And we all get a chance to sing on the chorus!

Unlike with Cicely Fox Smith's poems, there is abundant biographical information about Henry Lawson's life to help interpret what he was saying in particular poems. "The Outside Track" no doubt represents a major dilemma for the poet, well known and respected in Australia at the time but not financially well off, and hungry for international recognition. It's a dilemma that most of us in the folk music community can identify with!

It's almost the inverse of "The Mary Ellen Carter." There's little conviction expressed in "Outside Track" that all will be well again. But there is that sense of fellowship, even if it's full value is only appreciated in retrospect. Some sing this song as a dirge, which we think undercuts its impact. Here's a fresh link to how Roll & Go does it: click here for lyrics and MP3 Sample!

Looking forward to hearing how Two Black Sheep & a Stallion perform this one.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble