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09 Sep 04 - 04:58 PM (#1267892) Subject: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster From: Kitty I love this song and want to learn it but it has some words that are in "Australian...." and I ain't. Would appreciate some help. Specifically, can't understand the names of the tribes. Thanks bunches |
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09 Sep 04 - 09:22 PM (#1268126) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster From: Margret RoadKnight "Bangtail Muster" by Ted Egan - try his website |
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09 Sep 04 - 09:44 PM (#1268151) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster From: Sorcha Ted Egan's site. No lyrics, but there is a newsletter you can sign up for....sorry. |
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10 Sep 04 - 10:14 PM (#1268973) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster From: GUEST,Art Thieme Beat him on the butt with a bangtail muster, Beat him on the butt with a bangtail muster, Beat him on the butt with a bangtail muster, Ear-ly in the morning... What shall we do with the bangtail muster... What the hell is a bangtail muster, What the hell is a bangtail muster, What the hell is a bangtail muster, Ear-ly in the morning? Way, hey, and up she rises, Ear-ly in the morning. Art ;-) |
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18 Aug 15 - 11:51 PM (#3731309) Subject: req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: cnd Video available here I'll also (try) to explain the Australia terms here, when I think applicable. Lyrics: BANGTAIL MUSTER (Ted Eagan) In the Outback, it's a pretty big job When a cattle-man has to tally his mob So they have what the Bushies*(1) call a bangtail muster*(2) Every ringer*(3) lends a hand Every cleanskin*(4) cuts a brand And you bang 'em on the tail when you count 'em at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Put 'em in the big yard--chase 'em 'round, about Pick up the mob; we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Put 'em in the big yard--chase 'em 'round, about Pick up the mob; we're havin' a bangtail muster! Now every year, in the month of May People come from miles away To the great little town of Alice Springs And for days and nights all of Alice swings Everybody heads for town And it doesn't matter if you're black, white or brown 'Cause you'll knock out a mighty fine time at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice*(5), dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster, oh yeah!" And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! The Warlipri*(6) come from Yuendumu*(7) And Nosepeck*(8) brings in the Pintupi*(6), too Yes, all the tribes are in for the bangtail muster People from the cattle stations Come to town for the celebrations Led by Wallaby Bill at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! In Todd Street, there's a big parade So why not join in the cavalcade You can ride on the camel terrain at the bangtail muster Or if you want to take a chance You can learn to do the Kangaroo Dance To the music of the didgeridoo at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! Come to The Alice, we're havin' a bangtail muster! *(1) Though I've found no evidence to prove it, I suspect this is a derogatory term for the aboriginals *(2) Counting cattle by hitting their tails with a stick *(3) A farmer who works solely with cattle *(4) An un-branded animal *(5) a nick-name for the town of Alice Springs *(6) aboriginal Australian tribes *(7) towns *(8) I can't seem to find a town name matching what I'm hearing here, but it sounds like nosepike/nosepeck
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19 Aug 15 - 03:45 AM (#3731352) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: Sandra in Sydney Bushies are people who live in the bush (ie. outside the cities), Ted Egan would never use a derogatory term for Aboriginal people. ringer - original meaning was a highly skilled sheep shearer (eg. Click go the shears) but now also used for a stockman, a man (or woman) who works with cattle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockman_%28Australia%29 A farmer grows crops & might have a few animals, a grazier owns a property with lots of stock. the Pintupi reference is an interesting one! In Todd Street, there's a big parade So why not join in the cavalcade You can ride on the camel terrain at the bangtail muster Would camel 'terrain' be camel train? |
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19 Aug 15 - 09:19 AM (#3731457) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: GUEST,# Likely camel train is correct. Australia imported camels way back and the animals thrived. But I recall reading they didn't get established due to a breeding stock that was too small. Also, Australian Aboriginal people have a kinship system that is country-wide (based on language groupings although it's more complicated than that) and extremely complex. The following map will give the viewer an idea of just how complex. http://www.mappery.com/map-of/Australia-Aboriginal-Tribes-Map The Pintupi are one tribal group. The word of which cnd is not sure maybe refers to a means of transport or a person(?). I haven't been able to hear the song although I'm not sure that would help. (I'm Canadian and we are the only people who speak actual unaccented English, so figuring out words when our linguistic relatives say them can at times be a challenge :-)) Note that Sandra is an informed Australian and knows whereof she speaks. Hopefully, more Ozites will contribute to this thread. |
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19 Aug 15 - 09:51 AM (#3731464) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: cnd Thanks. I, too, am not Australian, so she likely knows more than me regarding some of those matters. I thought it was camel train, but when I listened to the video, I distinctly heard an "a" sound between the t and r. Possibly just a dramatic pronunciation of "train," thought. |
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19 Aug 15 - 12:45 PM (#3731510) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: cnd On second listen, though, train sounds much more correct. I have contacted Mr. Egan regarding a couple of questions about the song (what "Nosepeck" is and the author of the song), and I will post his response if/when he gets back to me. |
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19 Aug 15 - 10:17 PM (#3731647) Subject: ADD: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: cnd Mr. Egan's response: Dear Max Good question. Yes, I wrote the song. First Bangtail Muster Festival was in 1969 in Alice Springs and I was on the committee. "Nosepeg" Jabaljari was a very famous and highly esteemed First Australian, a Pintubi – sometimes in those days referred to as the Bindaboos. He was called "Nosepeg" because he, like most other adult Aboriginals of the period had a pierced septum through which they inserted for cermonial reasons, a "marabindi", usually a kangaroo or an emu bone. The name was deemed particularly appropriate in that Nosepeg assisted in searching for Lasseter when he was lost. They used camels and "Nosepeg" always noted his affinity to the fact that domesticated camels have to have a peg in their noses for control purposes: being ruminants, they can not tolerate a steel bit like horses. He was a great bloke, with a wicked sense of humour. Check him out in various Google spots: I think there was a film made about him And have a look at my webpage for other songs Cheers So that effectively answers our few remaining questions, and we can now post the corrected lyrics: BANGTAIL MUSTER (Ted Egan) In the Outback, it's a pretty big job When a cattle-man has to tally his mob So they have what the Bushies*(1) call a bangtail muster*(2) Every ringer*(3) lends a hand Every cleanskin*(4) cuts a brand And you bang 'em on the tail when you count 'em at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Put 'em in the big yard--chase 'em 'round, about Pick up the mob; we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Put 'em in the big yard--chase 'em 'round, about Pick up the mob; we're havin' a bangtail muster! Now every year, in the month of May People come from miles away To the great little town of Alice Springs And for days and nights all of Alice swings Everybody heads for town And it doesn't matter if you're black, white or brown 'Cause you'll knock out a mighty fine time at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster, oh yeah!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! The Warlipri*(5) come from Yuendumu*(6) And Nosepeg*(7) brings in the Pintupi*(5), too Yes, all the tribes are in for the bangtail muster People from the cattle stations Come to town for the celebrations Led by Wallaby Bill at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! In Todd Street, there's a big parade So why not join in the cavalcade You can ride on the camel train at the bangtail muster Or if you want to take a chance You can learn to do the Kangaroo Dance To the music of the didgeridoo at the bangtail muster And we all sing "Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to the Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster!" Muster 'em up, count 'em all, about Come to The Alice, dance and sing and shout Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! Head for the center, we're havin' a bangtail muster! Come to The Alice, we're havin' a bangtail muster! *(1) people who live in the bush of Australia *(2) counting cattle by hitting their tails with a stick *(3) A highly-skilled sheep shearer/a stockman in general *(4) An un-branded animal *(5) aboriginal Australian tribes *(6) towns *(7) "Nosepeg" Jabaljari was an important person from the Pintupi tribe |
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20 Aug 15 - 04:49 AM (#3731700) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: GUEST,Frank Guest: 'Likely camel train is correct. Australia imported camels way back and the animals thrived. But I recall reading they didn't get established due to a breeding stock that was too small.' Not So. The feral camel population in Australia is quite a problem. We have been exporting live breeding stock to the Middle East for some time for breeding purposes in their racing industry, together with the meat trade. http://www.camelsaust.com.au The 'Alice" (Alice Springs) has an annual Camel Cup event. http://www.camelcup.com.au |
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20 Aug 15 - 10:28 AM (#3731796) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: Sandra in Sydney Ted Egan is a good bloke & very approachable, & it would appear also very prompt at answering enquiries. sandra |
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20 Aug 15 - 11:22 AM (#3731821) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: GUEST,# Thanks, Frank. Live and learn. |
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06 Jul 20 - 08:24 PM (#4063168) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: Joe Offer Another gem to explore. The Goanna Drover (Ted Egan) I was drinkin' in the bar of the Birdsville pub when this long skinny fella comes in. Crazy old moleskins, concertina leggins – on his face was a devilish grin. Well he pressed the bar, gave a little "Yee-hah!", said I'm sorry that I've got no dough, But I'll spin you a yarn if you'll buy me a drink – it's a story that you all should know. Chorus: Yes, he said he was a drover, the finest in the land. He was travelling around Australia, ten thousand goannas in hand. He said, I'm drovin' ten thousand goannas. I've been five years on the track. Started at Cairns where we dipped the mob, and then we headed for the Great Outback. We went due West to the 'curry, across them black soil plains. We got bogged down at the Isa, and had to fit the goannas with chains. (Chorus) Well walkin' 'em down the Murranji track the goannas started climbin' trees. But a drover's got to improvise, so I solved that problem with ease. The monsoon rains was due to start, we had no time to lose. We got forty thousand sardine tins, and we fitted the goannas with shoes. (Chorus) Well we clanked across them Gibber plains, it be hard on shoes out there. But the move paid off in the channel country 'cause the rivers had filled Lake Eyre. I got an old bull camel, and I showed him who was boss. I hit the camel with the old brick trick, and he water-skied the goannas across. (Chorus) So here I am at the Birdsville pub, and if you buy me another drink I'll tell you about me future plans. That's fair enough wouldn't you think? He said, I'll have a rum this time, a double. Good luck, yeah, cheers! Well I'm off now mates, so long, hooroo, I'll be in Hobart within two years. (NO chorus) We called, hang on a minute, we can see you're a bit of a star, But drovin' goannas to Tassie, that's takin' things a bit to far! How do you get them goannas right across Bass Strait? He flashed us all his devilish grin, and said, I'm not goin' that way, mate! (Chorus x2) |
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06 Jul 20 - 10:49 PM (#4063183) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bangtail Muster (Ted Egan) From: GUEST,Gerry A few notes on The Goanna Drover. Goannas are reptiles common in Australia. Some species grow to two meters, most are quite a bit smaller. Drover – Australia has had cattle drives, and the people who drove the cattle were called drovers. No one drove goannas – the song should be taken in the same spirit as Art Thieme's story of The Great Turtle Drive. Moleskins – these are trousers, made of a certain kind of cotton. No moles are harmed. Dipping the mob is immersing the animals in a solution to kill germs, parasites, and suchlike. The 'curry is the town of Cloncurry in rural Queensland. The Isa is the town of Mt Isa, also in rural Queensland. The Murranji track is a stock route in the Northern Territory. Gibber plains are "a desert surface covered with closely packed, interlocking angular or rounded rock fragments of pebble and cobble size," sez Wikipedia. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania ("Tassie"), an island state, separated from the mainland by the waters of Bass Strait (familiar to those who know the John Warner song, Anderson's Coast). I probably made a few mistakes in transcribing the lyrics Joe posted, and a typo or two, but nothing too serious, I hope. First stanza, third line, maybe "pressed" is supposed to be "breasted" or maybe even "addressed". Anyway, there are several recordings up on Youtube, you can hear for yourselves. Joe, thanks for posting. |