From Townsville to Greenvale we're building a line
Through the ranges and gorges to the great nickel mine
The long days are dusty and hotter than hell
And that's why we all worship Three Rivers Hotel
It's Thiess Brothers camp on the banks of the Star
Where men from all nations and walks of life are
And it's funny to listen to the stories they tell
Every night 'round the bar in Three Rivers Hotel
We curse at the things that go wrong through the day
And vow that we'll snatch it, go far away
But when day is done and we're soon feeling well
And laughter rings out from Three Rivers Hotel
There's Wesley the barman and young Irish Joe
Serving the booze and collecting the dough
What a stir they would cause if they ever should tell
All the secrets they've learned in Three Rivers Hotel
On the night after payday there's fun and romance
♪
It's a night for the fam'lies to sing and to dance
You can let down your hair and come out of your shell
And do your own thing in Three Rivers Hotel
And if you listen to the bosses when the night's gettin' late
On the progress they're makin' the best in the state
They'd be finished this line and this maint'nance as well
If they worked like they bragged in Three Rivers Hotel
And if you think you can drink we've got money to back
♪
On stayers like Cass and old grader Jack
And they tell me old Custer gives everyone hell
When he gets on the booze in three Rivers Hotel
Yeah, he's a whopper
When this job is finished we'll pack up and go
To another construction still chasing big dough
But wherever I wander my memory will dwell
On those happy days in Three Rivers Hotel