The tall stranger (pictured here) who poured the sand through Vincent's hand was Gough Whitlam the Labor Prime Minister from 1972 to 1975. Whitlam didnt last long but brought a lot of change to Australia through Indigenous issues, Single Parents pensions, free university education, the Arts and much more.
@@kcrot2566 one of life’s ironies is that the two best speeches at his condolence in parliament were Tony Abbot and Malcom Turnbull. Not necessarily fans but they realised he transformed the country
Unfortunately, Whitlam was a bad judge of character and some of his own ministers brought him down 😞 Malcom Fraser continued Whitlam legacies. If Whitlam wasn’t sacked, he would have been our greatest PM!
Just to make sure you realise how big this was, almost all of the Wave Station workers were Aboriginal and they were not really paid - just basically food and board - it was originally their land before 'white man' - so Vincent Lingiari led a walk-off and every Aboriginal worker stockmen [think American cowboys], house servants, cooks, and all their families walked off the job and basically held a sit - in. From that small action of the Gurindji People, Aboriginal Rights came to the forefront in Australian politics and it is still being fought - most Australians reckon it's time Aboriginals have a proper voice in our Parliament - we might finally get some parity for our original inhabitants.
An Aboriginal singer songwriter, whose first album Paul Kelly produced, and who you must listen to, is the late Archie Roach. A survivor of the Stolen Generation, his debut single Took the Children Away is a powerful testament about the tragic legacy of the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families, but also an inspiring story of survival and courage. Uncle Archie was a huge influence on Australian society, and was honored with a state memorial service after his death earlier this year.
Absolutely! This song is evocative of that time in Australia’s history. Paul Kelly is a master storyteller. I have to mention though that the Stolen Generation was not just about the Indigenous peoples being forced to give up their children. There were lots of Caucasian children also stolen from their mothers during this horrible time in Australian history! This is deeply personal to me as I am a product of this scandalous issue. So many single, unwed mothers (or other women without means) were forced to give up their children during the ‘50’s, 60’s and 70’s. It didn’t matter to the Australian government if those children were Australian citizens or not (I.e. in our families case.. my mother was a young widow and the 3 eldest children were actually UK citizens). My grandfather (in England) tried to get my brothers back (all 3 born in England and taken at ages 7, 5 & 2) but the Australian government would not allow them to be sent back to England to my grandfather’s care, All 3 were separated and put into foster care with 3 different families. My sister was born in Australia and (taken at around 8 months old) and fostered out. All because my mother (UK citizen) was in hospital in Australia with a severe illness….so much for “temporary” foster care! She never got them back despite many years of trying and she was also forced to give me up for adoption when I was born a couple of years later (due to the other children being in care) and whilst she was fighting to get the others back. This happened during the late’60’s/early 70’s. Our family is extremely lucky as we have all happily reconnected, but a lot of the Indigenous families and others have never gotten that chance.
@@nancyharvey7969 So sorry to hear you’ve been a victim of those awful policies and practices, but glad you’ve been able to reconnect with your family. While I always feel there’s much to be proud of as an Australian, I’m equally aware there is much to be ashamed of. All the best for you and your family.
Archie and Sara Storer did a rendition of this song on Rockwiz and is one of the most moving versions I've ever seen ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2hGeDj-V1c0.html
This song was co-written by Paul Kelly and Indigenous singer/songwriter Kev Carmody, plus a bonus fact the Didgeridoo at the end is being played by well known Indigenous Australian TV presenter & actor Ernie Dingo.
@@clintonburr852 And the didge was actually a cardboard roll. From Paul Kelly's book: "We invited Ernie Dingo to play didgeridoo. Ernie, actor and TV presenter, is a Yamatji man from Western Australia. He didn’t have a didge in the right key so he asked his neighbour, a seamstress, for some cardboard tubes. She had a whole stack that had held cloth, six of which he brought into the studio. None of them was exactly the right note but we found one that was close and cut it a couple of times with a Stanley knife until it matched the song key. The tube was probably a few months old. On the record it sounds thirty thousand years ancient."
A true story of the indigenous land rights, you are spot on, it's the words that are of importance. Not the singer. Paul has several song like this. He is one of the best storytelling artists of our time.
@@MertAus as you genuinely appear interested in our First Nations Peoples (plural), PLEASE do not refer to them as one people, and definitely not Aboriginal/aborigines. These peoples are many and the oldest living culture in the world! The British brought disease, destruction, drink. They claimed terra nullius. The British lied!
A true story of the power of people who are willing to stand for what they believe in. Thankfully Gough Whitlam PM of Australia gave back the land to it's rightful owners and too this day will be loved for this act. Paul is a Master story teller and I am so happy you are digging into his vast catalogue of excellent songs. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘🎄🎄🎅🤶🎄🎄
Paul Kelly is a poet. IMO he's Australia's version of Bob Dylan. Dylan won the Nobel Prize for literature. Paul Kelly deserves an Australian award for his songs / poetry Paul's song Bradman is a biography of Bradman's cricket career. Many of his osngs are stories e.g Winter Coat & From St Kilda to Kings Cross
Deeper Water is such a great song but he has so many. The first time I saw him was at the Kensy Pub, Kensington, Adelaide in about 1977. I was too stoned to know how brilliant he was at the time.
I love watching your reaction videos Mat. I'm indigenous; a proud murri-woi wurrung woman. The tall guy in the suit is the late great Gough Whitlam, one of our former prime ministers & a great man who advocated for our indigenous land holders. The only politician I've ever liked. x L
My favourite Paul Kelly song. Involves Gough as well, one of my 2 fave aussie prime ministers (Paul Keating is the 2nd). Oh the language😊. Chokes me up in several places every single time.
That's the Prime Minister handing over some sand, symbolic of a start of giving the land back. Little things growing. We know honour our indigenous people at all public events now and acknowledge we are are on their land.
Yep, Kelly is a master songwriter! To Her Door is another one you might want to check out. A different type of song again, but the same great storytelling. The "tall stranger" pictured with Vincent Lingiari is Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who led our first socially progessive govt in years 🙂 Sadly, his govt was rife with corruption, couldn't get its budget thru the Senate and - controversially - was sacked by the Governor-General in 1975. The GG was the Queen's rep in Australia. The intervention of the Crown in terminating an elected govt (known as 'The Dismissal') was a huge event in Australian political history. There are probably vids if you want to check them out.
Thx for paying respect to my people I'm an Aboriginal woman from Perth Western Australia and my people are the Noongah people of the South West of Western Australia and my people are the Noongah people of the South West region of WA my Country is from Perth to as far south as Albany...thx for ur respect
Good reaction. I like it when reactors take the time to understand the lyrics like you do. I've seen some make totally inappropriate comments about songs through not understanding them.
Thank you very much. Yeah I try to take in as much of the lyrics as possible, especially with great writing like this. This one really took me on a journey of those moment he was describing. Very enjoyable
This was really great piece of writing from Paul Kelly. People told me that he is a great story teller and this was a perfect example of this. I am really interested to learn more about Aboriginal Australians and their history. Please recommend some other videos for me to watch about this? Thanks
If you want more Paul Kelly I’d suggest Maralinga (Rainy land) or Bicentennial, which at the very least you should learn why it was written, really highlights Paul Kelly’s ethics with what he wrote and why. Otherwise I’d agree with those above.
I’ll mention here again that you can’t go past Archie Roach and at least his song Took the Children Away. And for the sheer sublime you must also listen to Gurrumul Yunupingu, something like Wiyathul, Bapa or Gopuru - songs in his native Yolngu that speak of connection to country, family and culture, sung with one of the most angelic voices you’ll ever hear.
My g-g-g-g-great uncle Nathaniel Buchanan established Wave Hill station. He was apparently quite good to the indigenous people - which in 19th century terms, I suppose, simply means he didn't shoot them on sight - and was of course long gone before the events in this story took place, but I have a strong desire to visit Wave Hill someday and express my own "sorry" directly to the people there.
What a perfect reaction? Wonderful to hear someone engaging and understanding the importance of the storytelling of Paul Kelly. Great job mate, well done. Can’t wait for your next one. Thank you!
The tall stranger was Gough Whitlam, the Prime Minister of Australia at that time (was subsequently over thrown by the Govern General (who represented the opposing political party, the only Prime Minister to be removed from power by the crown). He poured the sand through his hand because Vincent was vey old and blind by this time, this was when the government granted his family title to the land.
How to Make Gravy makes me cry every single time - and I am well acquainted with Paul Kelly's music being Australian and loving music in general. To me he is THE MASTER iof lyrical writing - he writes about things that seem simple on the surface but really delve human emotions in depth. The greatest storyteller of all I know. Listen to 'To Her Door' - which is also one of his seemingly simple songs that make you cry and are put together just right, He is a musician and wordsmith and seeing the reaction videos makes me smile. You don't need studio engineers, autotune, over the top video directing or any other tricks - just his everday man voice telling every day stories with a guitar to override most musicians out there. He is one of my favourite Australians and musicians.
My friend as a small boy was an aboriginal boy then he was gone, hard to explain to a child why. Met him again after 57 years I was able to say my goodbyes , that was the stolen generation for you.
Mat, if you and your family do move to Australia, I think you'd be a great addition to our nation. I love that you have so much empathy, respect and compassion for the traditional owners. good on ya, mate!
Paul is also a great producer…he’s facilitated a wide range of younger artists styles of music very different to his own. He will be involved and help however he can. “You’ve got a song begging for a dance music remix? I can make it happen” “You have a rap song that samples one of my songs? How about I sing it live for you.”
That is an interesting song to choose for that type of ad. I am intrigued as to how they used and the visuals of the ad. Will need to see if I can find it and have a look.
@@MertAus there's nothing especially meaningful in the choice of this song for this particular superannuation company. It was really just encouraging people to choose their superannuation company so they'd have a better retirement nest egg, pushing the brand. No nobility there. A bit of a disgrace really.
A granny in Australia says...lucky there are a couple of oceans and a channel or two between us, cos I may be nearly 80, but I'm not dead yet, and you are such a sweetie! I am a total sucker for your accent, and Douglas Henshall is about my favourite actor (and as for David Tennant!) Just noticed I also adore the pipes, was I Scottish in a former life? Have watched 3 reactions and subscribed today, and I am really fussy. The Prime Minister Gough Whitlam who played such a part in this story belonged to the Labour Party. After 12 years of Conservative leadership we booted out that govt at our last election, and Labour are having a go again. Further to the comment from joalha123 below, I agree Whitlam was short, but very, very sweet.
The Gurindji walkout was the beginning of the Land rights movement. I have family that currently manage Wave Hill Station. Vesty hasn't had the lease for a very long time. The land has been divided into 2 parts - the pastoral lease in 1 part and an Aboriginal community in the other part. I have worked in native title for the last 12 years and I have been trying to get there for a visit because of the history. Fingers crossed I will get there eventually.
passive resistance. great song, Paul Kelly is the 'bomb' ie tops for story telling and writing, writing about this turn of events of resistance by this group that inspired land rights and people power. Yes you are right, it is a great song for our mob showcasing a great example of those who went before us
I used to go out to Vincent’s community for work, they keep the picture of the hand over in the community. That’s quiet strength there such a historical moment. Vincent knew right from wrong and thankfully lived to see the handover, unlike Eddie Mabo.
You must do Kev Carmody. Kev Carmody (the co-writer of the song) has an amazing life story and journey to music. He was a stockman who grew up hard, didn't record his debut album until into his 40's. He is one of the truly great songwriters and activist for indigenous rights. His first single 'Thou Shalt not Steal' is a just a spine-tingling song , with a catalogue of just beautiful stories and 'Droving Woman' is a love song that will break your heart. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
This is about obeying the law of the heart. Not necessarily the law of the land, or the law of your head, or the law of your gree, but the law of the heart.
I really love your selections. G'day from Adelaide, South Australia. Although I'm not a Paul Kelly fan, he has a concise view of Australian history. Please review the Australian band MIDNIGHT OIL. Thank you xxxx
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9Jd3JZb7WVA.html And 28 years after its release here's Paul backing up Ziggy Ramo with a modern adaptation of the song. So powerful
Paul Kelly is a poet/story teller and this one is about a step in the journey to reconciliation between the indigenous peoples and the rest of us in Australia. We are about to take another step via a referendum to finally include the first nations people in our constitution. I will be proud as a white fella to vote Yes when I pick up that pencil in a voting booth.❤
I forget what year it was but this song was part of the Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE - State of Victoria) English syllabus. Just shows how important the songs and the issues covered are being increasingly discussed and learnt about in the education system. Still a hell of a long way to go but it is heading in the right direction I think and not before time.
Another total Classic! 👍🤗 .. Very sad about Whitlam being dismissed, he was a man with a big heart and vision! .. You would like "Yothu Yindi", "Treaty", filmed in far north Queensland native lands! 💯 The original Jimmy Barnes/Cold Chisel, "Working Class Man", is very real song too! 👍
I have a recommendation that I think you'll like. It's an iconic Australian song based on the war, it's Eric Bogle's 'The band played Waltzing Matilda'. I really hope you'll check it out! If I recall correctly, Eric Bogle is a Scottish man who wrote this song after hearing the war story of an Aussie digger. It's powerful stuff! :) Here is the link to it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cnFzCmAyOp8.html
To the original australian, nobody owned any land. The whole tribe as individuals, Belong to their country, their place of birth. The whole country was divided up between the tribes. The commonweath government made up and passed a law to extinguish native title. Took a lot of children to missions, to teach them white ways. A lot were adopted, not allowed to know where they were from or learn their own language. That was disgusting enough, but they were trained as servants, the boys were sent to stations, the owners were allowed to keep most of the workers wages, because they were seen as not so bright, like children, so they thought it was okay even good to rip them all off. More recently the courts gave a token amount back to the ones who were still alive and went to court. Still shameful.
Yes. And we also understand they are clans, not tribes (that’s Africa); they are not one people but many with different traditions, languages and creation stories. They are the oldest living culture in the world with carbon dated artefacts of 100,000 years. Ironically we now teach our children the importance of the environment, yet they’ve know this forever.
Great seeing the old pictures of Vincent and the great man Gough Whitlam. The Australian Prime Minister that granted the first land rights to Indigenous Australians. Amongst many other progressive policies such as Universal health care that we still enjoy the benefits of today.
& now for something completely different. Ted Egan. "Sayonara Nakamura" The singers at the end of the song are Nakamura's relatives. This will bring tears. One of the great Australian Songs.
Please be respectful and the Indigenous peoples (plural) of Australia are referred as First Nations People, who’ve been on this land for up to 100,000 years (carbon-dated artefacts). These peoples are the oldest living culture in the world!
Lord Vesty thought he could starve the people into returning to work. Little did he realise that these people had more than sixty thousand years of experience living of the land. They fed themselves quite well, and thus, didn't need his rations. That's why Vincent said," We know how to wait."
This is the story of the Wave Hill Walk-off. Aboriginal stockmen, their wives and children worked on their traditional lands for little to no money (rations etc), no education etc. The movement started for fair wages, but turned into the first land rights movement. From little things big things grow indeed.
I promise I'm not going to be the oldest stalker in the world...just got to where angel sort of voices just faded in 'from little things, big things grow, and your face positively lit up. Do know Enya and her music?
The dance mix of Treaty is excellent. You may also want to check out Gurrumul, an indigenous (we use indigenous, or first nations people rather than Aboriginal, but don't stress) blind singer guitarist that will amaze you as he has done us all. Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago in his prime. Maybe the song ''Wiyathul'' would be best. An experience which I'm sure will enlighten and move you.
Beautiful and such an evocative song ❤ Unfortunately the song is more well known these days as being the soundtrack for superannuation (retirement funds).
True, the only plus I guess is I’ve known a few work colleagues who have gone and hunted this song down after hearing the CBus ads, and from that discovered Paul Kelly (yes, amazingly there are people out there who have no idea who Paul Kelly is).
Paul Kelly is a story teller who happens to also make music to go with his stories. Listen to Turning to White, it will break your heart. If you want to get an idea of how important the story in this song is, have a look at the amount of land in Aboriginal hands prior to this case and compare it to the amount of land they have now in 2023.........land rights are an ongoing issue here, along with trying to create a more equal and fair society.
It's been a long time since I last heard this song and I had never really listened to the lyrics, how stupid have I been? Just thinking of the times when all this story was going down, Aboriginal people were going through a much tougher time. They weren't allowed to vote until 1967, weren't considered in any part of the census, or voting electorates. The more I read into it, the more disgusted I am. So Vincent's achievement, considering his huge adversities, achieved a lot for his people. Racism has been a horrible part of country for so long, I am starting to understand just a little why there is so much anger in their communities.
