If you walk in the bush at night,
In the wonderful silence deep,
By the flickering lantern light
When the birds are all asleep.
You may catch a sight of old Skinny-go-root,
Otherwise Benjamin Bandicoot.

With a snout that can delve and dig,
With claws that are strong as steel,
He roots like a pigmy pig
To get his evening meal.
For creeping creatures and worms and roots,
Are highly relished by bandicoots.

Under the grass and fern
He fashions his beaten track,
With many a twist and turn
That wanders and doubles back,
And dogs that think they are most astute
Are baffled by Benjamin Bandicoot.

In the depth of the darkest night,
Without a star in the sky,
He'll come to look at a light
And scientists wonder why:
If the bush is burning its time to scoot
Is the notion of Benjamin Bandicoot.


Written by Banjo Patterson.