Canberra's never lonelier or colder
Than when you feel the heartbreak of defeat
You'll never find a sympathetic shoulder
On any bureaucratic street
So when I must forgive or be forgiven
When all my best-laid plans have gone astray
I head down to the shores of Burley Griffin
And try to wash the pain away

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly
Walter dug it oh so deep
And I remember Kirribilli
The promise that he did not keep

He looked me in the eye across the table
He looked at me and swore he'd step aside
I gave him my support and kept him stable
He looked me in the eye and lied
I dreamed that I was Placido Domingo
Ready for the spotlight and applause
But maybe I'll end up like Ernie Dingo
And vanish in "The Great Outdoors"

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly
And I swear I see a ladt with a blade
And I remember Kirribilli
The promise that a friend once made

I want to rule, I want to lead
I know just what the people need
I thought I had it guaranteed, but then
He threw me down in the stenches
Of the dank backbenches
And I never want to go back there again!

Time again for daring and defiance
Time to charge the throne and take the crown
And I won't need to iron-clad alliance
To go for gold and bring Old Silver down

In wintertime, the water cuts you chilly
But it purifies my soul anew
And I remember Kirribilli
And I know now what I have to do,
I know now what I have to do