Why the name? Fromlittlethings.blogger.com?
From little things big things grow.
This is true.
It’s not just a clever reference to my aspirations for this blog, it’s also the title of a beautiful song about a beautiful moment in Australian history. In this sense, it hybridises my hopes for this blog with music (the theme of the site) and politics (a passion of mine), which often impinges on (and sometimes appropriates) the lyrics of great songs.
As you’ll hear. Because this site will discuss songs, albums, gigs and music in general that I love and enjoy. What they mean. What I think they mean. What they mean to me. Where they fit into music. In general, this will be about alternative music, and in many cases, Australian. The main driver for establishing this site is that I’m moving to America and worry that I’ll lose touch with new Australian alternative music. I also associate things strongly with the music I’m listening to, and always have. So Sydney will be appearing a lot through the songs I tap about occasionally.
And so to the song. From little things big things grow (Comedy, 1995) performed by Paul Kelly, and co-written with indigenous musician Kev Carmody (with didgeridoo at the end performed by actor and personality Ernie Dingo). Paul Kelly (www.paulkelly.com.au) put his mark on the Australian songwriting scene with the release of the classic Australian song From St Kilda to Kings Cross – a story of his travel from the gritty side of Melbourne to its partner in Sydney. He has had a string of hits in Australia since 1984 (Before Too Long, Dumb Things, Bradman, To Her Door), and is, in my opinion, a brilliant singer-songwriter and has the rare ability to capture the essence of that which is Australian. There is little romanticism though, he is honest and does not pretend that life is easy; he exposes the difficult underbelly of society (http://www.abc.net.au/enoughrope/stories/s1147867.htm).
The story-telling them runs strong through Kelly’s songs, and the lyrics to From little things big things grow (http://www.paulkelly.com.au/lyrics/from-little-things.html) are no exception.
But this story is special, and the guitar melodic.
Indeed they were. In 1966 (the year indigenous Australians were recognized as legal citizens, counted in the census, and allowed to vote for the first time) Vincent Lingiari led his tribe on a strike on a large cattle station in the Northern Territory, demanding pay, decent work conditions, and that the Gurindji tribe have their land returned. Over eight years, their struggle gained momentum and support through across Australia, and a cry for human rights through the Union movement.
In 1972 a Labor Government was elected in Australia and it was Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (http://whitlam.alp.org.au/bio.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gough_Whitlam).
bringing the strike to an end and restoring ownership of the land to it's traditional owners. Gough Whitlam's words at the 1975 ceremony were "Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands part of the earth itself as a sign that this land will be the possession of you and your children forever." Whitlam was a leader of rare vision and clarity, who changed the face of Australia for the ordinary person.
Paul Kelly will be visited again here for sure; much more needs to be discussed; albums and discographies plugged. That is for another time. For now, it is important to showcase the song behind the web address. A song about a man who decided enough was enough a paved the way for indigenous land claims in Australia, and the man who responded and gave them the first indication that Australians could care.
From little things big things grow.
This is true.
It’s not just a clever reference to my aspirations for this blog, it’s also the title of a beautiful song about a beautiful moment in Australian history. In this sense, it hybridises my hopes for this blog with music (the theme of the site) and politics (a passion of mine), which often impinges on (and sometimes appropriates) the lyrics of great songs.
As you’ll hear. Because this site will discuss songs, albums, gigs and music in general that I love and enjoy. What they mean. What I think they mean. What they mean to me. Where they fit into music. In general, this will be about alternative music, and in many cases, Australian. The main driver for establishing this site is that I’m moving to America and worry that I’ll lose touch with new Australian alternative music. I also associate things strongly with the music I’m listening to, and always have. So Sydney will be appearing a lot through the songs I tap about occasionally.
And so to the song. From little things big things grow (Comedy, 1995) performed by Paul Kelly, and co-written with indigenous musician Kev Carmody (with didgeridoo at the end performed by actor and personality Ernie Dingo). Paul Kelly (www.paulkelly.com.au) put his mark on the Australian songwriting scene with the release of the classic Australian song From St Kilda to Kings Cross – a story of his travel from the gritty side of Melbourne to its partner in Sydney. He has had a string of hits in Australia since 1984 (Before Too Long, Dumb Things, Bradman, To Her Door), and is, in my opinion, a brilliant singer-songwriter and has the rare ability to capture the essence of that which is Australian. There is little romanticism though, he is honest and does not pretend that life is easy; he exposes the difficult underbelly of society (http://www.abc.net.au/enoughrope/stories/s1147867.htm).
The story-telling them runs strong through Kelly’s songs, and the lyrics to From little things big things grow (http://www.paulkelly.com.au/lyrics/from-little-things.html) are no exception.
But this story is special, and the guitar melodic.
Gather round people let me tell you're a story
An eight year long story of power and pride
British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiari
Were opposite men on opposite sides
Indeed they were. In 1966 (the year indigenous Australians were recognized as legal citizens, counted in the census, and allowed to vote for the first time) Vincent Lingiari led his tribe on a strike on a large cattle station in the Northern Territory, demanding pay, decent work conditions, and that the Gurindji tribe have their land returned. Over eight years, their struggle gained momentum and support through across Australia, and a cry for human rights through the Union movement.
In 1972 a Labor Government was elected in Australia and it was Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (http://whitlam.alp.org.au/bio.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gough_Whitlam).
Eight years went by, eight long years of waiting
Till one day a tall stranger appeared in the land
And he came with lawyers and he came with great ceremony
And through Vincent's fingers poured a handful of sand
bringing the strike to an end and restoring ownership of the land to it's traditional owners. Gough Whitlam's words at the 1975 ceremony were "Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands part of the earth itself as a sign that this land will be the possession of you and your children forever." Whitlam was a leader of rare vision and clarity, who changed the face of Australia for the ordinary person.
Paul Kelly will be visited again here for sure; much more needs to be discussed; albums and discographies plugged. That is for another time. For now, it is important to showcase the song behind the web address. A song about a man who decided enough was enough a paved the way for indigenous land claims in Australia, and the man who responded and gave them the first indication that Australians could care.
That was the story of Vincent Lingairri
But this is the story of something much more
How power and privilege cannot move a people
Who know where they stand and stand in the law
From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow
posted by Matt Hall at 2:42 am
1 Comments:
:) Thanks. These should get better with time.
matt
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