Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 07:36 AM FANNIE BAY ~ Doug & Andy Tainsh / and possibly David Charles Tell her I’m droving down Camooweal way Or signed on with pearlers for seas far away You can tell her I’ve gone, I’ll be back some day Please don’t tell her they hanged me in old Fannie Bay. ch. And on Thursday Island the sun warms her hair As the breeze from the sea blows her hair And she sits by her window and calls me Yes, she calls me. You can say I’ve gone on the old “River Queen” Its whistle a-haunting the bullockys’ dream Down the Murray I’ve gone, I’ll be back some day Please don’t tell her they hanged me in old Fannie Bay. You can say the bush has called me away And I’m riding the fences for ten bob a day Yes, I needed a job, I needed the pay Please don’t tell her they hanged me in old Fannie Bay. And they came to the door and they dragged me away From all that I love and I pray That it won’t reach her ears, ‘cause I love her And she’d die - she’d die - she’d die for sure. Just say the gold has taken me down To the places where fortunes are easily found Yes, I’ve gone, but tell her I’ll be back some day Just don’t tell her they hanged me in old Fannie Bay. I wanted to link to the version by Darwin, NT trio "Tropical Ear" - from the 1980s - but I cannot locate one on YT. However, I found this version which has similarities - it's by FNQ [= Far North Qld] group "Snake Gully" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yniaWFegcE Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 08:00 AM Miner’s Washing ~ John Warner I come from Durham in 99 Married a laddie from the Coal Creek mine The finest lad that a girl could ever know Til he brought me his washing from the pit below. Ch. Scrubbing the miner's clothes Scrubbing the miner's clothes All piled up in a ghastly stack Heavy as lead and smelly and black And oh, the pain in my aching back! Scrubbing the miner's clothes Well your Currumburra miner is a grimy sort of bloke So I chuck in his duds for an all-night soak I takes me a soap and I'll grate it like a cheese And I'll chuck it in the bucket with his grubby dungarees. And it's haul ‘em from the copper to the rinsing tub Pound ‘em with the dolly and scrub – scrub - scrub Pour away the mucky water, do it all again Haul ‘em through the wringer and pray it doesn't rain. Beyond Cardella, the sky is looking fine Basket out the washing to the old clothes line I bet when they're hung out and I've hauled up the prop The rain'll come a-pouring and the wind will drop. So all you maids who to marriage do incline Never wed a laddie from the Coal Creek mine A squatter may be surly, a merchant may be mean A banker may be boring but they're easier to clean. A great session song - didn't find Margie Walters' version, but here is one from Qld duo, Cloudstreet : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtnwKFjM1Sc Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 08:26 AM THE STATION COOK ~ trad Oz The song I’m going to sing to you, will not detain you long It’s all about a station cook we had at old Pinyong [Penong] His pastry was so beautiful, his cooking was so fine It gave us all a stomach ache, right through the shearing time. Oh, you should see his plum-duffs, his doughboys and his pies I swear by Long Moloney, they’d open a shearer’s eyes He’d say “take your time good fellows” and he’d fix us with a glance Saying “I’ll dish you up much better, if you’ll give me half a chance.” Oh you should see his doughboys, his dumplings and his pies The thought of such luxuries would open a shearer’s eyes He gets up in the morning, gives us plenty of stewed tea And don’t forget when shearing’s done, to sling the cook his fee. But oh dear, I feel so queer, I don’t know what to do The thought of leaving Fowler’s Bay just breaks me heart in two But if ever I catch that slushy, I’ll make him rue the day That he ruined me constitution while shearing at Fowler’s Bay. The Station Cook could often be an old shearer who can no longer do his tally a day, bent over on the board - much like The Old Woman was often an old cowboy who could no longer do long days in the saddle, keeping the cattle in check on the Trails. Fowler's Bay is in South Australia's Eyre Peninsula/Nullarbor Plain region. Here is Gary Shearston's version from 1965 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONE44capghQ Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Richard Mellish Date: 09 Sep 20 - 08:38 AM > Richard M, well why don't you 'put forward' a few? Fair comment! But where do I start? I could just scan the contents lists of a few books (where presumably the editors had already exercised some selection) but I should try to make a personal selection. I'm a bit tied up just now but I'll have a go. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 09:03 AM Mysha's earlier question re if there will be a separate "edition" for Kiwi material, wasn't really answered and I've just come across typed words for one of me EnZed faves, so here goes : PACKING MY THINGS ~ Phil Colquhoun When first to this country I came [when I came and took up my claim] Well, Bill Muggins was me name And though I’m a young man and able Here am I stuck rocking the cradle - And that’s a Bill Muggins game. But I’m awake up – I will break up I’m never more going to roam I've panned in my dugout with never a nugget I’m packing my things to go home. I’ve hunted Otago for gold In the wind and the rain and the cold And I’ve holed up all winter all under the snow All along the winding Molyneux - And that is where you need to have holed! But I’m awake up – I will break up I’m never more going to roam I've panned in my dugout with never a nugget I’m packing my things to go home. In those shanties where you spin Away all your hard-earned tin Nancy’s smiles are so beguiling That’s why Nancy is always smiling! - Landlord says he’s not taking you in. But I’m awake up – I will break up I’m never more going to roam I‘ve panned in my dugout with never a nugget I’m packing my things to go home. I almost gave up hope of finding many Kiwi folk songs on YT until I thought to plug in "Phil Garland"! So here is his version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kH8cLjr0A Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 09 Sep 20 - 07:45 PM You have posted some good'uns, R-J. Re Gurindji people, are you aware that only 2 days ago (Tuesday 8th Sept) they were finally granted native title over Wave Hill Station at a special sitting of the Federal Court? ABC report --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 09 Sep 20 - 08:53 PM Another Lawson poem adapted by Gerry Hallom. THE FREE SELECTOR'S DAUGHTER (Lawson/Hallom) (Chorus) I met her on the Lachlan side A darling girl I thought her I swore before I left I'd win The free selector's daughter I worked her father's farm a month I brought the wood and water I mended all the broken fence Before I won the daughter. I listened to her father's yarns, I did just what I oughte And what I'd had to do to win The free selector's daughter So I broke my pipe and burnt my twist Gave up my beer for water I had to shave before I kissed The free-selector's daughter Chorus Then, rising in the frosty morn I brought the cows for Mary And when I'd milked a bucketful I took it to the dairy I poured the milk into the dish While Mary held the strainer I summoned heart to speak my wish And, oh, her blush grew plainer Chorus I told her I must leave this place, I said that I would miss her At first she turned away her face But then she let me kiss her. I put my pail upon the ground And in my arms I caught her I'd give the world to hold again The free selector's daughter Chorus Youtube clip --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 09 Sep 20 - 09:58 PM Here is a Hallom original. He recorded it on his 'On the Periphery' album. The fizzer delivered mail in the Northern Territory at the turn of the 20th century. He based it on information in Jeannie Gunn's autobiography. THE FIZZER (Gerry Hallom) A thousand miles in forty days He carries the precious freight To the homes along the bush highways For settlers who yearn and wait Day by day, week by week Keeping tight to the government time Dicing with death on the dried out creeks Yet it’s his face not his heart that bears the lines Chorus A thousand miles ‘cross the great divide Inside mail from the world outside No sooner here than he’s gone With a hale so long The long dry stretch on the open downs That’s where the fizzin’ gets done Eighty miles till a drink is found Then fifty more with none The thirst of the team fixes the time This gamble with death is played Where the searing, scorching heat combines With a downs that holds no shade Chorus A drink at the well, an all night spell To the toughest pinch of all Fifty miles of sunbaked hell With a team that’s fit to fall And here’s where the tracks are vague and tell Of a bushman’s skill and pluck It’s here where the last mailman fell And they talk of the fizzer’s luck Chorus Is it luck to know to the very last drop Just what a horse can do? Luck to know just when to stop To know when to take them through Is it luck to have the courage to play This game when the stakes are high? For only those who’ve been can say What’s faced by a man on the downs in the dry Chorus Sixteen days on the open downs He takes the treacherous run Knowing the folk at Anthony’s town Will come out in the noonday sun To watch for the distant moving frame Away in the quivering glare And death will have won in the dice-throwing game If the fizzer is late getting down there Chorus Youtube clip Ted Egan also wrote a song about the fizzer. Ted Egan --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 09 Sep 20 - 10:13 PM The reference to Jeannie Gunn reminded me of a very fine song by a good mate of mine, Bob Sharp, who lived for many years in the NT but now lives in Tasmania. BOSS LADY (Bob Sharp) She came to the outback unwanted, unseen By the men who lived their lives hard They could not foresee what life there could be For a lady from Melbourne’s backyard But bold Jeannie Gunn would prove it to them She was as strong in the heart as the rest It did not take long before she proved them all wrong And they found a new type of respect She was the lady of old Elsie Station, arrived from the city in 1902 They called her Boss Lady respected her greatly For all the things that she went through Heard many stories of men and their travels And how they developed new lands Jeannie she wrote of a woman's view In a man’s world of hot fiery sands Their lives were hard in a far different way Their reasons for being there too They would follow their men to the ends of the earth To make far distant dreams come true Chorus Time has moved on and the old homestead's gone White ants have left their mark here Road markers stand where the station once stood Now only the hot springs run clear The legends live on of bold Jeannie Gunn Her stories of good times and bad And what it would be for a lady like thee To experience the times that you had Chorus Bob recorded it on album that he made with Ken Ferguson 'The Windmill Run' - the duo called themselves 'Facial Expressions'. You can find info here: Bob Sharp Phil Beck and I included the song in a themed concert entitled 'Images of Strong Women'. Phil's introduction to the song: Jeannie Gunn (nee Taylor), ‘The Little Missus’, was born on 5 June 1870. Her father was a Presbyterian minister. In the 1890s she met Aeneas James Gunn, son of Rev. Peter Gunn. Gunn had spent most of the 1890s in northern Australia and helped to establish sheep and cattle stations. Aeneas and Jeannie married in December 1901. Just before his marriage Aeneas had agreed to manage the Elsey cattle station on the Roper River, about 300 miles south of Darwin, so on 2 January 1902 the couple sailed for Port Darwin. In Darwin Jeannie was told that as a woman she would be 'out of place' on a station such as the Elsey. The Territory had always been considered a man's world and news of her arrival in Darwin caused an alarm amongst the tough stockmen of the Elsey who attempted to stop this female invasion by forwarding telegraph messages to prevent her coming. This wasn't enough to discourage Jeannie, all five feet of her had always had a determined streak. The Elsey was in a remote part of the NT known locally as the ‘Never-Never’: in fact later on in life Jeannie wrote ‘We of the Never Never’ based on her time there. The homestead when she arrived was a run down, comfortless bush dwelling which Jeannie set about trying to transform into a home. The stockmen were not easily won over. They were men who’d withdrawn from civilisation and were intolerant of anything that wasn't an accepted part of their lifestyle, which included intrusions from women. Jeannie's friendliness and humour as well as her personal courage and refusal to complain showed these bushmen that she would, like them, accept and make the best of conditions. It was this attitude along with her determination that in the end earned their respect and admiration. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 11:45 PM Thanks for that extraordinary Wave Hill news, Stew; I've been off the news radar for a few days! And speaking of Jeannie Gunn, do you have the lyrics/recording to Bob Sharp(?)'s 'Boss Lady'??? I'm having great trouble dredging the singer/songwriter names and songs from my aging memory (and it could be that the continual post-midnight bedtimes and poor diet, are not assisting me?! :( I noted "The Streets of Forbes" posted above and have "The Death of Ben Hall" ready here - but I wanted Tony Lavin's excellent recording to go with it. Haven't found it on YT and Andy Irvine's is just not quite what I wanted. I think Tony's was on "Glenrowan to the Gulf" (Wild Colonial Boys), but I no longer have that LP. I hafta opine that SO MUCH much good earlier Folkie material - esp the HUGE swag of LPs and tapes from 70s-90s - is missing from the Internet, whilst the dross increases by the minute (or am I being too unkind?!) OK, gotta go and werk. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 09 Sep 20 - 11:47 PM OMG Stewie - that'll teach me to update the page before I post, haha! But great song choice, eh :) R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Sep 20 - 12:28 AM I wonder if I still have Ken Ferguson's tapes? - I just leaned to the right & immediately put my hands on them. Franklin & The Singing Wire, not much use tho, unless I buy a plug-in cassette machine, & transcribe them ... The National Library has both cassettes, but there is no other info on line sandra obit for Ken Ferguson https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=124337 |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 10 Sep 20 - 02:34 AM I just revisited the interesting 2009 discussion thread re Austn Songs of Influence, for the new (at the time) "Museum of Australian Democracy" in Canberra : https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=118102#2552374 However, of the final 30 chosen by the Curating team, at first glance I recognised exactly half - not sure what that says of me, hahaha!! Archer, Robyn Menstruation Blues Blue King Brown Come and Check Your Head Bogle, Eric And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Carmody, Kev Cannot Buy My Soul Cox, Kerrianne Beagle Bay Dreaming De Bortoli, Lucia [trad] Mama Mia Don me Cento Lire Hewett, Dorothy and Mike Leyden Weevils In The Flour Hicks, Peter and Geoff Francis One day in October Hunter, Ruby Down City Streets Luscombe, Jack [trad] Sam Griffiths Mazella, Kavisha Love and Justice McCormick, Peter Dodds Advance Australia Fair Midnight Oil US Forces Mills Sisters Waltzing Matilda (Wadjimbat Matilda) O'Loughlin, Tim and Angie McGowan No dams Palmer, Helen and Doreen Bridges Ballad of 1891 Randall, Bob My Brown Skin Baby Reddy, Helen and Ray Burton I am Woman Slim Dusty When the Rain Tumbles Down in July Sloan, Sally Ben Hall Small, Judy Mothers Daughters Wives Storer, Sara Land Cries Out The Herd The King is Dead The Saints Stranded Warner, Dan & Dastey, Sally Anthem Warumpi Band Blackfella Whitefella Wiggan, Roy Bardi Ilma Wright, Lola and Ruth Shepherd The Equal Pay Song Youthu Yindi Treaty Wonder if the museum is still going strong and if the song list is still the same?! Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Sep 20 - 03:59 AM I remember that thread search-Austn Songs of Influence at Museum of Australian Democracy 13 results & first one is Songs of Influence - I was only 19! |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: JennieG Date: 10 Sep 20 - 05:24 PM The Museum of Australian Democracy is in the old Parliament House in Canberra. Might check it out, when and if we can ever visit Canberra again. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 10 Sep 20 - 08:14 PM THE BALLAD OF 1891 (H.Palmer/D.Jacobs) The price of wool was falling in 1891 The men who owned the acres saw something must be done “We will break the Shearers' Union, and show we're masters still And they'll take the terms we give them, or we'll find the ones who will.” From Claremont to Barcaldine, the shearers' camps were full Ten thousand blades were ready to strip the greasy wool. When through the west like thunder, rang out the Union's call: “The sheds'll be shore Union or they won't be shorn at all.” Oh, Billy Lane was with them, his words were like a flame, The flag of blue above them, they spoke Eureka's name. “Tomorrow,” said the squatters, “they'll find it does not pay. We're bringing up free labourers to get the clip away.” “Tomorrow,” said the shearers, “they may not be so keen, We can mount three thousand horses, to show them what we mean.” “Then we'll pack the west with troopers, from Bourke to Charters Towers. You can have your fill of speeches but the final strength is ours.” “Be damned to your six-shooters, your troopers and police, The sheep are growing heavy, the burr is in the fleece.” “Then if Nordenfeldt and Gatling won't bring you to your knees. We'll find a law,” the squatters said, “that's made for times like these.” To trial at Rockhampton the fourteen men were brought, The judge had got his orders, the squatters owned the court. But for every one that's sentenced, ten thousand won't forget, Where they gaol someone for striking, it's a rich man's country yet. Trevor Lucas The Bushwackers Helen Palmer --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 10 Sep 20 - 08:45 PM R-J I didn't even reach 50% recognition, but it is pleasing to note the inclusion of the classic kriol rendition of 'Waltzing Matilda' by Darwin girl, Ali Mills. Thanks to a posting a decade ago by Rob Naylor, we have the lyrics. WALTJIM BAT MATILDA one balla carrdia bin cum up langa billabong im bin chid on a groun langa coolibah tree im bin chingum but corobree watchim but him billy boil you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me waltjim bat matilda, waltjim bat matilda, you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me im bin chingum but corobree watchim but him billy boil you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me bum bye datun maaa bin cum up langa billabong carrdia bin gatchim wholly maaa ngee ngee im bin put im dtun maaa inchide langa ducker bag you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me waltjim bat matilda, waltjim bat matilda, you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me im bin put im dtun maaa inchide langa ducker bag you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me bum bye datun marrdagee bin cum up langa dimina pleetjaman bin cum up one, two, three where datun maaa you bin putim langa ducker bag you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me waltjim bat matilda, waltjim bat matilda, you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me where datun maaa you bin putim langa ducker bag you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me bum bye datun carrdia bin jump in langa billabong you gan gatchim me libe one ngee ngee and im pirit jere chingin out inchide langa billabong you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me waltjim bat matilda, waltjim bat matilda, you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me and im pirit jere chingin out inchide langa billabong you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me waltjim bat matilda, waltjim bat matilda, you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me and im koodook (spirit) jere chingin out inchide langa billabong you balla cum n waltjim bat matilda langa me Dibmorr diborr dibmorr diborr dibmorr diborr – whee Youtube clip Mudcat thread --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 10 Sep 20 - 09:44 PM Yay!! Beats that feckin 'AAF' hands down!! Miss seeing Ali, June, and the girls in those regular Brown's Mart shows, e.g. - it's rather different here in provincial Qld ........... R-J :( |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 12:27 AM Here is one of many excellent compositions from the late Kiwi-Quoinslander, Mark Gillet. Little England Our pioneers, many generations lost in time, Sail away, made a home across the world They took this land, transformed it with blood and iron Above it all, the flag of England unfurled They saw clouds like white cliffs on the horizon Above a land that was clean, green and new But when they came they bought Little England with them And it lives on inside me and inside you Ch. And in the lion and the unicorn, Cricket oval and a croquet lawn Carol singers and a hunting horn Little England And though I know it’s just a state of mind Little England can be so unkind I’ll sail away and see what I can find In Little England Echoes from, my childhood so far away The cradle songs, my mamma sang to me Oh Little England when will I let you go Your cradle songs, keep haunting me The beating drum, there’s red coats marching in the square Keeps us in chains, stop our souls from flying free Oh Little England when will you let us go Your beating drums keeps driving me Chorus ..... I’ll sail away and see what I can find In Little England I can see clouds, like white cliffs on the horizon Above a land that‘s clean, green and new But I can’t go Little England’s got this hold on me Till everyone can sail away too More about Mark can be read in the Mudcat "In Memorium" thread. Thanks to his mate, Noel Gardner, for these lyrics. Noel has been learning Mark's 'LE' song of late, for his next CD. Here is a YT clip of Mark singing "Little England" that I only just discovered : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SmVXeq4Jus Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 02:49 AM THE DROVER'S BOY ~ Ted Egan They couldn't understand why the drover cried as they buried the drover's boy, For the drover had always seemed so hard to the men in his employ. A bolting horse, a stirrup lost, and the drover's boy was dead The shovelled dirt, and a mumbled word And it's back to the road ahead And forget about…..the drover's boy. They couldn't understand why the drover cut a lock of the dead boy's hair, Put it in the band of his battered old hat as they watched him standing there. And he told them "Take the cattle on; I'll sit with the boy awhile" A silent thought, a pipe to smoke And it's ride another mile, And forget about …..the drover's boy. They couldn't make out why the drover and the boy always camped so far away, For the tall white man and the slim black boy had never had much to say. And the boy would be gone at the break of dawn; tail the horses, carry on While the drover roused the sleeping men Daylight - hit the road again, And follow…..the drover's boy. In the Camooweal pub they talked about the death of the drover's boy, They drank their rum with the stranger who'd come from the Kimberley round Fitzroy. And he told them of the massacre in the West; barest details, guess the rest Shoot the bucks, grab a gin, Cut her hair, break her in, And call her a boy…..the drover's boy. So when they build that stockman's hall of fame and they talk about the droving game, Remember the girl who was bedmate and guide Rode with the drover side by side Watched the bullocks, flayed the hide Faithful wife, but never a bride Bred his sons for the cattle runs Don't weep…..for the drover's boy, Don't mourn….. for the drover's boy, But don't for-get! The Drover's Boy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ9a0qr7ORY Great song; great story; great bloke. I'm sure it's been discussed on The Cat before. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 03:05 AM THE RUSTY FORD CORTINA ~ Mark Gillett The vinyl on the dashboard has all faded And I can’t believe the speedo’s reading true Coz it’s been 10 long years today Since I purchased this old station - wagon An’ I’ll drive this hack till the driving’s done. Ch. For the rain always falls on my rusty Ford Cortina Bits keep falling off and get left behind And the muffler’s mighty roar Always causes a sensation An’ I’ll drive this hack till the driving’s done. Seems when I start it up each morning That it’s gonna take me half the day For there’s only one headlight And it isn’t very bright An’ it bucks & jumps and handles like a dray. Sometimes I think, I’ll buy myself a new one But they cost so much, I always change my mind And the tailgate rattles on and on And the front end’s most peculiar But I’ll drive this hack till the driving’s done. Mark wrote this parody c.early 80s - with apologies to Hugh McDonald! Here is Hugh's song and his amended story of the writing of "The Diamantina Drover" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoWJWEr7DO4 Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 03:23 AM BILL AND THE BEAR - John Thompson 1. Come listen now, good people here To a story of renown of the day a hundred years ago when the circus came to town Mr Wirth and all his gallant crew They raised the big top high And all the folk for miles around Gathered under a canvas sky Ch. And were you there in the clear night air when William Sinclair he fought the bear Were you there to see William Sinclair When he wrestled the bear to the ground 2. There were dancing ponies and tumbling clowns The best you ever did see A lion tamer and a high wire act A girl on the flying trapeze There was a fat ring-master in a big top hat And he slashed his whip through the air With a roar and a growl, a cage went clang It was Samson the mighty bear 3. He was ten feet high, he was nine feet wide A mountain of muscle and fur A mighty beast just as black as the coal The ground shook with his roar Then the man with the whip He called for quiet not a sound from those who were there I've a crisp ten pounds for any man here Who's brave enough to wrestle a bear. 4. Bill and his family had come to see the show his youngest newly born The strongest man to ever walk the range He'd carry his weight in corn he sized up the beast, with a glance at his wife he slowly raised his hand "I'll have a go", he heard himself say then up struck the band 5. Stripped to the waist, bill entered the ring Circling and bouncing round First left, then right, 'til he lunged right in The crowd didn't make a sound They twisted and they turned as they wrestled and they grappled At the skin and the muscle and the hair With a mighty roar, Bill threw Samson down He raised his fist in the air 6. You've never heard a roar quite like it The shouts split the midnight air Bill was raised above all the heads of the crowd to the cheers of everyone there And to this day, when you see the name of the famous Bill Sinclair Raise your glass and drink to the health Of the only man to ever beat the bear. The true story of a Glaswegian emigrant to Australia, William Sinclair, who became famous in the Maleny District of South-East Queensland for defeating a bear in a wrestling match when a circus visited Landsborough in the early 20th Century. John says his post is dedicated to Bill's grandson, Leslie Norman ("Nugget") Sinclair who died at the age of 92 on 26 August, 2011. With a good chorus for joining in on, this track is on Cloudstreet's 'Circus of Desires' album; but this is a link to a local(ish) live performance of John & Nicole & Emma : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnWcE0ukutU Landsborough is just a few Kays down the bottom of the hill from me, in Qld's Sunshine Coast Hinterland!! Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 04:23 AM SUN ARISE ~ Rolf Harris & Harry Butler Sun arise, she bring in the morning. Sun arise, bring in the morning, fluttering her skirts all around. Sun arise, she come with the dawning. Sun arise, come with the dawning, spreading all the light all around. Sun arise, on the kangaroo paw. Sun arise, on the kangaroo paw, glistening the dew all around. Sun arise, filling all the hollows. Sun arise, filling all the hollows, lighting up the hills all around. Sun arise, come with the dawning, Sun arise, she come every day. Sun arise, bring in the morning, Sun arise! Every, every, every, every, day. She drive away the darkness. Every day, drive away the darkness. Bringing back the warmth to the ground. Sun arise, oh, oh, Sun arise, oh, oh. Spreading all the light all around. Sun arise, bring in the morning. Sun arise, bring in the morning, Sun arise, bring in the morning, Spreading all the light all around. Regardless of the circumstances of Rolf’s recent falling from grace and his consequent punishments, I have always maintained that this 1960 song was important, in that it introduced the feel and sound of Aboriginal music to a wide audience, both in Oz and the UK. Remember that Aboriginal music - as heard by the general populace - in those days, was pretty much limited to Jimmy Little’s country style “Royal Telephone” and Harold Blair’s classical singing. After all, The Authorities considered The Aborigines as “a dying race” (or so they seemed to hope.....) But as a West Australian growing up in the ‘burbs of the 50s-60s, I really loved this song (as did my Mother!) – and we weren’t alone – it was often heard on the radio and it is still popular today and has been covered by many artists. “ In his autobiography Rolf Harris recalls the writing of Sun Arise: Another song from that time was 'Sun Arise' which was inspired by the Aboriginal music that Harry Butler had introduced to me. (pp. 159-160) Harry Butler and I wrote 'Sun Arise' together, trying to capture the magic of Aboriginal music by reproducing the repetition of lyrics and music that make it so mesmerizing. The lyrics of the song came from a story Harry told me about Aboriginal beliefs. Some tribes see the sun as a goddess. Each time she wakes in the morning, her skirts of light gradually cover more and more of the land, bringing back warmth and light to the air. (p. 161) - Rolf Harris, Can You Tell Me What It Is Yet? London, Bantam Press, 2001 “ Here is a clip using mostly scenes of nature and Aboriginal life to illustrate – perhaps try to maintain some perspective and not let the odd pic of Rolf disturb your sensibilities : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwtnBm8glPE And with that, I’m taking a break for the night (to await the sun arise - coz "Che gelida manina" :) Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Andrez Date: 11 Sep 20 - 10:12 PM Another great one from days gone by. Turning Steel (The Factory Lad) A song by Colin Dryden ©Colin Dryden 1969 You wake up in the morning, the sky's as black as night, Your mother's shouting up the stairs, you know she's winning the fight, You hurry to the breakfast table and grab a bite to eat, Then out the door and up the road, and through the factory gate. Chorus: Turning steel how do you feel, as in the chuck you spin. If you felt like me you'd roll right out and never roll back in. Cold and dark the morning as you squeeze in the gate. As you clock in, the bell will ring - eight hours is your fate. Off comes the coat and up go the sleeves and "right lads" is the cry. With one eye on the clock, the other on your lathe, you wish that time could fly. But time can't fly as fast as a lathe, and work you must - The grinding, groaning spinning metal, the hot air and the dust. And many's the time I'm with me girl and we're walking through the park, While gazing down at the spinning steel or the welder's blinding spark. Well, old Tom, he left last week - his final bell did ring. His hair as white as the face beneath his oily sunken skin. But he made a speech and he said "good-bye" to a life time working here, As I shook his hand, I thought of hell - a lathe for forty years. When my time comes, as come it must, why then I'll leave this place. I'll walk right out past the chargehand's desk and never turn my face. Out through the gates, into the sun, and I'll leave it all behind, With but one regret for the lads I've left, to carry on the grind. Cheers, Andrez |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 11 Sep 20 - 10:26 PM Barry Skipsey is a singer/songwriter and professional photographer from Alice Springs. He has written many fine songs. This one is a session favourite in the Northern Territory. OCEAN LINER (Barry Skipsey) When I was fishing back in the west Rollin’ on the foamin’ sea I dream of them pretty girls back on the shore And I wish they was here with me Chorus Step on board the ocean liner Step on board without delay, me lads Step on board there’s nothin’ finer And together we’ll sail away Well, I made up me mind to take to the wave On hearing of a good return So the very next mornin’, I found myself prawnn’ Me stomach it began to churn Chorus I was workin’ twenty four hours a day Me eyes hangin’ out of me head Twenty four hours barely makin’ a wage I wish I was back in me bed Chorus Seven cents a kilo for kings, they said Eight cents a kilo endeavours At ten cents a kilo for tiger prawns For that they want the best out of you Chorus I’m a long way from mother out here on the waves A long way from family And a bloody long way from being a tap dancer That my mother so wanted me to be Chorus The skipper is a big man, he stands so high His head pokes up through the riggin’ And a crew of old dragons and they’re so high I think they’ve left the land of the living Chorus So I’m eatin’ and thinkin’, and sortin’ prawns Till they flamin’ well come out of me ears And the cook gives me the shits in more ways than one So I think I’m on my very last run Chorus Here is a rendition at Top Half Folk Festival in Alice Springs - ragged but right. Youtube clip It's hard to believe that prawns (or shrimps as they are called in the US) were ever that cheap. These days, you almost have to take out a bank loan to purchase a box. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Andrez Date: 11 Sep 20 - 10:33 PM Link to Factory Lad by Colin Dryden. https://soundcloud.com/nomeshome/factory-lad-turning-steel-by Cheers, Andrez |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 11 Sep 20 - 10:45 PM Here's another one from the NT. Wendy Baarda was a long-time resident at the Yuendumu Aboriginal community out from Alice Springs. Bloodwood, a well-regarded bush band from Alice Springs, adapted a poem that she wrote many years ago. It relates to the serious problem of illegal grog-running into the community. YUENDUMU FLAGON WAGON (Wendy Baarda/Bloodwood) (Chorus) Engine roarin’, tailpipe draggin’ Yuendumu flagon wagon Made it home again Every time, rain or shine Cops are waitin’ far behind Kids clear out and the women are cryin’ Daddy’s comin’ home with a load of wine Airstrip out and the road is clay Rain coming down every night and day No tucker in the store but they dropped in the pay There’s a big mob of flagon in the camp today Chorus Flagon wagon caught in a bog Rain comin’ down, no jack, no log No food, no fire, no blankets, no dog Seven day living off nothing but grog Chorus Every time, rain or shine Cops are waitin’ far behind Kids clear out and the women are cryin’ Daddy’s comin’ home with a load of wine Copper up ahead, too late, cut short ‘Hey black feller, what’s that you bought’ Ten jerry cans full of Four Crown port Talk about it two weeks later in court Chorus A hundred dollar down, hey man you’re on Win this round, get a car and I’m gone Another flagon wagon doin’ the run Up and down the Track to Aileron Chorus Every time, rain or shine Cops are waitin’ far behind Kids clear out and the women are cryin’ Daddy’s comin’ home with a load of wine The song may be found on the 2-CD set 'Bloodwood: the Collection'. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 11 Sep 20 - 11:21 PM Stewie, do you have WABO's "The Timbercutters Song" that Tropical Ear used to sing?? ("Keep them logs rolling boys, Down to the mill my boys, Keep them logs a-rolling down ....") How about "Matt Savage - The Boss Drover" - Ted Egan/Bloodwood??? Cheers, R-J BtW, someone mentioned "The Year of the Drum" "This song from Wendy Joseph describes the tragic effects of the World Wars on several generations of the people of Mannum and the use of music to entice young men to war. Mannum is a small town on the lower Murray River and has the distinction of having lost more men per head of population in both World Wars than any other town in South Australia." Here is Wongawilli's version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj7g5v-891s "The Year of the Drum" ~ Wendy Joseph My name is Jack Gresham, I grew up in Mannum, That river boat town I loved well, I married Meg Davis, we had us two children, One day our family bliss turned to Hell. For in nineteen fourteen, 'twas the year of the drum, The guns and the Government called me to come, Past melaleuca and tall shining gums, I drifted away down the Murray. My name is Meg Davis and I work down at Shearers, Making wagons and stirrups and hames, The war it is raging, the men are all fighting, The women toil here making fuel for the flames. For it's nineteen fifteen and the men have all gone, They're fighting in Europe so we carry on, We're keeping the candles lit bright here at home, To light their way back up the Murray. My name it is Mary and I am an orphan, My father was killed in the war, My mother Meg Davis, an upstanding lady, She drowned in the Murray the year I turned four. It was nineteen sixteen when the telegram came, The death of her soldier its message proclaimed, My Mum lost her footing due to tears and the rain, She slipped on the banks of the Murray. My name it is Billy and I am a soldier, I just got my orders to-day, My wife's name is Mary, she's as fair as a sunset, I hate to be leaving her lonely this way. But the year's forty two, 'tis the year of the drum, The guns and the Government call me to come, Past melaleuca and tall shining gums, I'm drifting away down the Murray. But the year doesn't matter, there's always a drum, The guns and the Governments call men to come, But the town still grows strong in her tall shining sons, While her daughters light lamps by the Murray. RjB |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 12 Sep 20 - 12:34 AM R-J, I had the WABO album, but I gave it to Pembo years ago to convert to CD. He never got a 'round tuit' and I don't know what has happened to his stuff. I have the words to 'Matt Savage' in one of Ted's songbooks. I'll type them out tomorrow. Here is a link to a spirited rendition of 'The Rabbiters' for which Sandra posted the lyrics earlier in this thread. Beaut song. Mucky Duck BB --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 12 Sep 20 - 09:12 PM A simple happy song for Sunday, to be sung by saints and sinners alike!! Pass the Song Along ~ Bernard Carney. You can Sing and I can Sing So let’s all Sing together Lift your voice and pass the song along, Sing your joy, Sing your love And we can Sing forever Lift your voice and pass the song along. Share a simple melody When you hit some nasty weather Lift your voice and pass the song along, Don’t care what you sound like If we’re singing it together Lift your voice and pass the song along. Pass the song along, the song is loud, the song is strong The song is old, the song is new, the song is free, The song is helping someone out, The song is laugh and dance and shout The song is anything you want the song to be. So you can Sing and I can Sing So let’s all Sing together Lift your voice and pass the song along, Sing your joy, Sing your love And we can Sing forever Lift your voice and pass the song along. Lift your voice and pass the song along. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmKTzRrEBmA Bernard has over 40 years working full-time in the Oz entertainment industry, with numerous overseas and interstate gigs (he resides in WA), has released many CDs, and also works with the “Spirit of the Streets” choir and “Working Voices” combined unions choir. http://www.bernardcarney.com/ |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 12 Sep 20 - 09:19 PM KALGOORLIE PIPELINE ~ Alan Ferguson / trad Irish tune Ch. Way Way over the desert, the daylight is fading The camp fires grow bright at the close of the day And over the Darlings, our loved ones are waiting Beyond the Great Ocean, in Ireland far away. Way out in the diggings, the miners are toiling Dry blowing gold in the bright blazing sun They're cursing the price of the water they're drinking And praying O'Connor will get the job done. 300 miles we have toiled for O'Connor Swinging our hammers and heaving the lines A desert in front and a pipeline behind us And C. Y. O'Connor will get there in time. chorus..... Political wrangles have led to this pipeline And I cursed the day that I joined on meself To Kalgoorlie, soon, the water is flowing But that damned Irish foreman will see me in Hell. From Mundaring we're known as the wild pipeline navvies We sing and we booze 'round the campfire at night Through all the long days of typhoid and sickness Laying this pipeline for O'Connor's lone fight. Ch. Way over the desert, the daylight is fading The camp fires grow bright at the close of the day And over the Darlings, our loved ones are waiting Beyond the Great Ocean, in Ireland far away. A song from the pen of Alan Ferguson - half of The Settlers (with Sean Roche) from WA and from their 1979 album "Bound for Western Australia" for WA's 150th anniversary celebrations. The original LP had a wonderful accompanying history/lyric booklet, which sadly, the later CD edition lacked. SUCH a shame that this whole record has not been placed online. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 12 Sep 20 - 09:31 PM THE DEATH OF BEN HALL Come all Australian sons with me, for a hero has been slain Cowardly butchered in his sleep, upon the Lachlan Plains. He never robbed a needy man, as all the records show Staunch and loyal to his mates, and manly to the foe. No brand of Cain e’er stamped his brow, no widow’s curse did fall When tales are read, the squatter’s dread, the name of bold Ben Hall. When first he left his trusty mates, the cause I ne’er did hear The bloodhounds of the law heard this, and after him did steer. Then savagely, they murdered him, those cowardly bluecoat imps Who were led on to where he lay, by informing peelers’ pimps. No more he’ll mount his gallant steed, or range the hills so high The widow’s friend in poverty, bold Ben Hall – goodbye. Pray do not stay your seemly grief, but let the teardrops fall For all Australia mourns today, the death of bold Ben Hall. It’s a pity that the version poignantly sung (in my memory!) by TONY LAVIN (Wild Colonial Boys) does not appear to be online. It was on their 1971 “Glenrowan to the Gulf” LP. WCB were Jacko Kevans, Bob McInnes, Jim Fingleton, Bill Morgan, Tony Lavin, and originally, Declan Affley. They all had a bit part in Tony Richardson’s 1970 film “Ned Kelly” (yes, the Mick Jagger version) – did they even get credited?? IMHO, t’would have been better if they had featured in the soundtrack instead of the Yanks (i.e. Shel Silverstein comps with Waylon Jennings & Kris Kristofferson & Tom Ghent singing, FFS!!!!) But yes, it’s all a long time ago now - and the remakes of Ned just keep on coming :) Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 12 Sep 20 - 09:49 PM MATT SAVAGE: BOSS DROVER (Ted Egan) At the six-mile in Wyndham the word passed around Matt Savage, the boss drover, has just come to town His plant's on the common, he's looking for men 'Cos he's taking a mob into Queensland He's a legend in the outback, he's a man among men Matt Savage, the boss drover, and he's riding again Two thousand store bullocks, wild ones at that That's the mob that he's taking into Queensland Chorus: Matt Savage, the boss drover, he'll take a mob over Taking the bullocks to Queensland, ah ha! Matt Savage, the boss drover, he'll take a mob over Taking the bullocks to Queensland Six of us ringers with cigarette swags Signed up by Matt Savage and we've each got six nags The cook's all hung over but the boss drover knows That he'll travel ok into Queensland First night, star bright, cattle travelling well Hear the jingle of the hobbles, hear the Condamine bell Sing a song as we watch them, make the buggers lie down Or they'll rush all the way into Queensland Chorus Meat for the packbags as we pass through Wave Hill There's a big Vestey's bullock so we're in for the kill Grilled rib-bones tonight by the campfire's light We'll be fit when we finally hit Queensland But we're haunted by ghosts on the Murranji Track Dead men, dead bullocks, cursed outback Cattle dry-staging and the boss drover's raging Hard times on the way into Queensland Chorus The Murranji's dry but at Newcastle Waters We'll be dancing in the bar with old Bullwaddy's daughter Then it's back in the saddle, keep pushing them cattle Gotta take 'em along into Queensland And when the bullocks all rushed, led by the big roan Matt Savage on the night-horse, he turned them alone He's been on the road now for about forty years Boss drover on the stock routes to Queensland Chorus Four months on the road and the Tableland's bare And it's heat, and it's dust, and there's flies everywhere But when we get to Camooweal, we won't give a damn and we'll Go riding along into Queensland And there's the railway, there's the siding, delivery Dajarra Then as quick as a flash we'll be into the bar Of the pub for a blowout and a gutful of rum 'Cos we just brought a mob into Queensland Ted noted: Bullwaddy Bates was a legendary figure who came on to the Barkly Tableland, acquired several Jingili women as concubines and set up Beetaloo and OT Stations. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bates (or Bathern, which was his correct name) recognised his mix-race children and bequeathed the properties to them when he died. Youtube clip --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 12 Sep 20 - 09:52 PM WARATAH AND WATTLE ~ Frances Patterson (& Henry Lawson) Though poor and in trouble I wander alone With a rebel cockade in my hand Though friends may desert me and kindred disown My country will never do that! You may sing of the Shamrock, the Thistle, the Rose Or the Three-in-a-Bunch, if you will But I know of a country that’s gathered all those And I love the Great Land where the Waratah grows And the Wattle bough blooms on the hill. In Dreamtime, they tell us, the Great Spirits came They wandered and traveled the land They raised up the mountains and flattened the plains They laid down the rocks and the sand They carved out a course for the long river’s way They planted the forests in shade The great power of forming is joined to their way And the tracks that they traveled are still here today Under the roads we have made. Now under the Wattle I wander alone And I think of the loss and the gain To the land where we live we no longer belong Although it is held in our name This great earth which has borne us we want to disown We have deserted our land We are separate now and we live quite alone And we try to grow roots in a place that we own And bitterly don’t understand And bitterly, we won’t understand. I learnt this great song in the 80s from the singing of Lynne Tracey (now back to being Lynne Muir), who is a most beautiful artist - calligrapher in Victoria and now sings classical music rather than folk. Though the first verse is Lawson's, Frances Paterson of Sydney, wrote the next two and composed the music. If you find Lawson's poem being sung on YT, it's pretty dire, and the tune definitely does not fit this song. Frances recorded her song in 1987 on an album of originals called "Sol Y Sombra" - I cannot find the song online, but I have ordered the LP from EBay! Frances was also in bands like "Okapi Guitar Band" performing "AfroPop" - great-sounding dance music. She died in 2018. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 12 Sep 20 - 11:19 PM I am still interested in finding songs relating to C.Y. O'Connor, the brilliant Irish-born engineer who planned/built the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme (aka The Kalgoorlie Pipeline - from Mundaring in the Darling Range of Perth), 1896-1903, amongst other projects in West Aussie and New Zealand. He was hounded to take his own life less than 12 months before the taps were successfully turned on, by MSM rants (esp The Sunday Times) and politicians like Alexander Forrest (though his brother, John Forrest, was a supporter). I have posted songs I have found so far in the following thread : https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=48647&messages=31#4071699 Cheers, R-J (not sure why the Blicky Machine doesn't work for Mudcat threads - I only get 404 messages!) |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 12 Sep 20 - 11:35 PM Some additional information re 'Waltjim bat Matilda' posted above. Ali Mills is the grand-niece of the late Val McGinness who had an old-time string band in pre-WW2 Darwin. Val was the writer of 'Waltjim but Matilda' (original had 'but' not 'bat') and Ali adapted it by adding some Gurindji and Larrakia words. Jeff Corfield, who lived in Darwin for many years, wrote a book in tribute to the life and music of Val McGinness whom he described as 'one of the last of Darwin's old string band musicians: 'String Bands and Shake Hands'. Val died in 1988. Shortly before Val's death, Jeff made extensive recordings of his songs and tunes and these have been deposited in the Northern Territory Archives. Val's brother, John (Jack), was also a musician. In relation to 'Waltjim but Matilda', Val told Jeff in 1988: We (Johnny and I) would start off singing 'once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong' and the rest of the band would play with us. When we'd finish that first verse, I'd come in and say 'hey you fella, you chingim that song wrong way!' (and they'd say) 'yeah, which right way you chingim?' and I'd say 'you blow that bamboo (that didgeridoo) and I'll chingim proper way for you' ... and Johnny would get the guitar and he'd go dung dung a dung - make noise like a didgeridoo and I'd sing it see! Here is one of Val's songs. His brother wrote the music. ADELAIDE RIVER (V.McGinness/J.McGinness) Have you been on the beautiful Adelaide River? Have you ever seen kangaroos and wallabies at play? Trees are ever green on the beautiful Adelaide River That is where my heart is and where I long to stay Bamboo trees sway in the breeze while moon is rising high Waters rolling, lovers strolling, just like you and I Night birds calling, shadows falling, over silver streams Oh how grand to hold your hand just like I do in dreams We fell in love on the beautiful Adelaide River Moon rose above, lighting love's glorious way You were in my arms on the beautiful Adelaide River Darling, I love you for ever and a day --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 02:25 AM Thanks Stew! I'm very fond of Val's "Adelaide River' song!! Hopefully one day it will make it online. Here is the sound of the regenerated Darwin String Bands in The Darwin Rondalla and the famous Shake Hands dance : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol4XPSNHT7E Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 02:49 AM RANGITIKI [© BOB WILSON 2014] 1. Life was spartan in England years after the war Few jobs, low wages, prospects were poor No better in Scotland or Ireland too Uncle Jim emigrated so we joined the queue It was life on the prairies or in old Sydney town Dunedin was mentioned, with a worrisome frown Nine families, one bathroom, it was not hard to choose Except for the day they told their parents the news. ch. When the Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitata sailed upon the seas They carried troops in the war, then took migrants to the colonies The commonwealth of nations welcomed them with open arms They brought teachers and tradesmen and laborers to work the farms. 2. My dad said “they’ll take us if we’re breathing and warm.” There was ice on the windows, it was a terrible storm He had one small piece of paper to say who we were Paid five english pounds for the seagoing fare We all got vaccinations and smallpox scars Stayed with auntie in London, saw the changing of the guard She drove us to Tilbury on a drizzly day With sad music playing, we sailed away. Ch. When the Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitata sailed upon the seas They carried troops in the war, then took migrants to the colonies The commonwealth of nations welcomed them with open arms They brought teachers and tradesmen and laborers to work the farms. People in the new land helped put us at our ease They made fun of our accents but no-one called us refugees Yet we sought asylum in our modest anglo-saxon way Now one in four is born somewhere else, or so they say, 3. There are pictures of her children hanging on the wall Wearing academic gowns, standing proud and tall Some have been to England, some have been to France One moved to Manitoba, a refugee romance Sometimes with her family gathered all around She thinks of what we got for those five english pounds We work and we save and we give what we can To those seeking refuge from their troubled lands. We work and we save and we give what we can To refugees from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan From Burma, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, (spoken) Ch. When the Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitata sailed upon the seas, When the Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitata sailed upon the seas, When the Rangitiki, Rangitane, Rangitata sailed upon the seas. Here is the link to The Goodwills YT presentation of this song : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idnXHKWl01A&t=297s And here is Bob's Blog where he explains the background story : https://bobwords.com.au/rangitiki-migrants-story/ This track is from their latest CD "The Last Waterhole" and their previous recording "Loungeroom Legends", has another great favourite of mine : "Impressions of New Zealand" - a companion migrant song to this one. Watch their YT presentation : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3gCGksoS_8 Bob Wilson [The Goodwills] is a lovely songwriter and The Goodwills (now of Warwick, Qld) have 4 CDs , which contain mostly Bob's originals. He paints great pictures with his words and gentle humour. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 04:20 AM When you posted "On the Death of Harold Holt" by JS Manifold, Stewie, I had clean forgotten that it was already up on Paul's YT channel at his 15th National Folk Festival concert in Brisbane at Easter 1981 :)) (I said I thought I was going ga-ga :( It was quite a few posts back, so I'll repeat the lyrics : HAROLD HOLT*** poem by John Streeter Manifold music by Paul Oswald Lawler Only a week before Christmas The happiest day of the year They held a wake for Harold Holt And the big wig guests came here Bonny Prince Charlie came o’er the sea With Wilson who never smiles And L B J from the U S A And the king of the cannibal isles Chaps from Siam and South Vietnam And the Philippines too I think Some for the sake of the free free world And some for the free free drink They made long speeches and shed loud tears To propitiate Harold’s ghost And the king of the cannibal isles got up To propose a final toast He said we have had such a splendid time Such generous Christmas cheer We hope you’ll be able to drown A Prime Minister every year ***JSM’s title was “On the Death of Mr Holt” The track is at 12:55 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kGADIvdG_c Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 05:14 AM GREEN AMONG THE GOLD ~ Steve Barnes 1. Dusty plains and iron chains met Erin's sons and daughters Cast upon a barren land, a far-off distant shore They dreamed of misty mountains and their home across the water They sang of Connemara and the home they'd see no more. Now limestone walls are all that's left of times of pain and failure This country yields the secrets of the beauty that it holds And the tunes of Erin's Isle are now the music of Australia For Irish hands have woven strands of green among the gold. Ch. And so beneath the southern cross they sang their songs of Ireland Who sent her sons and daughters there in the hungry days of old They play their jigs and reels beneath the skies of their new homeland For Irish hands have woven strands of green among the gold. 2. Times were hard at home and so they took a crazy notion To start a brand new life upon the far side of the globe And now they find their hearts are stranded somewhere in mid ocean Though their days are full of sunshine and their future's full of hope, Their children sing of a droving life, of shearers, and bushrangers They learn to play the music and to dance the steps of old Though their hearts are in Australia they never will be strangers To the land they left behind them; they're the green among the gold. I didn’t find a recording by WA composers Steve & Ros Barnes, so here is an a cappella version by the Germany-based trio IONTACH : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx1Slp02jE0 Steve Barnes was for many years the Artistic Director of Fairbridge Folk Festival, at Pinjarra in Western Australia. Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 07:37 AM ORE TRAIN BLUES © BOB WILSON 2013 V.1 He got a job way out west carting iron ore From the outback mines of the Pilbara to the West Australian shore The hours were long, but the pay was good, but there wasn’t much to do Except strum the ukulele and sing train songs with the crew. CH.1 and they sang: Freight train, Graveyard train, Blow that Lonesome Whistle train The Indian Pacific and the Abalinga Mail Night train, Morning train Roll in m’Baby’s Arms train Picking up the tempo with the rattling of the rails. V.2 Now the bosses and the union called a meeting in the yard They had heard about this trio with the engineer and guard “It’s workplace health and safety, it’s like talking on your phone.” But he knew it wasn’t the music, they just didn’t like the tone. CH.2 and they sang: Ghost train, Poison train, not bound for glory, This train And they all sang la la la la, when They Drove Old Dixie Down Bridal train, Salvation train, Get on Board Little Children train He could have been the King of the Road but he never got the crown. V.3 The boss bought high-tech robots from Korea and Japan And the maiden hands-free journey went pretty much to plan They said: “It’s a boring job, we’ll find you something else to do.” Now he’s in a control room, sharing train songs with the crew. CH.3 and they sang: Freight train, Graveyard train, Blow that Lonesome Whistle train The Indian Pacific and the Abalinga Mail Night train, Morning train Roll in m’Baby’s Arms train Picking up the tempo with the rattling of the rails. CH.4 and they sang: Mail train, Slow train, Desper-ados Waiting for a Train Homeward Bound, John Henry, Engine Engine Number Nine Peace train, Freedom train, Robert Johnston’s Love in Vain And they all sang like Dylan: well, I'm walkin' down the line And they all sang like Dylan: well, I'm walkin' down the line. For all you lovers of Train Songs - another from Bob & Laurel Wilson (aka The Goodwills) and a great one to try and sing along, esp with the 4 chorus variations!! You'll find it here : https://www.thegoodwills.com/store/music-by-the-goodwills/the-last-waterhole/ on their latest CD "The Last Waterhole". Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: rich-joy Date: 13 Sep 20 - 07:48 AM Sorry if Stewie and I have put anyone else off from posting, but there's just so much good music out there (much of it not heard outside of Oz festivals or folkclubs), and when the spirit moves you, well, ya just gotta let it take ya :)) But I think I'm having a break for a coupla days now anyway .... Cheers, R-J |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 13 Sep 20 - 09:40 AM does that mean I have to get back to work? |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 13 Sep 20 - 08:52 PM R-J, well said. Thanks for posting a link to Val McGinness's 'Shake Hands Dance'. Lovely. Sandra, yes. PIONEERS (F.Ophel/R.Rummery) They said, 'Now here is gold The cloth of gold unrolled Lies spread about our feet Now fortune smiles and sweet' The mulga hid the face of fate Watching with ruthless eyes of hate 'Now wealth is ours', they said 'Great wealth and riches red Our journeying is done Guerdon and gold are won' Red were the written words they signed And scenting blood the wild dog whined They said, 'Now ours is fame And honoured glorious name - The name of pioneers And honour as of seers' They turned to take the homeward track And dreamed a joyous welcome back No man knows where they lie None heard their last death cry Unmarked their grave by mound But at the last trump sound Perchance some god who all things hears Will give them praise as pioneers This one is on Bob Rummery's 'Man with the concertina' CD. Bob's note: A poem written by Frederick Ophel in June 1906. A story on WA's goldfields in the early 1890s told that the first prospectors to peg Coolgardie found pegs in the ground with indecipherable writing in red ink. No one knows who pegged the ground'. You can find a rendition at about the 45-min mark of Chloe and Jason's tribute to Bob. Youtube --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 13 Sep 20 - 09:50 PM THUNDERBOLT'S DREAM (Trad/Anon) One night in Uralla scrub as I lay Strange fancies came o'er me and I thought it was day I thought it was day yet I knew it was night My dreams they all vanished and I woke in a fright I saw scenes of a picnic in a faraway town Of music and dancing and sports all around My mother and father enjoying the fun And schoolmates with whom I once ventured to run Yes my dreams they all vanished and I woke with a jolt To find myself still the outlaw Thunderbolt But the music kept playing, there was a dance on nearby No one would know me so I strolled on inside We were having a spell, we'd just finished a dance When a trooper rode up and his horse it did prance I could tell by his looks he was more than a colt So I thought to myself, 'You'll suit Thunderbolt' While the trooper engaged in having a dance I made for the door, to the horse I soon pranced I sprang to the stirrup, in the saddle with one bound I said, 'My young fellow a rider you've found' Over rivers and valleys and mountains we flew And from the green grass swept the bright morning dew The trooper gave chase but he hadn't a chance With his head hanging down he rode back to the dance To that young policeman a lesson I've taught No more he'll be heard in any police court It was a hundred good miles I made on that colt They put a thousand bright sovereigns on bold Thunderbolt The song is the opening track of Bob Rummery's 'Man with the concertina'. Here is less spirited rendition than Bob's - Bob's nephew, Mark Rummery, and Barry McDonald. Youtube clip --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: JennieG Date: 13 Sep 20 - 09:59 PM Uralla is just an hour north of here, their local museum has an excellent Thunderbolt display. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 13 Sep 20 - 10:07 PM Bob Rummery put a tune to Ian Mudie's poem about Australian soldiers in New Guinea in WW2. NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN (Mudie/Rummery) Are you there, Peter Lalor, are you there? Ghost with gold-dust in your hair And lean Stuart do you ride to seek your northern tide? Where in greens they're slowly swinging Through the mud, too tired for singing Where the poison of New Guinea fills the ai Are you there, untiring Eyre, are you there? With your heart beyond compare Are you there, you brave wild Kellys where heroes on their bellies Through the jungle now are creeping May their women have no weeping When snipers from their tree-tops cruelly stare? You ghosts that walk beside Do you watch them now with pride? As through green hell and glory, they carry on your story Where in mud their feet are sinking And in dreams they're always thinking Of their homes and of the cobbers who have died --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: GUEST Date: 14 Sep 20 - 08:52 PM As sung by Martyn Wyndham- Read. TOMAHAWKING FRED Now some shearing I have done, and some prizes I have won Through knuckling down so close against the skin But I'd rather tomahawk every day and shear a flock For that's the only way to make some tin Chorus I am just about to head for the Darling River shed To turn a hundred out I know the plan Just give me sufficient cash and you'll see me make a splash For I'm Tomahawking Fred, the lady's man Put me on a shearing floor and I’ll lay you five to four That I'd give any ringer ten sheep start Oh when I’m on the whipping side then away from me they glide Just like any bullet or a dart Chorus Oh of me you might have read for I'm Tomahawking Fred In shearing sheds me fame has travelled far I'm the don of the Riverine, amongst the shearers cut a shine And our tar-boy says I never call for tar Chorus Wire in and go ahead, for I'm Tomahawking Fred In a shearing shed, my lads, I cut a shine There is Roberts and Jack Gunn, shearing laurels they have won But my tally's never under ninety-nine Chorus Youtube clip This belter of a shearing song was preserved for us by the self-styled 'last of the bushrangers', Jack Bradshaw, who had done a bit of shearing when he wasn't horse stealing or planning bank robberies. He served 20 years from 1880 for bank robbery and some business over a stolen cheque. In jail, he put together his 'Highway Robbery Under Arms Without Shedding Blood' and 'Twenty Years of Prison Life in the Gaols of NSW'. These included a number of traditional songs, including this one. It appears in Stewart and Keesing' edition of 'Old Bush Songs' under the title 'Some Shearing I Have Done'. Evidently, the ballad is based on a music hall song 'Fashionable Fred'. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 14 Sep 20 - 09:43 PM Once again, I forgot to login. Of course, this Lawson poem should be among any collection of Australian 'folk songs'. FREEDOM ON THE WALLABY (Henry Lawson) Australia's a big country An' Freedom's humping bluey, An' Freedom's on the wallaby Oh! don't you hear 'er cooey? She's just begun to boomerang, She'll knock the tyrants silly, She's goin' to light another fire And boil another billy. Our fathers toiled for bitter bread While loafers thrived beside 'em, But food to eat and clothes to wear, Their native land denied 'em. An' so they left their native land In spite of their devotion, An' so they came, or if they stole, Were sent across the ocean. Then Freedom couldn't stand the glare O' Royalty's regalia, She left the loafers where they were, An' came out to Australia. But now across the mighty main The chains have come ter bind her – She little thought to see again The wrongs she left behind her. Our parents toil'd to make a home – Hard grubbin 'twas an' clearin' – They wasn't crowded much with lords When they was pioneering. But now that we have made the land A garden full of promise, Old Greed must crook 'is dirty hand And come ter take it from us. So we must fly a rebel flag, As others did before us, And we must sing a rebel song And join in rebel chorus. We'll make the tyrants feel the sting O' those that they would throttle; They needn't say the fault is ours If blood should stain the wattle! There are plenty of renditions available on the Net. Unfortunately, my favourite is not - Bob Rummery singing it on Loaded Dog 'Dusty gravel road'. Loaded Dog faithfully keep to Lawson's text. Decades ago, I put together the following intro for a themed concert of Oz songs. It may be of interest: The depression of the early 1890s led to an explosion of the antagonisms that had been simmering between capital and labour. Strikes and lockouts were the order of the day. The shearers' strike of 1891 brought Australia close to the brink of civil war at a time when working people throughout the world were demanding social justice, better pay and improved working conditions. The powerful squatters were aided and abetted by colonial governments, the military and the police. At Barcaldine, over 1500 troopers with cannon and gattling guns confronted 1000 armed shearers who were attacking a train loaded with scabs. This led to hundreds of shearers being arrested and woodsheds being burned to the ground. Lawson published 'Freedom on the Wallaby' in 'The Worker' in Brisbane on 16 May 1891. It was his comment on the use of the military to put down the shearers' strike and some stanzas were read out in the Queensland parliament amid calls for his arrest for sedition. The poem took to the bush and grew itself a tune. A.G. Stephens once said of one of Lawson's poems and would have said of many 'this is not high poetry, but the passion, the grip of it, make it valuable and, in Australia, memorable. It is interesting to note that, as early as 1889, Lawson was writing: 'I don't think I'd live for a week under the freedom or tyranny of unionism, universal brotherhood, glorious liberty or whatever you like to call it'. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Rise Up Mudcat Songbook - Australia From: Stewie Date: 14 Sep 20 - 10:16 PM Here's another Lawson poem for which Bob Rummery provided a tune: THE SHEARERS (H.Lawson/R.Rummery) No church-bell rings them from the Track, No pulpit lights their blindness– ‘Tis hardship, drought, and homelessness That teach those bushmen kindness: The mateship born, in barren lands, Of toil and thirst and danger, The camp-fare for the wanderer set, The first place to the stranger. They do the best they can today– Take no thought of the morrow; Their way is not the old-world way– They live to lend and borrow. When shearing’s done and cheques gone wrong, They call it “time to slither”– They saddle up and say “So-long!” And ride the Lord knows whither. And though he may be brown or black, Or wrong man there, or right man, The mate that’s steadfast to his mates They call that man a “white man!” They tramp in mateship side by side– The Protestant and Roman– They call no biped lord or sir, And touch their hat to no man! They carry in their swags perhaps, A portrait and a letter– And, maybe, deep down in their hearts, The hope of “something better.” Where lonely miles are long to ride, And long, hot days recurrent, There’s lots of time to think of men They might have been–but weren’t. They turn their faces to the west And leave the world behind them (Their drought-dry graves are seldom set Where even mates can find them). They know too little of the world To rise to wealth or greatness; But in these lines I gladly pay My tribute to their straightness It can be found on Loaded Dog 'That there dog o' mine' CD. --Stewie. |
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