Garwan Dala

(Words By Eve Fesl, Music By Tommy Leonard - July 2006)


Garwan Dala, garwan Goong
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong

Ngam gardi Dala, ngam gardi Goong,
Ngam gardi Dala, ngam gardi Goong,
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong.

Mama Bala, Dala, Goong,
Mama Bala, Dala, Goong,
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong.

Garwan Dala, garwan Goong
Ngam gardi Dala, ngam gardi Goong,
Mama Bala, Dala, Goong,

Garwan Dala, garwan Goong
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong
Garwan Dala, garwan Goong


"Garwan Dala" means Respect for the lungfish, in Gubbi Gubbi language.
"Garwan Goong" means Respect for fresh water.

"Ngam gardi Dala" means Always been here, lungfish
"Ngam gardi Goong" means Always been here, fresh water

"Mama Bala" is the name of the Mary River. It means "Twice as Big", which is what happens to the river at flood time.


This song can be heard here : https://www.tommyleonard.com/htmfiles/lyrics/dala.htm


Tommy Leonard is a long-time local of Maleny, Qld (ex Liverpool, UK) and a well-known singer-songwriter and troubador.
Eve Fesl is an indigenous woman who now lives in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.


R-J