Waiting for the Day (Rudy Sunde Version)
The worst old scow that every did weigh
Sailed one day from Whangarei
Waiting for the day, waiting for the day
Waiting for the day we get our pay
She was built in Ancient times
Held together with bits of twine
Moored in the dock, logs on deck
She looked a terrible worn out wreck
Skipper’s half dutch, Maori too
We were short two men in crew
Off Cape Rodney sprung a leak
I heard her poor old timbers creak
Down the gulf we sailed all day
Pumping like madmen all the way
We pumped all day, we pumped all night
Slowly passed old tiri light
Skipper said boys you’re doing fine
Keep on pumping all the time
Round North Head, passed Bean Rock
Laden down with Kauri logs
Up the harbour to Freeman’s Bay
Dropped the anchor, sent the logs away
Skipper said boys you’ve earned your treat
Gleeson’s pub is across the street.
Off we went in double quick time
Spent our pay on whiskey and wine
That was the day, that was the day
That was the day we got our pay.
