Light On The Hill

They're counting up the votes across Australia

And counting down the seconds of my years

I've seen quite a few elections

I know how to read projections

I can recognise a change when it appears

The people make the ultimate decision

The system says they always get it right

So though it seems like half an hour

Since I stumbled into power

Now it's time for me to say goodnight.

But still I dream

Of a country rich and clever

With compassion and endeavour

Reaching out towards forever, and I'm still

Dreaming of the light on the hill.

You start off in your local council chamber

You fight and dream until you reach your prime

And if you should succeed

By the time you get to lead

You're pretty much exhausted from the climb

You only get a moment in the penthouse

Before you find you're standing on the sill

And if you're sunk in ham and gammon

When it turns from feast to famine

Then you're lucky if you've had your fill.

But still I dream

Heads are high and hearts are heady

Eyes are bright and clear and steady

Full of promise that we're ready to fulfill

I'm dreaming of the light on the hill.

They're counting up the votes across Australia

This time it seems the verdict is severe

Swan, McEwen, Fadden, Dickson,

Bass and Paterson and Kingston

But it's Oxley with the message, loud and clear:

"Bring us back our comfy bloody country

Take us back to simple days of yore

Nothing alien or scary,

La-de-da or airy-fairy

Just put it back the way it was before."

But still I dream

That the stars will be aligning

As our fates are intertwining

Until every heart is shining with goodwill

Shining like the light on the hill,

Shining like the light on the hill.