Jack From Maryknoll Poem by Francis Duggan

This Melbourne like all Cities doesn't seem to have a soul
And I have witnessed callous acts since I've left Maryknoll
I've seen old ladies have their handbags snatched and my house has been robbed twice
Suppose for living in suburbia there has to be some price.

Some say that Sydney's not so bad I've lived in Sydney too
And in Sydney just like Melbourne there are the many who
Prey on decent people all big Cities much the same
There's not one city or big town that's not known acts of shame.

In suburbia your door kept locked to lock the thieves outside
But I recall in Maryknoll our door left open wide
We only ever closed our door to keep out draughts and cold
Suburbia is a different World one could not feel so bold.

In that small Village in the bush I never knew of fear
What a difference fifty miles can make a different world here
The crime rate only getting worse and worsening by the year
And he calls out to the barmaid 'miss' another pot of beer.

Suburbia is a godless place says Jack from Maryknoll
The jails are full and crime is rife and the cops have lost control
When I reach home tonight who knows I may not have T.V.
I work to earn every cent and others steal from me.

Another pot of beer 'miss' and a pot too for my mate
And we'll make this one for the road the clock reads ten to eight
There's football on T.V. tonight Collingwood play Adelaide
When Collingwood last won the flag I watched the big parade.

Suburbia is a Godless place at least that's how he feel
And he work to earn every cent and others from him steal
But only fifty miles away a village with a soul
The nearest place to heaven itself his own dear Maryknoll