A.B. Original & Paul Kelly 'Dumb Things' for Like A Version 

Lyrics with translation/meaning (From Lyrics Genius) Verse 1: Paul Kelly] Welcome, strangers, to the show I'm the one who should be lying low Saw the knives out, turned my back Heard the train coming, stayed right on that track [Chorus: Paul Kelly] In the middle, in the middle In the middle of a dream I lost my shirt, I pawned my rings I've done all the dumb things [Verse 2: Trials] Yeah, them dumb things This goin' out to my brothers down there in Don Dale Dealin' with that disaster That them guards are there and not jail Thinking we gettin' our welfare, huh? Thinking we gettin' our healthcare, huh? Think about if it was your son Now think about sending some help there, yeah **** On 25 July 2016, Four Corners premiered “Australia’s Shame,” which was an investigative journalism report that focused on Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, and the injustices contained within it. The “confronting investigation [sent] shockwaves around Australia,” revealing footage of the guards committing countless instances of abuse and even torture. Trials, like the Australian population, is in disbelief that the guards of the centre haven’t been imprisoned for their abusive practices. He dedicates this to the neglected youths (who’re typically Aboriginal,) and calls on people to take action as they would if their own child were experiencing what the children of Don Dale were. Trials also acknowledges that ignoramuses believe Aboriginals are fine as they get adequate welfare and have access to healthcare. This is extremely far from the truth. **** What's dumber than that, mate? What's dumber than dressing up blackface? What's dumber than doing it knowing it hurts And don't even work to make that change? Let's go [Chorus: Paul Kelly] In the middle, in the middle In the middle of a dream I lost my shirt, I pawned my rings I've done all the dumb things [Verse 3: Briggs] We got We got islands for the ones who seekin' asylum **** Australia has been criticised for it’s offshore processing, which involves sending refugees who arrive illegally on boats for processing on Manus Island or Nauru (a small Oceania island). Briggs is referring to the PNG Solution that was announced on 19 July 2013, and the Pacific Solution. The Pacific Solution was introduced in August 2012 after its cancellation in 2007. These policies overlap as Manus Island is located in Papua New Guinea. After multiple cases of human rights violations and mounting pressure the Australian government closed the manus facility. **** We got silence for the ones who died in confinement If you're complacent to the words of a racist Don't you dare complain when that's what leading your nation Send in the clowns, they're blackfacing They're locking up couples, they're locking up brothers But they ain't leavin' the station The date's changin **** A message from their song “January 26”. Briggs and A. B. Original have been very influential in Australian media about changing Australia Day’s date. (Nico Crinkleburg edit: Jan 26 is known by many Australian aboriginals as “invasion day” as it commemorates the landing of “The First Fleet” at Sydney Cove in 1788) **** [Verse 4: Trials] Yeah, them dumb things, lumped in Looking for peace, but won't find it They holdin' us back from closing the gap By keeping them close minded **** The “Close The Gap Campaign” is an Australian social justice project aiming to reduce the inequality and disparity between Indigenous people and other Australians, particularly in regards to health. It is a government funded programme, organized by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The underpinning purpose of the campaign is “to raise the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to that of the non-Indigenous population within a generation - by 2030.” **** See, no surprises there, hearing both of them sirens blare Them coppers where I'm from are kind of fair, if you kind of fair **** In Australia, there is some controversy surrounding the ways the police treat Aboriginal people and black people. According to Smart Owl, the most common issues that the Aborigines face from police are “overly harsh treatment, inappropriate behaviour, and seemingly excessive sentences.” In these lines, Trials is saying that if you’re white, the police are nice to you.**** [Verse 5: Briggs] What's a Royal Commission To the ones who live on a mission? To the ones who's killed by the system? By the ones that's meant to assist 'em? At the hands of policemen, who's gonna police them? They killin' us Kooris, they got it on footage They need to release them **** The Koori people are indigenous Australian’s that are from New South Wales and Victoria. He is referring to the slaughter of many Koori people. In this incident, the perpetrators went unpunished **** [Chorus: Paul Kelly] In the middle, in the middle In the middle of a dream I lost my shirt, I pawned my rings I've done all the dumb things [Ad-Lib: Trials] Mr John Bartlett [Keys Solo: SixFour] [Ad-Lib: Trials] My brother, Dan Sultan [Guitar Solo: Dan Sultan] [Ad-Lib: Trials] Mr Paul Kelly [Harmonica Solo: Paul Kelly] [Chorus: Paul Kelly] In the middle, in the middle In the middle of a dream I lost my shirt, I pawned my rings I've done all the dumb things [Outro: Paul Kelly] Yeah, I melted wax to fix my wings Threw my hat into the ring I thought that I just had to sing I've done all the dumb things Edit: one personal note regarding Jan 26

There's a lot of references in the rap sections that refer to stuff in Australian politics that you probably wouldn't pick up if you aren't familiar with the local issues and phrases. Very different from the original version. Pretty cool.

Triple J is a fantastic radio station here in Oz. Every Friday they have a band come in and play “Like a version” which essentially means that band covers a song of their choice in whatever style they choose also. Some of these covers have been absolutely incredible. I encourage you to check it out.

A few aussie notes on the bars "Close the gap" is about closing the gap between life expectation of aboriginal and the rest of Australias population, as aboriginal people die 20-30 years ypnger on average Dondale youth prison was recently (when this song was made) exposed for they're guards abusing teens "The dates changing" refers to Australia day, also known as a day of morning for the aboriginal people The islands for the ones seeking asylum is a reference to our detention centre on Christmas Island where refugees have been kept in inhumane conditions for 10 years+ This is an epic song and there are so meny other australian political issues touched on

Love that you’re hitting up Paul Kelly songs he’s Australia’s Bob Dylan and he’s lyrics are unrivalled. You should definitely check out Paul Dempsey he is like Paul Kelly with amazing vocals.

The timeless adaptability of Mr Kelly demonstrated here showing what exactly is great about Australian music scene. Collaboration it breeds incredible results.

Paul Kelly is one of the best! I always suggest this version to people in the comments section even if it doesn't get reacted upon by the chanel, I think it has power to make the other listeners contemplate things they have done and what they could do better or change. Thank you to whoever requested this.❤❤❤❤

'The lyric 'the dates changing' might refer to the push in Australia to change the day we celebrate Australia Day. Currently we celebrate it on 26th January; which is when the ships from England carring the first Convicts sentenced to Australia, landed in Sydney. Each 26th Jan there is a big push to change the date as to some especially the Aboriginals it is invasion day. Listen to 'Solid Rock' by Goanna for more about the effect of white colonisation in Australia.

Adam Briggs coming out of Shepperton Victoria and Mr Trials straight out Colonnades Noarlunga South Australia make up A.B. Original 2 of the best lyricists in the Australian hip hop game and Trials being an amazing producer.

Briggs is a legend. Such a great artist and doing so much for others via Bad Apple records.

Paul Kelly is a huge supporter of indigenous rights and refugee/asylum seekers. He’s also been around since the 1970’s-80’s. Legend. He does a lot of touring in the New Orleans area, from what I’m told.

A.B. Original have some excellent and hard hitting lyrics, important voices today. Paul Kelly is simply a legend.

Paul Kelly is one of Australia's best story teller's through his music 🎶

I’m sickeningly late to the party here but your face when this song started playing is exactly how I felt the first time I heard it too! I love watching your react cuz it’s always so genuine and raw 🔥

This song just gives me constant chills. Such an amazing collaboration by so many great artists. If you're looking for another Paul Kelly song to react to I suggest "To Her Door".

🖤💛❤️ awesome thanks Nick. Love this version. Great collab with AB Original and Dan the Man. Senator Briggs you reacted to with the children came back. You posted on an auspicious occasion 14 years since the Federal Government apology to the stolen generation. Close the Gap is the difference between indigenous and non indigenous peoples across multiple Measures (life expectancy, education, employment etc) the gap keeps getting wider and my people keep dying in custody. Royal commissions are meaningless when you can ignore all the recommendations.

This is one of my favourite songs on repeat on my playlist, this was a dream request and literally made my week when I saw it, thank you to the requester 👌🏻✌🏻

Glad your realising and appreciating how great Paul Kelly is!

One more time. It is always great to this hear this fresh perspective. Australians, me included tends to be stuck in the mud when a small minority tends to be everyone's punching bag polically and every other day in life.

Love this version 🖤💛❤️🫶🏽. They’re holding us back from closing the gap. Love it.

'...I lost my shirt, i pawned my rings...i've done all the dumb things...' Ha! How many of us can relate to that in one form or another!

Just shows the respect there is for Paul when you have such a cross-section of artists that want to record with him love and peace to all. Peace out.

they aint leaving the station, indigenous deaths in custody...and no-one held accountable, criminal act in itself...shameful!!

Thank you for requesting this, this is awesome song with such talented artist !!!

Like a Version is the best radio segment ever! Somehow the covers that come out of it are ALWAYS amazing, and many of them have become as well known as the originals. It's like a breeding ground for creativity and oddly, originality. For example, the top spot in this year's Triple J Hottest 100 (the radio station's competition in which millions of listeners vote for their favourite song of the year) was taken out by the Wiggles (yes, those Wiggles) playing a live cover of Tame Impala's 'Elephant'. It was so wacky it was brilliant!

What a legend performance Paul Kelly - Legend Artist Dumb Things + Legend Song This grouping - Legendary in the making. I'm not sure who the other guys were but they were AWESOME. Thanks for this, I never heard this.before and I'm like WOW Great

Is it sad that I have watched this reaction close to 10 times and then I head over and listen to Paul Kelly and Kasey Chambers sing 'I still Pray'? Man we have some wild unique voices and talent in Australia❤🤘

love your videos mate :) thank you for showing so much love to Aussie artists

So glad you got to this one, imo one of the best like a versions and such a grand display of talented artists

Its interesting your take on the close the gap bar - closing the gap is an Aussie political movement to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.

Paul is a living National Treasure.

You need to do the original now, it's quite different and even more catchy (this version is brilliant too!)

I love the original, but never heard this version before. Love it 😊

This is definitely my favourite Like A Version. You’d definitely love some more of both AB Original and Paul Kelly’s works.

So glad someone requested this!!👏👏 Love Paul Kelly, I grew up with "Paul Kelly and the coloured girls", love his song " To her door ", great song, great reaction👍

My brother I love watching you discover our blackfullah artists

To begin with I was thinking the original is way better but this version is next level for different reasons. Bloody epic

I love this version! We've got many really good Aboriginal rappers here. They keep us in check with how our government treats them...

As an Australian I love ❤ that you love this

I haven't heard this version. When he said "the date's changing" I fucking screamed!!! YEEEEESSSSS #Changethedate to #May8

This was amazing! Would love to see more AB ORIGINAL reactions !!! 🙌

Thanks for seeing our brothers

Paul Kelly is a national treasure...

I’m becoming addicted to your Aussie reviews

Peace and love from Australia bruv

This reminds me so much of when Tuka covered Big Jet Plane on Like a Version. Love this and loved that.2 of my faves. I love how australian artists collab and add new hip hop lyrics to make the songs a whole new piece of art.

"The dates changing" - It will. It bloody will. It's just a matter of time. I know the context is probably lost with a lot of these lyrics but I really hope someone requests more A.B. Original & Briggs tracks.

If you're a career musician and songwriter in Australia, you've worked fkn hard mate. Paul is a fkn legend. Love watching you dig deeper into the Aussie music bro.

Bout time you reacted to more music from A. B. Original. Their album is fire from front to back.

Finally someone asked for it. Awesome!💯💢💥💫

Just found u and luv looking at the indigenous music and other Australian..

Just found your Chanel. See your on a bit of an Oz music vibe. So many great artists and songs to choose from in rock and country music. You got a new subscriber

Triple J, the national government funded "Youth" radio station. For a number of years (20+), they've had the "Like A Version" segment where once weekly an artist will come in and perform a track of their own, as well as a cover of another artist. Every year for the past 10+ years, November has been "Aus Music Month", highlighting Australian music. As such, they make sure to get in only Australian artists during November to cover other Australian tracks. As many other people have mentioned in these comments, A. B. Original (ne Aboriginal, Australia's First People) are fantastic artists, and pulled Paul Kelly and Dan Sultan to collaborate for their cover. As you heard, they are fantastic together, and have since collaborated on other works.

An adoption of a classic which is now an anthem. Thanks for showing such a great powerful song. Paul Kelly is a living treasure And go AB

I love that you've watched just a few songs of Paul Kelly and already know he's a music legend

loved your insight on this man

That big cheesy grin you heard on your face is how I felt in the car listening to this air live on radio years ago. An epic twist on a classic Paul Kelly hit and they nailed it, couldn’t happy but smile while listening 😀

Omg Paul Kelly is a legend, love, love, love this song.💕

Man, I've been enjoying your Ren reactions lately, and now I find out you'd done a bunch of reactions to Aboriginal music too??? I'm so damn hype right now!!! As an Aboriginal woman, this is so touching to me. Please 🙏 please do a reaction to Barkaa, she's an incredible Aboriginal rapper. I feel like you'd really enjoy her song King Brown ❤ much love brother

I loved "the dates changing" from Briggs there! ❤️

A.B. Original are phenomenal. So glad to see you hyping them here because they're some of the best rappers in Aus imo.

You need to listen to the original with just Paul Kelly, love it! This has a completely different feel to the original. This is still great, but I'm sure alot of the requests you received would have been for the original.

Love it , your the best , the Frank Sinatra comparison is interesting

Whoa, I hadn't heard this version before! Great lyrics telling a powerful story.

I hadn’t heard this version before. Love it

Those coppers from where I am from are kinda fair, if you're kinda fair. Powerful!

LOVE this song!

Paul Kelly is the best. Yes he is the story teller

So glad you’ve done this one.

First time I've heard this version and these other fellas. Fckn Awesome!

Yesssss! Can’t wait for this one! 👊

This is just Amaizing!!

More Paul Kelly please ❤

So dope. I forgot about this cover. So epic

Aussie pub rock owes a lot to Aboriginal Australian Dreamtime and storytelling traditions.

This is my favourite version of this.

Im a huge Paul Kelly fan. I'd never heard this version before thank you.

I think you finally understand why us Aussies have been banging on about Paul Kelly and how awesome he is.

This band makes me very proud to be an indigenous Aussie. You have to check out AB in Jan 26.

A lot of people forget that Paul Kelly is part of the Black Arm Band and cares greatly about the First Australian community. Briggs ( the dude in the flannel) is also a writer on a First Australian comedy series called Black Comedy, it's quite funny.

Paul Kelly is a true story teller

The Date needs to change, Australia Day we call a Day Of Mourning....how can us people Celebrate the day my people were MASACRED..this is too Cool ❤️Triple J rox

Can't wait to hear you do more videos on A.B Original - The brother boys Briggs and Trials been killing the Aussie Hip Hop scene for a long time 🙌🏾

Yeh thanks for that I've never heard of that version and I'm a made Paul Kelly fan

"The date's changing" Awsm 👍🏿🇦🇺

Bro u murdich that means real good aboriginal language south west Australian u promote my people thank u

✌️ freakin awesome best ever gives me overwhelming pride thank U 🍷🖤

Wow! Yeah epic! I've always loved the original version, but this is crazy good.

The whole closing the gap comment at 7:25 refers to free medicine for indigenous ppl in Australia

Beautiful reaction. Triple J will give you plenty of Aussie and international artists to react to if you're not vibing with recommendations in the discord.

I freaking love this cover !

Reclaim Australia by AB Original is one of the hardest hitting well written hip hop / rap albums to come out of Australia. Briggs ( the bigger fella also writes for the Simpson's)

Love this version! Lots of reference to the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians. Australia is has been so ignorant to the plight of our indigenous people. LOVE Paul Kelly ❤️

still one of the best like a versions out there! when I hear people say mr. Paul Kelly its like MISTER just thorough respect and admiration!

Holy FUCK !!! This is the best version ever.

That was the first time I heard that version of this song. I like it.

I love “the date’s changin”

Seen him live at Woodford. Pretty sure it was after our prior Prime Minister sang Waltzing Matilda drunk off his ass really loudly. It was pretty awesome. RIP Bob Hawke.

Holyfuck! I saw you did Yothu Yindi and somehow missed this?! You are a legend man! ❤

Trials rhymes bight like a chainsaw. Respect ❤💛🖤