P.S.Gem (Queen of the Murray)

Verse 1 She was born in Moama with a passenger’s grace, Red‑gum ribs and a proud river face. Cabins trimmed in timber, saloons dressed fine, A floating hotel on the Murray line. Verse 2 From Echuca down to Goolwa she would glide, Families and traders watching banks roll by. A riverboat queen with a gentle sway, Carrying stories on her long highway. Chorus Oh Gem, Queen of the Murray, You were built for the hearts you’d hold. With your lanterns warm and your paddle strong, You were comfort on the river’s cold. And the water remembers every mile you knew — A lifetime carried in your wooden hull too. Verse 3 Then at Goolwa they beached her on the southern sand, Sawn clean in half by a steady hand. Bullocks pulled her open, the river held its breath, As they gave her more room for life and guests. Verse 4 Longer decks, more cabins, a music room bright, A queen reborn in the coastal light. She sailed again with a grander stride, A river palace on the Murray tide. Chorus Oh Gem, Queen of the Murray, You were built for the hearts you’d hold. With your lanterns warm and your paddle strong, You were comfort on the river’s cold. And the water remembers every mile you knew — A lifetime carried in your wooden hull too. Bridge But the years rolled on and the river trade slowed, And the Gem grew weary on her Mildura road. Till the Oscar W came with a rope and a vow, “Come on old girl, we’ll take you home now.” Verse 5 Ten days turned to months as the sandbars rose high, Beneath a relentless and dusty grey sky. They winched her through shallows on cables and grit, While skeptics all whispered, “She’s finished, that’s it.” Final Chorus Oh Gem, Queen of the Murray, Now you rest where the stories flow. From the Mildura’s banks to the Swan Hill lights, You made your final river show. And the water remembers, as old boats do — The long tow home that carried you.