Shantytown, oh Shantytown
A nestling there in Rutherglen
Dedicated to the pioneers
Who have reached their journeys in
Life is a great, a mighty great
We all have to make
Sometimes it's deep and mighty long
And sometimes much too late
But if taken in its stride, my friend
No job's too big, too high
Let's carry on for the good of all
For the old pioneers say
Shantytown, oh Shantytown
As real as real can be
With buildings all open and big
For all the world to see
Oh, pioneer who blazed the trails
Across the hills and plains
And for you in loving memory
Shantytown was named
While through the years of progress
Let us not forget the names
Of those who died while fighting
Let the deaths not be in vain
Shantytown, oh Shantytown
Like gold if the rainbows end
Shantytown, oh Shantytown
The church bells ring again
It's a heritage we hold, my friend
More precious than gold
And stories of the early days
Of memories to hold
In sweat and tears
They search for gold
And often never found
May the good Lord preserve you
Dear old Shantytown
Shantytown, oh Shantytown
With your history of renown
Sat in the bush
At Rutherglen
Seven miles from Greymouth Town
This country here
Was wild and rough
And the trail was dim and long
Our pioneers they knew no fear
While in their hearts a song
So this be our thankfulness
That we bear the names
Of pioneers whose courage
Burns bright like a flame
Shantytown, oh Shantytown
God's blessings go with thee
You're a mighty big attraction
For all the world to see
You're a mighty big attraction
For all the world to see