Volunteers*

                                                                                              Robert Wills,  August 1971

It was the third of Julember, as best I remember

The air was so chilly, the breeze was quite clear,

We saw the flames leaping from clear across the valley

And we ran for our coats, to go help volunteer

It was Cotoulos's house, and it surely was burning

The fire bell was ringing, for all who could hear

Hardly five minutes, and the fire truck was turning

Up the driveway with a truckload of fresh volunteers

Oh, let's raise a glass higher

For the men who fight fire

It's almost for nothing, and it's every day

Oh, let's pour some more cider, and raise a good cheer

For the saviours of houses and barns,

Our own volunteers

It was too late to save it, the house was in ruin

But they managed to salvage the barn that was near

Now the timbers are smokin', and the men are home sleepin'

When the fire alarm rings, they will all volunteer

Oh, let's raise a glass higher

For the men who fight fire

It's almost for nothing, and it's every day

Oh, let's pour some more cider, and raise a good cheer

For the saviours of houses and barns,

Our own volunteers

*among the few honest heroes of our age are the Volunteer firemen, who risk life and limb to help their neighbours in times of crisis.