Journey across the seas

They took a long, long journey
Far across the tumultuous seas
Left their homeland behind them
Ready to begin a new life you see
Left everything but the clothes they wore
There was no room: no way to carry more
They finally reached the safety of the border
Finally were able to breathe again at last
They'd left behind their families: yes everyone
Was left behind: maybe for a little: maybe forever
Only God did know the score
They were destitute, at a loss, poor
Until they were taken in: processed 
Sent upon their way to a new land; a new home
Until they were sailing in a great big ship
So it seemed to them right then
As they were tossed, turned and tossed again
They left Genoa on December the 14th
Way back in 1956: yes that was the date
Six weeks on board the ship upon the seas
Via the Cape of Good Hope down in Africa
(Couldn't travel via the Suez Canal as there was a war)
Got off the "Aurelia" on the 30th of January 1957
It was a beautiful morning as they disembarked
Thankful for that long journey now finally over
As they cast their eyes upon those shores
Welcoming them to their new home in Melbourne
So far away across those stormy seas!

They were taken by train to Bonegilla Refugee camp
After leaving the Italian ship Aurelia on 30 January 1957