Well the news came down through word of mouth
She was heading north he was staying south
Well listen outside to the hard wind cry
And the wild dogs howling at the cold slate sky

Well the cruel winter wind it cut through the plains
And swept down hills with a howling rain
And cried round the house lashed window frames
And squeezed through joints like an aching pain

Well cuddle me closer and tell me lies
Let's fuel up the fire and watch old flames die
The hound dogs shivered and there's no doubt
There be bleak days ahead when the whiskey runs out

Well the news came down through words that hung
Like posters on trees of the gossip's tongue
Spread by the magpie who gargled the sun
In the early morning before the day begun

Well a cruel winter wind it tore through my clothes
And lashed at my face till the river froze
And the ghost gums stood in a silent pose
At the frozen sunset as the cold moon rose

Well cuddle me closer and tell me lies
Let's fuel up the fire and watch old flames die
The hound dogs shivered and there's no doubt
There be bleak days ahead when the whiskey runs out

Well cuddle me closer and tell me lies
Let's fuel up the fire and watch old flames die
The hound dogs shivered and there's no doubt
There be bleak days ahead when the whiskey runs out
There be bleak days ahead when the whiskey runs out