While The Billy BoilsSearchThe more that I see about science —Flyin’ and spinnin’ in space —The more I am placin’ relianceWhere caution comes into the case.I never was shook on this sky stuff —This climbin’ away in the clouds;The praise an’ the silly good-bye stuffThe coo-ees and cheers from the crowds.I dunno what object they’re gainin’;The machine may be dinkum and sound,But whenever they start aeroplanin’Gimme the ground!
I’m a bloke that’s not given to grumble,Though when I am roared I can rouse;Gimme the ground, though it’s ’umble,Though I don’t mind a two story ’ouse.Us yoomans was made for the terra(That’s Latin for dinkum ’ard dirt),And I don’t think I’m makin’ an errorWhen I tell ’em its safety’s a cert.I don’t want a lingerin’ dyin’,Or a crash on a tree or a mound;So when you start flutin’ on flyin’Gimme the ground!
There’s danger above and below us;There’s risks that you ortent to run.There’s dynamite waitin’ to blow usTo slumber we all want to shun.There’s gold mines an’ coal mines an’ rivers;There’s chimney pots blown orf a roof;There’s steeples that give you the shivers;There’s death from the ’orn and the ’oof.To the cattle-rush I ain’t no stranger,I’ve bin where the roughies abound,But whenever I donkey with dangerGimme the ground!
I don’t say there shouldn’t be flyersWell paid from the Government purse,For speedin’ to faraway fires,Or takin a doctor or nurse.If a farm was surrounded by niggers,Or a baby was likely to be,If some joker would teach me the jiggers —Spare me days, they could call upon me!But when it is just for the show-off,Or sprintin’ a swanker around;If on joy-rides they’re dyin’ to go off,Gimme the ground!
They skite about airways an’ skyways,Figure-eights, volplanes and stalls;Well, me for macadamised highwaysWhere the honest ole blucher-boot falls.If yore slung from a buggy or saddle —Well, you do ’ave a charnce for yore neckBut when from the sky you skedaddleYore somethin’ the crows ’ave to peck.A bloke ain’t much good to ’ees missusWhen ’ees head with a halo is crowned,An’, as I love comfort an’ kisses —Gimme the ground!