John Williamson Lyrics
"Prairie Hotel Parachilna"

I'm talking about Parachilna
Prairie Hotel Parachilna
Where you won't grow no roses
But all the women try it

West of the Flinders Rangers
She's watching all the strangers
Building rubbled shelters
But making no impression

And the land's so old and fragile
Its bones are poking through
And its flesh is blowing
All the way to Sydney

Yes I'm talking about Parachilna
Prairie Hotel Parachilna
Where dust like talcum powder
Finds its way inside you
And settles on your mantle
Makes muddy tears from crying
Looking at faded hoses
Like snakes out in the garden
The beds are blowing
All the way to Sydney

Chorus
They're dancing and they're singing
All around the bar
There's nothing like a beer
To wash it down
Batten down the hatches
The wind is getting stronger
Looks as though we're staying in tonight

Yes I'm talking about Parachilna
Prairie Hotel Parachilna
Where you won't grow no roses
But all the women try it
I left with faded hoses
Like snakes out in the garden
In the company of the King Brown
Keep your shotgun loaded
Near the back door of the kitchen
It'll come back for the water
Gonna blow that reptile
All the way to Sydney

Chorus

(Instrumental)

Yes I'm talking about Parachilna
Prairie Hotel Parachilna
Where the crows fly backwards
I'm talking about the backwards

West of the Flinders Ranges
She's watching all the strangers
Building rubbled shelters
But making no impression

And the land's so old and fragile
Its bones are poking through
And its flesh is blowing
All the way to Sydney

Chorus

Yes it looks as though we're staying in tonight