Was in seventy seven that Catherine moved
Out to the Blue Mountains
Mary went along with her
Just to help her settle

The news I saw here on TV
It happened there at Granville
The train had ploughed into the bridge
And everything was twisted

I prayed to God don't let it be
That Mary has been injured
On this train she was coming home
She'd told me how she missed me

All day they worked in the wreck
To free the dead and injured
Eighty three the count came to
And I had lost my Mary

Gone was Mary, my sweet love
The light that shone daily
Part of me had died that day
And I felt this empty yearning

The emotion was too much for him
His face was soaked in tears
He wiped a rag across his face
To hide the tears within

Slowly he composed himself
And once more brought out flask
Another sip to wet his mouth
Before he'd start again

The nation mourned as I mourned
Each in our own way
So many good people
That had died that day

I must admit my faith did falter
And I railed at God for days
How could you let this happen
You've stolen my life away

One night He spoke to me
As I wallowed in self pity
Remember the promise that was made
I will not forsake you

I can see that smile playing round your lips
You think the old man's senile
Wasn't words as such that he spoke
'Twas more like a feeling

That was the day, the turning point
And slowly I got better
I saw all that I had left
My children round me gathered

'Twas in eighty one that Catherine wed
To a man I'm proud to call son
She'd barely turned twenty four
And I wished Mary was there

Bertram had grown tall and strong
Turned twenty two that year
Brought along a lovely girl
His wife she was going to be

Was in eighty three when Bertram wed
When we had all those fires
Right across Victoria
And down to South Australia

Ash Wednesday is what they called it
Bout the worst in history
Bush burnt, animals died
And homes burnt a plenty