Cruisin’ the Murray, out of Olde Echuca Town
Is a riverboat of renown, jewel in Echuca’s crown.
Pride of both the River, and her crew:
Dip yer hats, lads ‘n’ ladies, to “Emmy Lou”

The sound of her paddle wheels splashin’,
Boiler blazin’, smokin’, it’s real old fashion'!
People linin’ the rails, their hearts fair a-thrill,
Experiencin’ an age long past, yet with us still.

Of later build, with her livery o’ brown ‘n’ buff,
She was made o’ steel ‘n’ red gum – (real tough!)
Launched in ‘82, by Hume Colville, Engineer,
She’ll be with us for good many a year!

With ‘er whistle playin’ a sweet song o’ steam,
An’ Paddle wheels athwart her broadish beam,
She’ll stir the heart of many a sailor man, and
Even them who’s feet have never left dry land!

Skipper perched high above, holdin’ the wheel,
In sinewed hands, with vice-like grip o’ steel,
Surveyin’ all what’s below, his kingdom domain;
Steamin’ through all kinds o’ weather, sun and rain.

Take a ride, mateys, it’ll put a lump in yer throat,
As ye ply Ole man River, up and down, afloat,
Listenin’ to the steam a-hissin’ and engine-room bell
Drinkin’ in the red gum smoke’s enticing smell.