New Zealand has to a true patriotic songs, and I feel that it is a great shame that this song is not very well known.
Lyrics: We've heard about your trouble, Tom,
In rousting out the Boer;
You shall not fight out there alone
Amid the cannon's roar,
The blood that stirred our noble sires
To build up England's Fame,
Re-kindles in Colonial sons
Their prestige to maintain. For-
We are the boys of the Southern Cross
Our stars shine on our flags-
Emblazoned with the Union Jack,
To show we're Empire lads.
From storm-torn hills where tussocks wave,
And dells where tree-ferns grow;
From snow-capp'd peaks, and rock-bound coast,
We come,-to strike the blow.
Rest, British sons, till South-cross boys
Canadian brothers meet-
Then on we'll press, an Empire's strength,
And make the foe retreat. For-
Chorus
If seditious traitors cross our path
And parley for the Vaal,
We'll hang them up at Kruger's-dorp-
Thus settle matters well.
We'll gather now the camp fire round,
And make the billy sing;
Be ready, boys, at bugle's call
To fight for stars and Queen. For-
Chorus
With three cheers for the Empire loud;
And for the Queen,-Hurray!
We'll stick tight in our saddles, boys,
To drive the foe away;
When once again our land shall loom
And Kruger is no more,
Welcome we our native home-
And fair New Zealand's shore. For-
Chorus
Music produced by A.K. Chesterton Trust.
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