Crocodile Roll
John Williamson · Mates On The Road [2010]
with no one else around
a tropical honymoon knokin' a 4x down
she was standin' in the water eating a pumpkin scone
when aarrccmm "splash" she was gone
and they were doin' the crocodile roll
the woman and the reptile
doin' the crocodile roll
in the middle of the river
down came her husband
with a gun and a carving knife
to slaughter every crocodile for taking his darlin's life
yyyyou ccant ggo round eating queenslanders
yyyou over grown ggg goannas
i il i'll turn you all into shoes
aarrccmm oooooo "splash", it was in the news
and they were doin' the crocodile roll
the husband and the reptile
doin' the crocodile roll in the middle of the river
down came his blood hound, with mangy curly hair
he cought the scent and away he went, bum in the air
then the dog got carried away and ran out on a log
when aarrccmm, rowr, guess what, no more dog
and they were doin' the crocodile roll
the canine and the reptile
doin' the crocodile roll in the middle of the river
down came a wild pig, rootin' all about
the little swine drank the wine and realy piged it out
then the crocodile chased him round
then the little pig said "up yours" aarrccmm,
reee reee reee, in the old croc's jaws
and they were doin' the crocodile roll
the porker and the reptile
doin' the crocodile roll in the middle of the river
theres no moral to this story, just a brand new dance
grab your partner by the neck and swing your crocodile pants
dip your toe in the water, are you ready for a mess
swirl your tail around the floor, go on take a chance
now your doin' the crocodile roll, stirin' up the mud
doin' the crocodile roll in the middle of the river
they were doin' the crocodile roll, stirin up the mudcrabs
doin' the crocodile roll in the middle of the river
aarrccmm oooooo
About Crocodile Roll
John Williamson's "Crocodile Roll" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over the Australian bush ballad, blending traditional folk structures with his signature rhythmic drive. Recorded for the 2010 album *Mates On The Road*, the track exemplifies Williamson's ability to weave storytelling with musical energy, capturing the rugged spirit of the outback without relying on specific lyrical references. As a key component of his broader discography, the song reflects the enduring appeal of his work, which consistently draws upon indigenous influences and vernacular Australian themes. The recording showcases his skill in maintaining a steady, infectious tempo that invites listeners into a world of camaraderie and adventure, characteristic of his contributions to the genre of bush music. This piece remains a staple in his catalog, demonstrating how he has kept the traditions of the bush ballad vibrant and relevant for contemporary audiences.