LEAVING MY HOMELAND

by Noel Gardner

I’ve ridden all that outback and walked those dusty roads
I’ve seen my aspirations disappear
My father pushed the mulga like his father did before
My family worked this land for sixty years.

Drought flood and fire on the sunburnt ravished block
We thought we could tame this last frontier
But foreclosure and nature it takes its toll my friend
A generations fold of mother’s tears.

Ch.
I am leaving my homeland, I am waving goodbye
I am holding onto memories, as that gate disappears from my eye

Another day another hope another clear blue sky
Another round of ravished stock to feed
A prayer a thought nostalgia, is etched upon my lines
Of ten years of faded hopes and dreams.

Chorus

This naked land was taken, possession was the law
King and country immigrant pioneers
But there are still laws of nature out on those western plains
As overstocked pastures disappear.

Chorus

Noel Gardner copyright
(Corrugated Music)



I can’t find this country-folk number to hear online, unfortunately (and it’s good to sing along with!), though the 1994 CD “Justicce & Pride” is still for sale. (some other compositions by Noel and friends are available to listen to, though…….)
https://www.noelgardner.com/pages/justice.html


Cheers, R-J