The following song, held in the National Library of Australia catalogued as TRC2539/008b, 
has been transcribed by Graham H Dodsworth from words
sung by Catherine Peatey on a recording collected/recorded in 1950s & 1960s by Norm O'Connor. 

The Ocean of Life:

1st. Verse:	
Today whilst out walking through Melbourne’s great city,
My steps chanced to stray by the homes of the poor.
Many I saw well deserving of pity, 
with hunger and hardship, forced to endure.

2nd. Verse:	
Men there I saw who had held high positions,
Crushed by misfortune they fell into strife.
Outcast today without hope or ambition.
Poor stranded wrecks on the ocean of life.

3rd. Verse:	
Tis hard bitter fighting to battle the billows,
Great waves of sorrow and sadness are rife.
Many frail barks are tosser o’er the tempest.
Then stranded and wrecked on the ocean of life.

4th. Verse:	
I saw an aged cripple propped up by crutches,
Needing assistance I plainly could see.
Dropping a coin in the hat that he clutches,
I asked and he told me his sad history.

5th. Verse:	
Through Western Australia with hope in his bosom.
Of making a home for his children and wife.
Maimed in a gold mine and crippled forever.
And left a sad wreck on the ocean of life.

6th. Verse:	
Tis hard bitter fighting to battle the billows,
Great waves of sorrow and sadness are rife.
Many frail barks are tosser o’er the tempest.
Then stranded and wrecked on the ocean of life.

7th. Verse:	
The next was a woman, a sad faced poor creature,
The dead seal of sorrow stamped plain on her brow.
Seven years ago with a smile on each feature.
Contented and happy but look at her now

8th. Verse:	
She told me her husband and lost his position.
Through joining the ranks when the great strike was rife.
It’s only the kindness their neighbours have shown them.
That’s kept them afloat on the ocean of life.

9th. Verse:	
She told me her husband and lost his position.
Through joining the ranks when the great strike was rife.
It’s only the kindness their neighbours have shown them.
That’s kept them afloat on the ocean of life.