In 1901 they passed a law
A 50 word dictation test to keep them from our shores
'Cos we didn't want illiterates or blacks
And if you only wrote in Mandarin, we'd have to send you back
But it's all right
If you're all white
And you can justify your skin in 50 words or less
But there's a mandatory detention if you fail that spelling test
Australia didn't federate for peace
The colonies united for a threat they feared North-West
And the lynch mob didn't fall far from the tree
They just learned different words for "White Australia Policy"
But it's all right
If you're all white
And you can justify your skin in 50 words or less
But there's a mandatory detention if you fail that spelling test
Some campaign for sending back the boats
Some look for solutions based on winning back our votes
So, with irony, let's sing "Australia Fair –
For those who've come across the seas we've boundless plains to share"
But it's all right
If you're all white
And you can justify your skin in 50 words or less
But there's a mandatory detention if you fail that spelling test
And I wonder if the Koorie mob discussed
Borderline protection from white boat people like us
And I wonder if they'd choose to send away
Someone who can't spell "Treaty" for 200 years of shame
And it's all right
If you're all white
And if you're looking for asylum
Well we've got a mad house here
But it's all right
If you're all white
But let's not call it racist
Let's pretend the laws are fair
But history can't teach us if we don't Advance Australia Fair