ABOUT THE SONGS

This is my fourth recorded collection of Australian songs, written by, for and about

Australians and the land they call home. As always, I am indebted to the musicians who

created these fine works.

To Michelle Spencer and Diane Parker whose brilliant musicianship enhances the feel

and flavour of this collection - thank you.

To Jamie Baldwin who recorded, mixed and mastered this CD, played an amazing variety

of instruments and as always showed endless patience during the recording process -

how could I do it without you, mate?

Let The Canefields Burn

Many people have a long family history of living and working on the land which has been threatened in recent years by hard times. Graeme Connor's story of a cane farmer is one such example.

I Am Australian

A great many Australians think this song should be our national anthem, rather than the current choice. Bruce Woodley manages to tell the story in this song of the people who are called Australians, where they came from, who they are and what really matters to them.

No One Wants To Know

Enda Kenny wrote this about Ireland but it's sadly true everywhere. I travel a lot, part of being a musician, and wherever I go I see homeless children on the streets. I simply cannot reconcile the wealth of western nations with their inability or unwillingness to do something effective about kids sleeping in doorways and cardboard boxes. Do we really not care?

Silly Slang Song

Ah, the joy of the English language. I know a language is a living thing and has to change with time, but surely there's a difference between changing and mutation. Eric Bogle who wrote this song obviously thinks so.

Safe In The Harbour

I've had the sad but honoured task of singing this song at the funerals of two friends. Hardest gig I've ever played. Originally written by Eric Bogle in memory of Stan Rogers, this haunting and lovely piece is a wonderful statement about a person's life and work.

The Busker's Waltz

A song of social comment about the conservatism of my home town and the battle that occurred over the idea of allowing buskers in the main city shopping mall. Geoff Drummond has captured the essence of the issue in this musical tribute to the people who spend their days making music for no other reason than they like making music. They surely don't do it for the money.

Wine

A work of social comment about the meeting of two cultures, this piece by Col Milligan is guaranteed to break up an audience wherever I do it.

When The Rain Tumbles Down In July

Slim Dusty was an Australian legend. He recorded more than one hundred albums in a career that spanned over half a century and he never stopped touring, putting on shows all over the country in little towns that otherwise wouldn't see a live musician from one year to the next. He had a strong connection with the ordinary people of Australia and wrote many songs like this one, which describes life away from the big cities. By the way, In Australia July is winter.

The Swaggies

This biting story of Australia's development talks about the aspects of Australia's history that don't often get covered in songs about this country. Alistair Hulett is clearly not afraid to tell it like he sees it.

Wednesday's Child

Do you ever have a day where you think you must have been cursed from birth? Bernard Bolan clearly has had his share of them and perhaps he's found an explanation.

And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

The towering, glorious and gut wrenching story of the birth of the ANZAC legend, told by Eric Bogle in a song which has become justly famous for its power and intensity. It's gratifying to see that the respect for those mighty defenders of the freedom of this country just keeps getting stronger, even though we have now lost the last of them.

Johnny Stewart Drover

We don't drove cattle any more, and that lifestyle now belongs to history. Chris Buch clearly thinks we are the poorer for that, and I'm not sure he's wrong.

Shelter

Another candidate from the Eric Bogle stable of contenders for national song of Australia. A wonderful ballad about what it means to be Australian, regardless of where you originally came from.