Streets of Forbes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Australian folksong about the death of bushranger Ben Hall. The song is one of the most well known elements of the Australian folk repertoire. It has been recorded by many folk and popular artists and groups including The Bushwhackers, Gary Shearston and Weddings Parties Anything. Paul Kelly made his public debut singing the Australian folk song 'Streets Of Forbes' to a Hobart audience in 1974[1]. The Streets of Forbes is usually listed as traditional or anonymous, but Gary Shearston writes that "there are reasons for thinking John McGuire, [Ben Hall's brother in law,] may well have been the original author" [2].
- Come all you Lachlan men and a sorrowful tale I'll tell,
- The story of a decent man who through misfortune fell,
- His name it was Ben Hall, a man of high renown,
- Who was hunted from his station, and was like a dog shot down.
- For years he roamed the roads, and he showed the traps some fun,
- One thousand pounds was on his head, with Gilbert and John Dunn.
- Ben parted from his comrades, the outlaws did agree,
- To give away bushranging and to cross the briny sea.
- Ben went to Goobang Creek, and that was his downfall
- For riddled like a sieve was the valiant Ben Hall,
- 'Twas early in the morning upon the fifth of May
- That the seven police surrounded him as fast asleep they lay.
