Just what got me in I'm not quite sure, The hat with the Legacy badges Or the tales about the war? But when the stories started I wanted to hear more He spent some time in the Northern Territory, Proud of his time as a young bloke Serving actively The Coopers ale was rationed But the jungle juice was free And he was born in the depression, He grew up hungry And times were hard And all his memories he'll re-live, When you're chewin' the fat with Uncle Viv Childhood days were lean and things were tough - Porridge made from grinding wheat - Never quite enough, And he chuckles now when the young ones Say that things are getting rough ... And he was born in the depression, He grew up hungry And times were hard And all his memories he'll re-live, When you're chewin' the fat with Uncle Viv Lightning Ridge was home 'til '72, Mum couldn't run the farm alone So his mining days were through But the treasures in his tobacco tin He'll gladly show to you And he was born in the depression, He grew up hungry And times were hard And all his memories he'll re-live, When you're chewin' the fat with Uncle Viv Now his curly hair is long and mostly grey And his grin is nearly toothless And his joints have had their day But Viv has got a swag of yarns He'll gladly throw your way ... And he was born in the depression, He grew up hungry And times were hard And all his memories he'll re-live, When you're chewin' the fat with Uncle Viv