Click Go The Shears
Click Go The Shears|Click Go The Shears
Also known as: The Shearer's Song · Click Go the Shears, Boys
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Out on the board the old shearer stands, With a sheep in his hand, and a tar boy by his side. He's got a strong back and a steady hand, And he's ready to shear, with a click and a sigh. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. In the middle of the floor, in his cane-bottomed chair, Sits the boss of the board, with his eyes everywhere; Glancing around, as he counts the tallies there, And he's cursing and swearing, with a curse and a swear. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. From the long, hot days to the cool, dark nights, They shear the sheep, with all of their mights. With the sweat on their brows, and the dust in their sights, They work for their living, with all of their lights. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. The tar boy is there, waiting in his place, With the tar pot ready, and a smile on his face. For a cut or a scratch, he's quick to embrace, And he patches them up, with a gentle grace. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. The ringer looks round and he sets the pace, With a quick, steady hand, and a determined face. He's the fastest shearer, in this whole place, And he leads all the others, in this shearing race. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. Now the shearing is over and the wool is all pressed, And the shearers are tired, and they need to rest. They've worked hard all season, and they've done their best, And they're ready for home, to their loved ones blessed. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. So it's home then for us, to the wife and the kids, To the comforts of home, and the love that forbids. No more long days, no more dusty bids, Just peace and contentment, and happy eyelids. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. For a man it is hard, when he's getting on in years, To keep up with the young ones, and conquer his fears. But the spirit of shearing, still perseveres, Through the laughter and joy, and the shedding of tears. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click.
Out on the board the old shearer stands, With a sheep in his hand, and a tar boy by his side. He's got a strong back and a steady hand, And he's ready to shear, with a click and a sigh. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. In the middle of the floor, in his cane-bottomed chair, Sits the boss of the board, with his eyes everywhere; Glancing around, as he counts the tallies there, And he's cursing and swearing, with a curse and a swear. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. From the long, hot days to the cool, dark nights, They shear the sheep, with all of their mights. With the sweat on their brows, and the dust in their sights, They work for their living, with all of their lights. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. The tar boy is there, waiting in his place, With the tar pot ready, and a smile on his face. For a cut or a scratch, he's quick to embrace, And he patches them up, with a gentle grace. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. The ringer looks round and he sets the pace, With a quick, steady hand, and a determined face. He's the fastest shearer, in this whole place, And he leads all the others, in this shearing race. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. Now the shearing is over and the wool is all pressed, And the shearers are tired, and they need to rest. They've worked hard all season, and they've done their best, And they're ready for home, to their loved ones blessed. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. So it's home then for us, to the wife and the kids, To the comforts of home, and the love that forbids. No more long days, no more dusty bids, Just peace and contentment, and happy eyelids. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click. For a man it is hard, when he's getting on in years, To keep up with the young ones, and conquer his fears. But the spirit of shearing, still perseveres, Through the laughter and joy, and the shedding of tears. Click go the shears, boys, click, click, click, Wide is his blow and his hands move quick, And the ringer looks round for a new sheep to pick, Oh, click go the shears, boys, click, click, click.
As the original language is English, the 'translation' provided is a direct repetition of the original lyrics to maintain the structure and content for consistency across archive entries.
“Click Go The Shears” is a quintessential Australian bush ballad, believed to have originated in the mid-19th century, during the peak of Australia's wool industry. While its exact authorship is unknown, it is thought to have evolved from older English folk songs, adapted by itinerant shearers to reflect their unique experiences in the Australian outback. The song vividly portrays the arduous life of a shearer, the camaraderie, the competitive spirit, and the harsh conditions of the shearing sheds, making it a powerful historical document of a bygone era. The song holds immense cultural significance in Australia, serving as a nostalgic link to the nation's pastoral heritage. It encapsulates the spirit of hard work, resilience, and the pioneering ethos that shaped early colonial Australia. It is more than just a song about sheep shearing; it is a narrative about the people who built the country, their struggles, and their triumphs. It is often taught in schools as part of Australian history and culture, ensuring its legacy continues through generations. “Click Go The Shears” is typically performed in a lively, often boisterous style, reflecting the energy of the shearing shed. It can be sung a cappella, in a chorus, or accompanied by traditional bush band instruments such as the guitar, banjo, accordion, fiddle, harmonica, and lagerphone. It’s a staple at folk festivals, bush poetry gatherings, and informal singalongs in pubs and around campfires, where its catchy chorus encourages communal participation. The song's rhythmic structure mimics the sound of the shears, adding to its immersive quality. Today, “Click Go The Shears” remains a beloved and iconic piece of Australian folklore. It continues to be performed by folk musicians and featured in cultural events, connecting modern Australians to their rural roots and the foundational industries of their nation. Its preservation is vital for understanding the social and economic history of Australia, offering insights into the lives of working-class people who contributed significantly to the country's development. The song's enduring popularity underscores its role in maintaining a distinct Australian cultural identity.
Historical Background
Originated in the mid-19th century during the 'golden age' of the Australian wool industry. It reflects the life of itinerant shearers who travelled vast distances across the outback for work, often under harsh conditions and for meagre pay. The song captures the transition from hand shears to mechanical shears, though it primarily describes the hand-shearing era.
Cultural Significance
A foundational piece of Australian folklore, symbolizing the hard work, resilience, and unique culture of the Australian bush. It is a key part of the national identity, representing the pioneering spirit and the importance of the wool industry in Australia's development. It preserves a historical snapshot of rural labour and community life.
Usage & Performance Context
Performed at folk festivals, bush poetry gatherings, pubs, campfires, and informal social gatherings. Often sung by individuals or groups, sometimes with call-and-response elements. Associated with the shearing season and general celebrations of Australian rural life.
What is 'Click Go The Shears' about?
'Click Go The Shears' is an Australian bush ballad that vividly describes the life and work of sheep shearers in the 19th-century Australian outback. It covers the long, hard days in the shearing shed, the roles of different workers like the 'ringer' and 'tar boy', and the camaraderie and challenges of their profession.
When was 'Click Go The Shears' created?
The song is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century, during the peak of Australia's wool industry. Its exact authorship and date are unknown, as it evolved through oral tradition among shearers and rural communities.
Why is 'Click Go The Shears' culturally significant in Australia?
It is culturally significant as a foundational piece of Australian folklore. It symbolizes the hard work, resilience, and unique culture of the Australian bush, providing a historical snapshot of the pioneering spirit and the importance of the wool industry in the nation's development.
Is 'Click Go The Shears' a public domain song?
Yes, 'Click Go The Shears' is widely considered to be in the public domain. Its origins in the mid-19th century and its evolution through oral tradition mean it does not have a single identifiable author or copyright holder within modern copyright protection periods.
How is 'Click Go The Shears' typically performed?
It is often performed in a lively, communal style, either a cappella or with traditional bush band instruments like guitar, banjo, accordion, fiddle, and harmonica. It's a staple at folk festivals, bush poetry gatherings, and informal singalongs, encouraging audience participation in its catchy chorus.
Region
New South Wales, Australia
Language
English (Latin)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
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