Story Behind The Song

Explores complex problems of indigenous people in Australia, and the role one young man takes on, trying to change things.

Song Description

Poignant story song, recurring chorus with lots of harmonies.

Lyrics

Ask him to write down all that he sees and learn
Collecting observations things he discerns
Colours of the sunset
Strange lights glowing in the sand

Question him and all he says you receive in wonder
Cry ?how fascinating?, down another glass of red
Tell us how to cook our tea,
And how to live in harmony with nature.


And he says life goes on,
another day, another year goes by
Kids are born, people die
The money comes and goes in deadly blows
And he?s tired to partake
In philosophical observances tonight.

Come into the desert sing the songs of life

And if he had the answers he would not be there today
But in a fancy office with plenty of things to say
He?d rather be an expert
than an angry young man, on the lands today.

And he says life goes on another day another year goes by,
Kids are born and people die
And tjilpi laughs, continues on his way
He is tired to partake in philosophical observances tonight.

Come into the desert sing the songs of life
Come into the desert sing the songs of life