She wanted something of her own
That quiet colonial wife
A convict from across the sea
Bought to live in servitude
To make another life.

The charge - assault with a marble lion
She did it. He deserved it.
He took her dignity away
She was the one who had to pay.
They sentenced her. She served it.

In a land where seasons stand
Upon their heads she came
In the great wide land Australia
When chances offered she replied
She overset her shame.

By marriage, children, love and death
By fire and fever bowed
She took the reins, held up her head
Made the best of what she had
In poverty was proud.

And now she stands in widowhood
In her hard-won home
She takes the hand
Of a patient man
For he is Anna's own.

She wanted something of her own
That quiet colonial wife
A convict from across the sea
Bought to live in servitude
She made herself a life.