[carol m]

The other key player in the drama was Gough William, the new Prime Minister at the time who is referred to as the Tall Stranger from the South (or something like that). He's the guy who spontaneously (?) bent down, picked up a handfull of earth/sand and poured it into Vincent Lingari's hand. A great piece of symbolism and drama.

The song was written by Kev Carmody - an aboriginal drover who at a 'mature' age was accepted into Sydney University to study Arts. He wasn't crash hot at writing essays, so he wrote and sang songs for his assignments and thesis and passed with flying colours. He used to rock up to lectures with his beat-up guitar and sing his opinions/views etc

A great songwriter - usually in the narrative 'telling of tales' style. Has recently released a double CD with his versions on one disc, and other Aussie singers sing one track each (the same songs) on disc 2.

These days he hangs out in Kirk's area but more inland in the 'droving country' he grew up in.

[Noodler]

Gets more interesting by the minute. I didn't know that was Gough the song talked about. I'm a fan of Gough because I benefited from a "free" tertiary education I couldn't have gotten otherwise.

I also didn't know the song was by Kev Camody. Thought it was Paul Kelly. Kev Carmody sounds like an interesting fellow. There's supposed to be a picture of the sna dmoment, but I haven't seen it. Oh wait, here it is:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/13...7b520ce190.jpg

[carol m]

Here's the whole gang - Kev Caromody centre, John Butler left and Paul Kelly (The Australian Dylan) on the right. Then a whole swag of no-good Aussie musos....

YouTube - From Little Things Big Things Grow - Make Poverty History

He says at the beginning it was written by himself and Paul Kelly so we were both right Noodler.

(are you watching the cup final Noodler, it's neck and neck!)

[Noodler]

Paul Kelly - the Aussy Bob Dylan! I like it

Saw the first half hour or so of the footy. My folks are visiting and watching the Bill now. That Haka was full-on tonight.

[carol m]

Oops, that clip didn't have the whole swag of aussie musos - in the actual concert that was the finale song and it went on for ages with all the other singers taking a verse each, plus audience!

[starsailor]

Just been sitting back and enjoying your posts Carol and Noodler, educated there, like Paul Kelly, enjoyed the Make Poverty History clip they worked really well together great song, I assume you're talking Australian rules Football our guys don't like getting hurt they roll around on the ground for ages, Is The Bill the Police series from over here or something else, if it is UK it's not like that over here honest

[carol m]

The cup final was the Rugby League World Cup between Australia and New Zealand - the Brits got rubbed out in an earlier round The aussies got beaten, but the Kiwis are like brothers anyway.

The Bill is the British cop show although I haven't watched it in years.

[starsailor]

Originally Posted by carol m

The cup final was the Rugby League World Cup between Australia and New Zealand - the Brits got rubbed out in an earlier round The aussies got beaten, but the Kiwis are like brothers anyway.

The Bill is the British cop show although I haven't watched it in years.

Think they're having a welcome home thing for our guys not saying it will be quiet but even the Airport staff are taking the day off can't handle the shame, apparently they had to pay the Pilots double to fly them back and sign a contract promising not to laugh when they boarded the plane
I don't watch the Bill but it's very popular over here, my favourite Aussie show is Summer Heights High got flight of the Conchords now too.
Kind of meandered from the lyric thread, using an Aussie connection I think the Bee Gees definitely deserve a mention very gifted Songwriters.

[carol m]

There are lots of Paul Kelly lyrics worth checking out. He's made one whole CD based on Bible stories, and another along the lines of the Raymond Carver sleuth novels (Murder Ballads).

Here's a feel-good track - I defy anyone to watch this and not smile -

YouTube - Shane Warne Song

[starsailor]

Brilliant, that song had such a great feel, loved that Clarinet excellent

[carol m]

Even the sound man is bopping along - love it!

[carol m]

Randy Newman has some fine lyrics, and Billy Joel's Piano Man.

Many of Sufjan Stevens songs for example YouTube - Sufjan Stevens - For the widows in paradise

and Ray Lamontagne's 'Empty' for example

There's a version with a cello which I prefer but can't find the clip - it's late - my computer's gone on strike and refuses to hyperlink any more.......goodnight.

[starsailor]

Found this interesting it's a short interview with Randy Newman on his songwriting style

YouTube - The Randy Newman Writing Style

And a good video of Randy Newman, Better Move On.

YouTube - Randy Newman - Mark Knopfler - Marcus Miller -better move on

[Noodler]

Two Paul Kelly songs really stand out, and are right up your alley (acoustic strumming busker songs), Starsailor: To Her Door and Dumb Things.

This is a down to earth song, I reckon is well written. eg When you line them UP together the footy wins hands DOWN. Kind of clever. Fight like an angel/ fight like the devil (Oxymorons?) The guy who wrote that wrote a whole swag of songs and TV jingles. A great unsung writer - Mike Brady. Wrote ads like Dodo the internet that flies, Lucky you're with aami, and even the Meadow-Lea commercial from the 80's. Hmm those ads get into your head. If only he'd used his powers for good instead of evil!

YouTube - Up There, Cazaly

Off to check out those links.

Wow Carol, most incredible scenery I've ever seen. Great song. Is it written from God's POV?

Never heard of Randy Newman before today, and although I'm short, I like that guy! :-)

[carol m]

Ouch Noodler! Maybe Stairway to Heaven could be a rousing Footy anthem?

Chris: thanks for the link, I just spent half the morning watching Randy Newman interviews (instead of doing other stuff).

In this one he discusses all about how he writes his songs and lots more besides

YouTube - Randy Newman - Late Show, BBC, Part One

He really bags simile and metaphor all right! However, in my defense if you look back at the examples of great writing I posted, all except one were character dialogue/conversation........