David Briggs (aka Major Snagg) layed down the total acoustic version. I colourized it a bit, and layered. This is an old ballad. (Australian) You can also check out the guitar and vocal version at David Briggs, Major Snagg site. http://www.soundclick

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A ballad about the harsh treatment in the Australian penal colonies in the early 1800's.

Moreton Bay Frank McNamara/Australian Folk Song ccOne Sunday morning as I was walking, ccby Brisbane waters I chanced to stray. ccI heard a convict his fate bewailing, ccAs on the sunny river bank he lay . . . ccI am a native of Erin's island, cctransported now from my native shore. ccThey tore me from my aged parents, ccAnd from the maiden that I do adore.ccI've been a convict at Port Macquarie, ccAt Norfolk Island and Emu Plains. ccAt Castle Hill and cursed Toongabbie, ccAt all those settlements I've worked in chains. ccBut of all places of condemnation, ccand penal stations of New South Wales. ccTo Moreton Bay I have found no equal: ccExcessive Tyrannny prevails each day. ccFor three long years I was beastly treated, ccAnd heavy irons on my leg I wore. ccMy back with floggings was lacerated, ccand often painted with crimson gore. ccAnd many a man from downright starvation, cclies mouldering now beneath the clay.ccAnd Captain Logan he had us mangled, ccat the triangles of Moreton Bay. ccLike the Egyptians and ancient Hebrews, ccwe were oppressed under Logan's yoke. Till a native black lying there in ambush, ccDid deal our tyrant his mortal stroke. ccMy fellow prisoners, be exhilarated, ccthat all such monsters such a death may find. And when from bondage we are liberated, ccour former sufferings shall fade from mind.