The great wind shakes the breadfruit leaf

The great wind shakes the breadfruit leaf,

The great waves cry on the coral reef,

The great drums sigh with a spirit breath,

For Something here has looked on death.

Turn ye back from the bush tonight,--

Turn ye back from the bush tonight,

Turn ye back!

The ghost tree falls across the trail,

A white crane flies with eerie wail,

A shriek goes up from the bamboo wood,

Where spirits seek for living food.

Turn ye back from the bush tonight,--

Turn ye back from the bush tonight,

Turn ye back!

Burn the rushfires bright, bright!

Turn ye back!