I Remember Kirribilli

Canberra's never lonelier or colder

Than when you feel the heartbreak of defeat

You'll never find a sympathetic shoulder

On any bureaucratic street

So when I must forgive or be forgiven

When all my best-laid plans have gone astray

I head down to the shores of Burley Griffin

And try to wash the pain away.

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly

Walter dug it oh so deep

And I remember Kirribilli

The promise that he did not keep.

He looked me in the eye across the table

He looked at me and swore he'd step aside

I gave him my support and kept him stable

He looked me in the eye and lied

I dreamed that I was Placido Domingo

Ready for the spotlight and applause

But maybe I'll end up like Ernie Dingo

And vanish in "The Great Outdoors".

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly

And I swear I see a ladt with a blade

And I remember Kirribilli

The promise that a friend once made.

I want to rule, I want to lead

I know just what the people need

I thought I had it guaranteed, but then

He threw me down in the stenches

Of the dank backbenches

And I never want to go back there again!

Time again for daring and defiance

Time to charge the throne and take the crown

And I won't need to iron-clad alliance

To go for gold and bring Old Silver down...

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly

But it purifies my soul anew

And I remember Kirribilli

And I know now what I have to do,

I know now what I have to do.