Just last weekend I was asked if I could pick a destination for my 'dream' vacation, where would I go? Without thought, I said: "Australia". Something calls me there. I can't explain it. I don't know what it is, but everything about Australia is appealing to me. You read here about how sad I was at the passing of Steve Irwin. (I still, am terribly sad about it.) Ravioli & I watched the televised memorial service on Animal Planet, shortly after his passing. And we bawled our eyes out. Both of us. He'll probably kill me for putting that out there. But anyway, it was heart-wrenching. During the memorial service John Williamson sang two songs that I instantly had to download because they left me with such feeling and longing. And one of those songs is my choice for today's song. And let me just add a disclaimer here that I don't know much about the subtle intricacies of Australian culture. So, for all I know, John Williamson could be the equivalent of........um.......'The Hooters' here in the States. But that being said, the following song left me with something I didn't have before I heard it. So, this may 'out' me as a completely silly American girl. But oh, well. This song was a beautiful choice for the memorial service and just a beautiful song. So, here goes:True Blue
By: John Williamson
Hey True Blue, don't say you've gone
Say you've knocked off for a smoko
And you'll be back later on
Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue
Give it to me straight
Face to face
Are you really disappearing,
Just another dying race,
Hey True Blue
True Blue, is it me and you?
Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo?
Is it standing by your mate
When he's in a fight?
Or just vegemite?
True Blue, I'm asking you...
Hey True Blue, can you bear the load?
Will you tie it up with wire,
Just to keep the show on the road?
Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue, now be Fair Dinkum
Is your heart still there?
If they sell us out like sponge cake
Do you really care?
Hey True Blue.
True Blue, is it me and you?
Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo?
Is it standing by your mate
When she's in a fight?
Or just vegemite?
True Blue, I'm asking you....
True Blue, is it me and you?
Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo?
Is it standing by your mate
When he's in a fight?
Or just vegemite?
True Blue....True Blue
4 ripples in the pond:
I was not crying, I had an allergy attack! yeah, that's right. Ok, ok I admit it. But, I think I was truly grieving for the animals. As Steve's father said, "They've lost the best friend they ever had".
As you know the 'call' of Australia has done me in good & proper!!
I understand what you say about this place & if you ever get to visit (you really should) then you'll see sights you never would have imagined (& I'm not just talking about the red light district in Sydney!). There are a few things I've learnt recently, the biggest being: If your heart is leading you somewhere, you have to follow otherwise all you'll do is regret it.
As Australias latest advertising campaign says "Where the bloody hell are you?"
With regards to Steve, I've only ever seen such a big public outpouring of grief and love once before & that was when Princess Diana died (which personally, I felt was overrated.) With Steve I can totally understand it. As you say "Whose going to look after his family/the animals/the planet now?"
Oh yes, John Williamson is not the most 'appreciated' of Australian singer/songwriters, however surely the important thing is that the song moves you? There are some truly appalling bands/singers out there with some of the most beautiful songs.
Hev - I knew I would hear from you regarding this post - and I'm so glad I did!
I hate to disappoint!
Perhaps the Australian Tourist Board should give me a job!
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