I’ve Been Everywhere, such a rocking Australian ballad, heard when I was five years old but still I feel the energy and popularity of the song. Hope you are also having the same excitement to listen to this song again and again in these years like me!! What are we waiting for!? Let us begin our topic to learn more about the song and its different versions. And those who are listening first time about this song, you can go ahead without any doubt of getting bored with the song tune. Yes, you can believe me!!

 I’ve Been Everywhere, an Australian ballad originally written by Geoff Mack in 1959. The song is written all about an Australian man who is a traveller describes all the Australian cities and towns, he has been around. Though the song was written in 1959 by Geoff Mack originally, the song is recorded and made popular by Australian singer, Lucky Star in 1962.

Over years, the song has been adapted by the Australian singer Rolf Harris with Scottish and English toponyms and the New Zealand versions toponyms are adapted by John Hore later known as John Grenell. New Zealand version was recorded in 1966. Eventually, Geoff Mack also written the American version replacing the original cities and towns names with the American towns and cities. The American version became the number one hit single in Country Music in November 1962, recorded by Hank Snow’s. The American version is also recorded by Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash (1996), The Statler Brothers, and many others used in numerous commercials. Here is the Australian version with original lyrics:

Well, I was humpin’ my bluey on the dusty Oodnadatta road,

When along came a semi with a high and canvas-covered load.

(Spoken) “If you’re goin’ to Oodnadatta, mate, um, with me you can ride.”

So I climbed in the cabin and I settled down inside.

He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand,

I said “Listen, mate, I’ve travelled ev’ry road in this here land.”

Cos “I’ve been everywhere, man,

I’ve been everywhere, man.

‘Cross the deserts bare, man;

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man.

Of travel I’ve had my share, man.

I’ve been ev’rywhere.

Been to Tullamore, Seymour, Lismore, Mooloolaba,

Nambour, Maroochydore, Kilmore, Murwillumbah,

Birdsville, Emmaville, Wallaville, Cunnamulla,

Condamine, Strathpine, Proserpine, Ulladulla,

Darwin, Gin Gin, Deniliquin, Muckadilla,

Wallumbilla, Boggabilla, Kumbarilla, I’m a killer.

(Spoken) “Yeah but listen here, mate, have you been to…”

I’ve been to Moree, Taree, Jerilderie, Bambaroo,

Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Caringbah, Woolloomooloo,

Dalveen, Tamborine, Engadine, Jindabyne,

Lithgow, Casino, Brigalow and Narromine,

Megalong, Wyong, Tuggerawong, Wangarella,

Morella, Augathella, Brindabella, I’m the feller.

(Spoken) “Yeah, I know that, but have you been to…”

I’ve been to Wollongong, Geelong, Kurrajong, Mullumbimby,

Mittagong, Molong, Grong Grong, Goondiwindi,

Yarra Yarra, Boroondara, Wallangarra, Turramurra,

Boggabri, Gundagai, Narrabri, Tibooburra,

Gulgong, Adelong, Billabong, Cabramatta,

Parramatta, Wangaratta, Coolangatta, what’s it matter?

(Spoken) “Yeah, look that’s fine, but how about…”

I’ve been to Ettalong, Dandenong, Woodenbong, Ballarat,

Canberra, Milperra, Unanderra, Captain’s Flat,

Cloncurry, River Murray, Kurri Kurri, Girraween,

Terrigal, Fingal, Stockinbingal, Collaroy and Narrabeen,

Bendigo, Dorrigo, Bangalow, Indooroopilly,

Kirribilli, Yeerongpilly, Wollondilly, don’t be silly.

I’ve been here, there, ev’rywhere, I’ve been ev’rywhere.

(Spoken) “Okay, mate, you’ve been ev’ry place except one,

   And ya don’t need my help t’get there.”

(Sound of door slamming and truck driving off.)

What does the words mean in the song?

Wangaratta ~ usually pronounced so that the “Wang” rhymes with “sang”, but on the recording it is pronounced “Wongaratta”.

The original singer and recorder who made this Australian ballad popular released an EP known as “Lucky’s Been Everywhere” encompassed with four different versions such as United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Now let us learn the toponyms listed in all the versions.

Australian Version Toponyms

Verse 1

Tullamore, Seymour, Lismore, Mooloolaba, Nambour, Maroochydore, Kilmore, Murwillumbah, Birdsville, Emmaville, Wallaville, Cunnamulla, Condamine, Strathpine, Proserpine, Ulladulla, Darwin, Gin Gin, Deniliquin, Muckadilla, Wallumbilla, Boggabilla, Kumbarilla.

Verse 2

Moree, Taree, Jerilderie, Bambaroo, Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Caringbah, Woolloomooloo, Dalveen, Tamborine, Engadine, Jindabyne, Lithgow, Casino, Brigalow, Narromine, Megalong, Wyong, Tuggerawong, Wanganella, Morella, Augathella, Brindabella.

Verse 3

Wollongong, Geelong, Kurrajong, Mullumbimby, Mittagong, Cooranbong, Grong Grong, Goondiwindi, Yarra Yarra,[4] Bouindarra, Wallangarra, Turramurra, Boggabri, Gundagai, Narrabri, Tibooburra, Gulgong, Adelong, Billabong, Cabramatta, Parramatta, Wangaratta, Coolangatta.

Verse 4

Ettalong, Dandenong, Woodenbong, Ballarat, Canberra, Milperra, Unanderra, Captains Flat, Cloncurry, River Murray, Kurri Kurri, Girraween, Terrigal, Fingal, Stockinbingal, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Bendigo, Dorrigo, Bangalow, Indooroopilly, Kirribilli, Yeerongpilly, Wollondilly.

The names listed above are the most popular towns and cities, in which some of them have same names. For Example: Fingal, Gin Gin, and Coolangatta.

North American version Toponyms

American Version starts with the lyrics, “I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road” and check out the full song lyrics by Johnny Cash.

Introduction

I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road

When along came a semi with a high an’ canvas covered load

“If you’re goin’ to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride”

And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside

He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand

And I said, “Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land”

[Chorus]

I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the desert’s bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

[Verse 1]

I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota

Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota

Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma

Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma

Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo

Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla, I’m a killer

[Chorus]

I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the desert’s bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

[Verse 2]

I’ve been to Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana

Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana

Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa

Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa

Tennessee to Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake

Grand Lake, Devil’s Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake

[Chorus]

I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the desert’s bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

[Verse 3]

I’ve been to Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika

Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica

Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport

Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport

Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina

Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean’a

[Chorus]

I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the desert’s bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

[Verse 4]

I’ve been to Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado

Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, El Dorado

Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika

Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelaka

Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City

Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity

[Chorus]

I’ve been everywhere, man

I’ve been everywhere, man

Crossed the desert’s bare, man

I’ve breathed the mountain air, man

Of travel I’ve a’had my share, man

I’ve been everywhere

[Outro]

I’ve been everywhere

Verse 1

Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa,[nb 2] La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocopilla, Barranquilla and Padilla.

Verse 2

Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa, Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devils Lake and Crater Lake.

Verse 3

Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika, Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica, Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina, Pasadena and Catalina.

Verse 4

Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado, Larimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, Chatanika, Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Sioux City, Cedar City and Dodge City.

New Zealand version Toponyms

The New Zealand version starts with “Well, I was hitching a ride…” and here we go with the full song and lyrics ion Australian slang.

Well I was hitching a ride on a winding Hokitika road

When along came a lorry with a high and canvas-covered load

“If you’re going to Hokitika, mate, with me you can ride”

So I jumped into the cabin and settled down inside

He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand

And I said, “Look, listen mate, I’ve been everywhere in this here land …

Cos, I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

I’ve been to

Kaparoa Whangaroa Akaroa Motueka

Taramoa Benmore Pongaroa Horoeka

Rimutaka Te Karaka Whangarei

Nuhaka Waimahaka Motuhura Waikaka

Motonui Hokonui Papanui Wainui

Matawai Rongotai Pikowai I’m a guy

I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

Woodville Dargaville Lumsden Katikati

Naseby Cambridge Porirua Mararoa

Hastings Tikitiki Tauranga Auckland

Naenae Waitaha Hamilton Poroporo

Taupo Timaru Oamaru Tihoi

Awanui Wanganui Pauanui lot o’ hooey

I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

Featherston Palmerston Woolston Te Awamutu

Riverton Queenstown Picton Ohinemutu

Morere Korere Rotorua Kaikoura

Matamata Ruakura Ikamatua Papakura

Waitaki Pukaki Taranaki Te Kauwhata

Ropata Ikowai Waitemata what’s the matter

I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

Ruatoki Matahura Taupiri Maketu

Kyeburn Sowburn Wedderburn Mossburn

Washdyke Arawhata Paparoa Kaponga

Teraha Thames Kerikeri Kokoma

Tapanui Porinui Tawanui Otahuhu

Ruatapu Mosgiel Whareroa that’s for sure

I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

Kapiti Ngawaka Onepu Reporoa

Tongariro Tomoana Renwick Papamoa

B Karitane Oxford Parihaka Karetu

Coalgate Whitecliffs Urenui Mamaku

Waimea Waharoa Dannevirke Ngahere

Gordonton Oban Kingston how ya been

I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere man

I’ve crossed the desert bare man

I’ve breathed the mountain air man

Of travel I’ve had my share man

I’ve been everywhere

I’ve been here, there, everywhere

I’ve been everywhere

First Verse

Kaparoa, Whangaroa, Akaroa, Motueka, Taramoa, Benmore, Pongaroa, Horoeka, Riwaka, Rimutaka, Te Karaka, Whangarei, Nuhaka, Waimahaka, Motuhora, Waikaka, Motunui, Hokonui, Papanui, Wainui, Matawai, Rongotai, Pikowai.

Second Verse

Woodville, Dargaville, Lumsden, Katikati, Naseby, Cambridge, Porirua, Mangaroa, Hastings, Tikitiki, Tauranga, Auckland, Naenae, Waitaha, Hamilton, Poroporo, Taupo, Timaru, Oamaru, Tihoi, Awanui, Wanganui, Pauanui.

Third Verse

Featherston, Palmerston, Woolston, Te Awamutu, Riverton, Queenstown, Picton, Ohinemutu, Morere, Korere, Rotorua, Kaikoura, Matamata, Ruakura, Ikamatua, Papakura, Waitaki, Pukaki, Taranaki, Te Kauwhata, Ropata, Ikowai, Waitemata.

Fourth Verse

Ruatoki, Mataura, Taupiri, Maketu, Kyeburn, Sowburn, Wedderburn, Mossburn, Washdyke, Arawhata, Paparoa, Kaponga, Te Aroha, Thames, Kerikeri, Kokoma, Tapanui, Porinui, Tawanui, Otahuhu, Ruatapu, Mosgiel, Whareroa.

Fifth Verse

Kapiti, Ngawaka, Onepu, Reporoa, Tongariro, Tomoana, Renwick, Papamoa, Karitane, Oxford, Parihaka, Karetu, Coalgate, Whitecliffs, Urenui, Mamaku, Waimea, Waharoa, Dannevirke, Ngahere, Gordonton, Kingston, Oban.

Great Britain and Ireland version

Verse 1

Bradford, Guildford, Oxford, Littlehampton, Bedford, Chingford, Hereford, Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, Canterbury, Aylesbury, Liverpool, Scunthorpe, Sandthorpe, Mablethorpe, Hartlepool, Whitehall, Blackpool, Mildenhall, Davenport, Newport, Southport, Stockport.

Verse 2

Farnborough, Edinburgh, Peterborough, Felixstowe, Middlesbrough, Loughborough, Scarborough, Walthamstow, Blackburn, Lisburn, Bannockburn, Derry, Wicklow, Glasgow, Hounslow, Tipperary, Hempstead, Wanstead, Banstead, Woodstock, Bass Rock, Bell Rock, Tilbury Dock.

Verse 3

Weymouth, Yarmouth, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Lewisham, Faversham, Petersham, Chesterfield, Southend, Mile End, Land’s End, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Nottingham, Gillingham, Holyhead, Cambridge, Tonbridge, Knightsbridge, Broadstairs, Edgware, Ross Wear, Carstairs.

Verse 4

Westminster, Southminster, Kidderminster, Accrington, Eastbourne, Southbourne, Sittingbourne, Paddington, Bolton, Paignton, Stockton, Inverness, Renwick, Brunswick, Chiswick, Dungeness, Mansfield, Sheffield, Enfield, King’s Cross, New Cross, Charing Cross, Banbury Cross.