The Diamantina Drover

(Words and Music Hugh McDonald)

As recorded by Redgum by on "Frontline"

The faces in the

C G Am
The faces in the photograph are faded
G C F
And I can't believe he looks so much like me
Am Em
For it's been ten long years today
Dm Am
Since I left for Old Cork Station
Dm Em F G Am
Saying, I won't be back til the droving's done

F C G Am
Chorus: For the rain never falls on the dusty Diamantina
F C F
A drover finds it hard to change his mind
C Em Dm Am
For the years have surely gone, like the drays from Old Cork Station
Dm Em F G Am
And I won't be back til the droving's done


It seems like the sun comes up each morning
Sets me up and then takes it all away
For the dreaming by the light of the campfire at night
Ends with the burning light of day

Chorus: For the rain never falls on the dusty Diamantina
A drover finds it hard to change his mind
For the years have surely gone, like the drays from Old Cork Station
And I won't be back til the droving's done

I sometimes think I'll settle back in Sydney
But it's been so long and it's hard to change your mind
For the cattle trail goes on and on, and fences roll forever
And I won't be back when the droving's done

Chorus: For the rain never falls on the dusty Diamantina
A drover finds it hard to change his mind
For the years have surely gone, like the drays from Old Cork Station
And I won't be back til the droving's done

And I won't be back til the droving's done

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