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This Australian song differs from the more popular Irish version (The Wild Colonial Boy) in that it has a chorus as well as a different name for the hero.There are many versions of this song, all thought to have derived from Australian bandit ballad Bold Jack Donohue.

In 1823, Donohue was transported to Australia for life, for intent to commit a “felony.” He subsequently escaped and wrought havoc on the planters and police until he was captured and shot in 1830.

Mick Moloney: harmony vocals, tenor banjo, mandolin, guitar
Robbie O’Connell: vocals, guitar
Jimmy Keane: piano accordion
Liz Carroll: fiddle

lyrics

It’s of a wild colonial boy, Jack Dolan was his name
Of poor but honest parents, he was born in Castlemaine
He was his father’s only hope, his mother’s only joy
And dearly did his parents love their wild colonial boy

At scarcely sixteen years of age he left his father’s home
And to Australia’s sunny clime a bushranger he roamed
He robbed those wealthy squatters and their stock he did destroy
A terror to Australia was the wild colonial boy

Chorus
So come on all me hearties, we’ll roam the mountains high
Together we will plunder and together we will die
We’ll wander o’er the valleys, we’ll gallop o’er the plains
We’ll scorn to live in slavery, bound down in iron chains

In ‘61, this daring youth commenced his wild career
With a heart that knew no danger, no foeman did he fear
He held up the Beechworth mail coach and he robbed Judge McEvoy
Who trembled and gave up his gold to the wild colonial boy

One day as he was rambling the mountainside along
Listening to those little birds, their pleasant laughing song
Up rode three mounted troopers, Kelly, Davis and Fitzroy
They swore that they would capture him, the wild colonial boy

Chorus

Surrender now Jack Dolan for you see we’re three to one
Surrender now Jack Dolan or your life will not be long
Jack pulled a pistol from his belt and shook it up on high
“I’ll fight but not surrender,” said the wild colonial boy

He fired at trooper Kelly and he brought him to the ground
Then turning round to Davis, he received a mortal wound
All shattered through the jaw he lay, still firing at Fitzroy
And that’s the way they captured him, the wild colonial boy

Adapted with new words and music by Robbie O'Connell © 1987 Slievenamon Music (BMI)

credits

from There Were Roses, released January 19, 2022
Mick Moloney: harmony vocals, tenor banjo, mandolin, guitar
Robbie O’Connell: vocals, guitar
Jimmy Keane: piano accordion
Liz Carroll: fiddle

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Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane image

Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane

Since 1984, Mick Moloney, Robbie O'Connell, and Jimmy Keane have been delighting audiences with their unique blend of Irish music and song, both traditional and contemporary. An evening with this trio is an experience that covers much musical ground and is not easily forgotten. ... more

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