Just brought to my attention is a song on Slim's Travelling Country Man album (1977). Called "Life Is Like a River", it is credited on the sleeve as "Trad, arr. Slim Dusty"

The words sound sort of familiar, but I can't find any trace of such a song in traditional sources, Australian or otherwise.

The only Google references I've found credit Slim Dusty as the writer.

Any one familiar with it?


Lyrics:

Now in this world I've gained my knowledge
And for it I've had to pay
Though I've never been to college
I have heard the poets say

That life is like a mighty river
Flowing on from day to day
Men are vessels launched upon it
Sometimes wrecked and cast away

So do your best for one another
Making life a pleasant dream
Help your weary worn out brother
Pulling hard against the stream

We never know what lies before us
So old ways be staunch and strong
Lift your hearts into this chorus
As we swiftly go along

There's many the right good hearted fellow
Many a noble-minded man
Finds himself in shallow water
Then boys help him if you can

So do your best for one another
Making life a pleasant dream
Help your weary worn out brother
Pulling hard against the stream

Yes, life is like a mighty river
Flowing on from day to day
Men are vessels launched upon it
Sometimes wrecked and cast away.


If I allow my brain to filter out the twangy guitar, I can almost imagine the likes of the Copper family singing this in harmony; or maybe I just have a vivid imagination :-)

MC