Why do I sit up late at night, 
Putting my soul and all my might
Into the many songs I write 
For our country people ?
Australia's outback people.

Why do I sit for hours in here, 
What made a derelect case of beer,
Or a fallen woman's hopes and fears? 
Because they are our people. 
Australia's busy people. 
M-m, m-m, m-m

Why do I listen to the old men lie, 
How men were better in days gone by ?
A grievous end, and here is why, 
I feel for those old people.
Australia's old time people.

How do I know what the young folks feel, 
Blindly reaching out to feel
Something solid, something real 
To lead Australian people ?
Proud Australian people. 
M-m, m-m, m-m

Why do folk with coloured skin 
Open their doors, invite me in ?
‘Cause Bungee's people and I are kin, 
He knows I know his people.
Those real Australian people.

Why do I sit up late at night, 
Putting my soul and all my might
Into the many songs I write ? 
Because I love my people.
Australia's working people. 
M-m, m-m, m-m, m-m, m-mÂ….