Eighteen hundred and eighty five
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Is a year I remember so well
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When they drove Old Brad into an early grave
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And sent my mother to jail
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Now I don't know what's right or wrong
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But they hung Christ on nails
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But with six kids at home and two still on her breast
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They wouldn't even give her bail
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Chorus
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Oh Ned, you're better off dead
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You get no peace of mind
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A track's a trail
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And they're hot on your tail
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Before they're gonna hang you high
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I did write a letter
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And I sealed it with my hand
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Tried to tell about Stringy Bog Creek
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And tried to make them understand
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Oh, that I didn't wanna kill Kennedy
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Or cause his blood to run
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Well he alone could have saved his life
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By throwing down his gun
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Chorus
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Well I'd rather die like Donahue
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That bush-ranger so brave
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Than be taken by the government
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And forced to walk in chains
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Well I'd rather fight with all my might
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While I have eyes to see
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Well I'd rather die ten thousand times
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Than hang from a gallow's tree.
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Chorus
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-----------------
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The Ballad Of Ned Kelly
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Sandy Denny |