John Stokes - The Catch

The Catch - Released 2026

I’m driving along up the northern tar My eyes caught a glimpse of a bright shining star Drove for two hours no one in sight Guessed I was in for a lonely O’l night

Asked myself what was I doing Rolling the swag heading off shearing Leaving my family behind Through these fast raging years To weary the body for blood sweat and tears

Shearing is mates money and merit Singlets mockies and pushing the ferret Oh To work so hard for a single catch Yell sheep ho Pens getting dry out the back

But when the pens are empty The long necks dry Its time to roll the swag pack the truck And say goodbye Drive back down that dusty road That takes me back where I belong Where I belong

Theres the presser the rousy The penner and the boss The classer and of course that barking bloody dog It’s all bust and go in a hot shearing shed No room for a bludger boss just said

Ducks on the pond sounds the call Hush on the board while the tea is poured Pull out of gear team it’s time for a spell Just one more catch before the bell

Another day drifts as the night creeps in Eyes grow heavy and the pain begins Laying on the swag for a deep restful spell To dream of that catch - just one more before the bell

So when the pens are empty And the long necks dry Its time to roll the swag pack the truck And say goodbye Head back down that dusty road That takes me back where I belong Back where I belong back where I belong………..