Having wanted to thrash Australia at Cricket, as an Englishman from London, for 68 years,I felt quite emotional as this MUST become your National Anthem. Truly Beautiful:)
It was once suggested that Waltzing Matilda should be our national anthem. I don’t feel a song about a hobo who steals a sheep then drowns in a lagoon when the cops come after him is a song I would like as our national anthem. One other song that I always thought would make a nice national anthem was I still call Australia home by Peter Allen.
@@garyholt4445 It was voted on in 1974 and Waltzing Matilda was one of the choices. I was too young to vote and I don't remember it but apparently the 4 choices were all poor in some way and people thought AAF was the best out of a bad bunch.
I feel the same, and I’m Canadian, lol. If I was Australian, I’d be bawling my eyes out when I heard this. No wonder I’ve seen so many comments saying it should be the anthem.
What a powerful song sung by voices of love and sweetness. His voice is so pure and articulate and hers.....words fail me......I have loved it for 55 years. Rest in glory Judith Thank you for your lovely reaction, great choice!
Yes, we have many Africans here, and you have connections. You are welcome to be an Australian Sarah, but more so we are of the family of Humanity. Love from OZ.
@@rationalbacon5872 I must admit you have a point rationed swine. Yes I was referring to genuine Africans who wish to come here and contribute. This is where the governments immigration policy is flawed, and questions should be asked as to how these type get in, and that goes for all countries. cheers!
@@rationalbacon5872my ancestors came to this land as criminals, whether or not it was fair to judge them as such. They had a chance at a better life, just as anyone who comes here deserves. As an Australian, I say everyone is welcome here, and everyone who makes this land their home is every bit as Aussie as those of us who've been here for generations. Diverse immigration from everywhere around the world is literally what built our country and has given it its greatest values and strengths as a nation. Your comment here is the very antithesis of this song. You ought to be ashamed.
@@Cryptid_Renfri I am refraining on commenting directly to the person that made those disgusting comments. You covered what I wanted to say in a far more articulate way than I was intending.
The Seekers were another great Australian folk pop band from the 60's. Judith Durham had such a beautiful voice. She just passed away recently. They had so many great hits including "I'll Never Find Another You", "Georgy Girl", "The Carnival Is Over", "A World Of Our Own", "Morningtown Ride", "Someday, One Day" etc. They have beautiful voices & harmonies. They don't make nostalgic music like this anymore. Reminds me of a simpler time.
I do miss that simpler time when music was music and had real words and a melody. The Seekers, John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, Barnsy, Acka Dacka riding up Swanston St on a Flat Bed with a piper playing It's a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll .
I am no Australian but a Chinese, yet still I can feel the power of this song which gets me so emotional and bring tears in my eyes!!! It should be named the national anthem to replace the current one. I miss you very much the Seekers and especially Judith!!!! Rest in peace Judith.😭😭😭
There’s something about this song that seems to touch so many people from all over the world. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it and I am English, not Australian. The melody gets into you and rises so nicely in the chorus that I think even without the words it would affect me.
If I may, my opinion is that most of us want a world of unity, not division and hate. This song inspires us to unite which invokes feelings of pride and hope.
Right on Girl it should be our national Anthem as it sums up Australia perfectly and fantastic recognition of the original Australians and all that have come since !
It always amazes me that this was a live show recording. Bruce , the lead male singer on this tune also wrote the song. Judith was seated as she had recently suffered a brain hemorrhage during the farewell tour. They were all past or pushing 70 when this was recorded. It really grabs your heart. Thanks for recognizing it and the Seekers. The world is a duller place without Judith.
I fell in love with the Seekers when "I'll Never Find Another You" came out. Must have worn out a few copies of that record. So sad to have lost Judith last year. This song always makes me teary and I'm not Australian. Well maybe I am for the duration of that song. Thanks Sarah. ❤☮🙏
Hi Sarah! The Seekers were the first Australian pop music group to achieve major chart and sales success in the United Kingdom and the United States. They were especially popular in the 1960s with their best-known configuration of Judith Durham on vocals, piano and tambourine, Athol Guy on double bass and vocals, Keith Potger on twelve-string guitar banjo and vocals, Bruce Woodley on guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals. The group had Top 10 hits in the 1960s with "The Carnival Is over", "Gregory Girl", "A World of Our Own", "Morningstown Ride", "Someday, One Day", and "I´ll Never Find Another You". In July 1968 Judith Durham left the group for a solo career and the group disbanded. Keith Potger formed a new group in the UK, The New Seekers which had a hit in 1971 with "I´d Like to Teach the World to Sing" Thanks for a great reaction video by some of the greatest musicians of all time. 👍
An awesome song..... Judith Durham's voice was pure honey... She had suffered a stroke, a month or so, prior to this concert. Note that she doesn't use her left hand to hold/support the mic. Tragically, few weeks after this concert, she passed away. RIP Judith
This beautiful moving song makes you want to be an Australian. I'm from Old South Wales not New South Wales and I doubt that any of my ancestors were ever transported to Botany Bay but this makes me wish at least some were !
I work in the mines at Roxby Downs in South Australia. It's a job where we are taught that you show no emotion , no weakness but I'll admit this song brings a tear to my eyes every time I hear it.
Wow-I haven’t heard them in decades! I forgot how great they were. Jimmy Barnes was born in Scotland but has lived in Australia for a long time. 2 great videos with him are: Jimmy and Tina Turner singing The Best, and Jimmy and Joe Bonamassa Stone Cold
The gentleman who started singing the song wrote it. I forgot his name. But, by this time, the whole country knows it. Especially the children. There are videos of people just singing this incredible song. I wish we had something like that song to start to try to bring this country back together.
Alas, Judith Durham passed away in August at age 79. The Seekers had many folk song hits and sold 50 milion records. Their clear, uplifting voices were beautiful to hear.
Sarah, I think this is the first time seeing your reactions and I was blown away. This song fills me with pride and I truly wished this was our National Anthem. The Seekers are no more, Judith Durham passed away earlier this year, she had one of the most beautiful voices ever. The song really inspires the better sides of ourselves to be better and more accepting and it is my dream that we can look past all our differences and see just the person. A truly beautiful reaction, I have subscribed and I am looking forward to watching more of your content.
I had the pleasure of hearing judith sing THE CARNIVAL IS OVER at the sydney entertainment centre in the early 90s , at 73 that performance on now this are my fondest memories , they are national treasures RIP beautiful judith.
My dream is to visit Australia. I have wanted to go there my whole life. Besides being one of America's best friends, it is such a beautiful country. My wife and I want to travel after we retire, but that is many years away. I don't want to wait 20 years to visit the Land Down Under.
It is a great song and we played it with pride. These days unfortunately the activists has taken over and do not understand what it means to be Australian. they are doing their best to divide the country. Today is Australia day 26/1/23 and I played it over and over and loud. loved your reactions. Take care, gave you a like, shared in general and subscribed.
Well said! It is a shame the lefty scum are intent on causing division and hate amongst us Aussies. Thankfully, their attempt to fracture our nation, and Constitution was thwarted last Saturday. God bless all Australians!
There was a commercial in Australia (I think it was for one of our car brands) but it said "the only thing we all have in common is that we are all different". Apart from living in Australia "the only thing we all have in common is that we are all different" :).
There's definitely some things that foreigners are not going to understand in this song which is a shame. Firstly the instrument being played at the start, is a didgeridoo an Aboriginal instrument that is a wooden branch, or root that has been hollowed out. It contains no holes or valves, and the sound is made purely with the mouth, players use "Circular Breathing" to play continuously without stopping. Verse 1: Is about the Aboriginals who were on this land "I came from the dreamtime, from the dusty red soil plains" - The dreamtime refers to the Aboriginal creation myth and other stories about the environment, including the Rainbow Serpent, and others. The red soil plains refer to the Australian outback. This acknowledges the Indigenous heritage of Australia and the connection to the land. "I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame" - This further acknowledges the Indigenous heritage of Australia and the importance of preserving that heritage. It also references the role of the Aboriginal people as custodians of the land, as they would use fire to burn the bush to help it thrive, as many of the native plants in Australia require fire to germinate their seeds. "I am the voice of the past that will always be" - The verse speaks to the idea of the Aboriginal people as the "first Australians" who have lived on the land for thousands of years, and who are the keepers of the land and its traditions. "I watched the tall ships come For forty thousand years I've been The first Australian" - This is about the aboriginals who would have seen the tall sail ships of the English "First Fleet" into the East Coast of Australia, and into Sydney and to the idea of the Aboriginal people as the "first Australians" who have lived on the land for forty thousand+ years, and who are the keepers of the land and its traditions. Verse 2: "I came upon the prison ship, Bowed down by iron chains" - This verse refers to the arrival of British Settlers settlers, many of whom were originally convicts sent to Australia as punishment. Who were chained up on the ships, or locked in compartments "I fought the land, endured the lash, And waited for the rains" - This speaks to the convicts toiling the land as convicts, to setup the first colonies, and were lashed by guards, who were known to be rather cruel tot he prisoners. "I'm a settler, I'm a farmer's wife, On a dry and barren run" - The convicts were given a deal of once the initial colony was setup, they would be given land to toil and produce on, and then be given a deed to the land to settle in the area, but the land was dry. "A convict, then a free man, I became Australian" - The convicts came to Australia, and were then freed, and became the first British to be considered Australian. Verse 3: "I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode" - reference to the gold rush in Australia in the mid-19th century and the contribution of miners to the Australian economy and identity. "The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road" "I'm a child of the depression, I saw the good times come - speaks to the resilience and determination of the Australian people, as well as the hardships faced during the Great Depression "I'm a bushy, I'm a battler, I am Australian" - Celebrates the idea of being a "bushy" a person who lives and embraces the Australian "Bush" or outback, and "battler," which refers to being tough and self-sufficient in the face of adversity. Verse 4: "I'm a teller of stories, I'm a singer of songs" - This verse emphasizes the importance of storytelling and music in Australian culture. I am Albert Namatjira, I paint the ghostly gums" - It acknowledges the contributions of artists and musicians to the Australian identity, such as Albert Namatjira, a famous Aboriginal artist I am Clancy on his horse, I'm Ned Kelly on the run" - and the legendary and infamous hero, the bushranger, outlaw and gang leader Ned Kelly. I'm the one who waltzed Matilda, I am Australian" - iconic Australian poem/song by "Banjo" Patterson's "Waltzing Matilda," which tells the story of a wandering swagman, who tries to steal a sheep from a property and is chased by police, and the Euphemism suggests that he kills himself in a Billabong. Waltzing was slang for walking the outback, and Matilda was slang for a "swag" or sleeping/bag and cover made of canvas and leather that would be rolled up under the arm, or on the back Verse 5: "I'm the hot wind from the desert, I'm the black soil of the plains" - This verse refers to the Australian landscape and its unique features, personifying it I am the mountains and the valleys, I am the drought and flooding rains" - It acknowledges the role of nature and the environment in shaping the Australian identity, such as the hot winds of "the desert, the black soil of the plains, and the rugged mountains and valleys, and the harsh conditions of Drought and then massive floods. "I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run" - "The spirit of this great land, I am Australian" - Speaks to the idea of being connected to the land and its natural features, and the importance of respecting and preserving them. And that the Australian landscape is another piece of our Identity. This section of the song's chorus emphasizes the diversity of the Australian people and the idea of unity despite differences. "We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come"" - acknowledges the presence of different cultures and nationalities in Australia and further emphasizes the individual identity of each person as unique and important, but at the core we're all Australian. "We'll share a dream and sing with one voice" - speaks to the idea of working together towards a common goal and singing or being together with a shared identity. "I am, you are, we are Australian" reiterates the idea of unity and the shared identity of Australians, regardless of their backgrounds. further emphasizes the multicultural nature of Australian society. Portions of this written with the help of ChatGPT
Just to add, Clancy on his horse is in reference to the Bajo Paterson poem Clancy of the Overflow first published in 1889 in an Australian newspaper, The Bulletin.
I love your reaction to this song,it is exactly how i felt,everything,the words the music and the vocals all come together to create a master piece.Beautiful.Cheers.PS.i,m English and have experienced many parts of Australia and loved everything about it.
This has been representative of the spirit of Australia for so long. Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. Thank you for your beautiful reaction. 💙💙
Hi Sarah, I live in the US (Ohio), and the State of California is the closest I have ever been to Australia, but by the final chorus I am singing along.
Thank you. I am an Australian who also believes it should be our National Anthem. You are one of many non-Australians who have posted "Reaction" videos about this song and the feelings shown are amazing - about the lyrics and the quality of the voices, especially Judith Durham's voice. Come and visit our country if you haven't already done so. We will make you welcome. Thanks again for your wonderful and sincere reaction.
Sarah you may enjoy Paul Simon's album GRACELAND. Graceland features an eclectic mixture of genres, including pop, rock, a cappella, zydeco, isicathamiya and mbaqanga. Simon wrote songs inspired by the recordings made in Johannesburg, collaborating with African and American artists. 🤞✌️
Thankyou for sharing - you get it Sarah, what it is to be Australian ! My father's family came to Australia in 1800 from Scotland as free settlers, my mother's family came from New Zealand with both Maori and English ancestory - and we are Australian !! It fills me with such pride and happiness and hope to see people from all backgrounds become Australian - we are one ! ❤
I agree, this should be our anthem. I would like a verse added specifically for the immigrant experience, particularly those who've fled war, but the sentiment "from on all the lands on earth we come ... I am, You are, We are Australian" makes this the best anthem of inclusion.
It also doesn't matter if you don't live in Australia. We're happy to adopt Honorary Aussies, if you're a warm, open, friendly person who'll accept anybody from anywhere congratulations you're an Aussie. You also need to stand up for people who are being mistreated. It takes a lot to offend an Aussie because also a "She'll be right" attitude and there's a strong culture of Mateship (Friendship). If someone needs help, we'll be there for them even if we don't personally know you. Of course we have some not so nice people just like anywhere else ,but their bad behaviour is unacceptable if we know about it. If we see or hear someone being offensive to another person they'll receive dirty looks and a telling off. As of last year someone will probably call the police and they could be arrested. They might even be called "Un-Australian" which is our greatest insult and mark of shame. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all in Australia. Most of us will at least greet each other wherever we go, or if we have time even have a conversation with strangers as adults.
As an Aboriginal Australian. I declare this our national anthem. Thank you for bring it back to light again
For sure, this is our national anthem. It is the song for all Australians. It tells it as it is.
Agreed!
So far I’m voting you to be the voice to parliament.
agree.
Agreed
I love that there are people who aren't even Australian that feel impacted by this beautiful song. So many Aussies want this as our national anthem.
Having wanted to thrash Australia at Cricket, as an Englishman from London, for 68 years,I felt quite emotional as this MUST become your National Anthem.
Truly Beautiful:)
It would make sense!
You stole my words!
It is much better than the dirge we have now.
I’m one of them
Many of us would like this to be the National Anthem.
This 64 year young Aussie included 🇦🇺🦘🐨 for ever
It was once suggested that Waltzing Matilda should be our national anthem. I don’t feel a song about a hobo who steals a sheep then drowns in a lagoon when the cops come after him is a song I would like as our national anthem. One other song that I always thought would make a nice national anthem was I still call Australia home by Peter Allen.
@@garyholt4445 It was voted on in 1974 and Waltzing Matilda was one of the choices. I was too young to vote and I don't remember it but apparently the 4 choices were all poor in some way and people thought AAF was the best out of a bad bunch.
Judith was an angel who walked among us..a sweetheart
Come on Australia!!! This must be our national anthem.
I feel the same, and I’m Canadian, lol. If I was Australian, I’d be bawling my eyes out when I heard this. No wonder I’ve seen so many comments saying it should be the anthem.
What a powerful song sung by voices of love and sweetness. His voice is so pure and articulate and hers.....words fail me......I have loved it for 55 years. Rest in glory Judith Thank you for your lovely reaction, great choice!
Let me tell you, Sarah; as an Australian this song plucks the heart-strings. Just superb.
I can imagine
Yes, we have many Africans here, and you have connections. You are welcome to be an Australian Sarah, but more so we are of the family of Humanity. Love from OZ.
Thank you 🙂
Speak for yourself Sergio. Some of us are sick of supporting African gangs with our taxes. We were never asked
@@rationalbacon5872 I must admit you have a point rationed swine. Yes I was referring to genuine Africans who wish to come here and contribute.
This is where the governments immigration policy is flawed, and questions should be asked as to how these type get in, and that goes for all countries. cheers!
@@rationalbacon5872my ancestors came to this land as criminals, whether or not it was fair to judge them as such. They had a chance at a better life, just as anyone who comes here deserves.
As an Australian, I say everyone is welcome here, and everyone who makes this land their home is every bit as Aussie as those of us who've been here for generations. Diverse immigration from everywhere around the world is literally what built our country and has given it its greatest values and strengths as a nation.
Your comment here is the very antithesis of this song. You ought to be ashamed.
@@Cryptid_Renfri I am refraining on commenting directly to the person that made those disgusting comments. You covered what I wanted to say in a far more articulate way than I was intending.
As a official Aboriginal Australian I adopt you as you are, and now you are Australian to all of us
No Lie, probably the most beautiful love song ever written to a landmass. We Australian love our Country, we feel very lucky to be here.
Happy Australia Day to all my fellow Aussies 2023
And same to you
The Seekers were another great Australian folk pop band from the 60's. Judith Durham had such a beautiful voice. She just passed away recently. They had so many great hits including "I'll Never Find Another You", "Georgy Girl", "The Carnival Is Over", "A World Of Our Own", "Morningtown Ride", "Someday, One Day" etc. They have beautiful voices & harmonies. They don't make nostalgic music like this anymore. Reminds me of a simpler time.
Thank you Dagmar! 🙂 it's a gem!
I do miss that simpler time when music was music and had real words and a melody. The Seekers, John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, Barnsy, Acka Dacka riding up Swanston St on a Flat Bed with a piper playing It's a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll .
They were NOT a group FROM the '60's ..they were a group that started in the '60's and they stayed the course!
@@TheKira699 Ha i followed that flatbed 😁😁😁
It's a very powerful song, and I am proud to be an Australian
I am no Australian but a Chinese, yet still I can feel the power of this song which gets me so emotional and bring tears in my eyes!!! It should be named the national anthem to replace the current one. I miss you very much the Seekers and especially Judith!!!! Rest in peace Judith.😭😭😭
If you have moved and live in Australia then you are Australian.
@@utha2665 I visited Australia once to attend a biz meeting years ago.
@@almighty3372 Ah ok, I understand your meaning now.
Half a minute in and I can See you actually.... Listening
Much Love n Respect Girl
❤️ from 🇦🇺
Instant Subscribe
What a glorious song that is, ought to be the anthem of Australia, Judith’s voice is just beautiful, every word clear as crystal…and I’m Scottish!
Ach aye the knoo
There’s something about this song that seems to touch so many people from all over the world. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it and I am English, not Australian. The melody gets into you and rises so nicely in the chorus that I think even without the words it would affect me.
If I may, my opinion is that most of us want a world of unity, not division and hate. This song inspires us to unite which invokes feelings of pride and hope.
Gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve heard the Seekers!! Fabulous group. Beautiful singers. Loved this!
Beautiful indeed! Thank you Pa
Right on Girl it should be our national Anthem as it sums up Australia perfectly and fantastic recognition of the original Australians and all that have come since !
It always amazes me that this was a live show recording. Bruce , the lead male singer on this tune also wrote the song. Judith was seated as she had recently suffered a brain hemorrhage during the farewell tour. They were all past or pushing 70 when this was recorded. It really grabs your heart. Thanks for recognizing it and the Seekers. The world is a duller place without Judith.
I think all Aussies are proud to hear that
I fell in love with the Seekers when "I'll Never Find Another You" came out. Must have worn out a few copies of that record. So sad to have lost Judith last year. This song always makes me teary and I'm not Australian. Well maybe I am for the duration of that song. Thanks Sarah. ❤☮🙏
You are for the duration
That song you mentioned actually came from New Zealand and was originally titled "I'll never find another ewe"
A really beautiful song from a really beautiful group that has brought pleasure to my ears.
Hi Sarah! The Seekers were the first Australian pop music group to achieve major
chart and sales success in the United Kingdom and the United States. They were
especially popular in the 1960s with their best-known configuration of Judith Durham
on vocals, piano and tambourine, Athol Guy on double bass and vocals, Keith Potger
on twelve-string guitar banjo and vocals, Bruce Woodley on guitar, mandolin,
banjo and vocals. The group had Top 10 hits in the 1960s with "The Carnival Is over",
"Gregory Girl", "A World of Our Own", "Morningstown Ride", "Someday, One Day",
and "I´ll Never Find Another You". In July 1968 Judith Durham left the group for a solo
career and the group disbanded. Keith Potger formed a new group in the UK,
The New Seekers which had a hit in 1971 with "I´d Like to Teach the World to Sing"
Thanks for a great reaction video by some of the greatest musicians of all time. 👍
Thank you Mats! I'm starting to wonder how you know so much about all these groups! 😅 it's brilliant!
The Easybeats were actually Australia's first export, that did well in the international charts, but hey The Seekers were a close 2nd.
An awesome song..... Judith Durham's voice was pure honey...
She had suffered a stroke, a month or so, prior to this concert. Note that she doesn't use her left hand to hold/support the mic. Tragically, few weeks after this concert, she passed away.
RIP Judith
This beautiful moving song makes you want to be an Australian. I'm from Old South Wales not New South Wales and I doubt that any of my ancestors were ever transported to Botany Bay but this makes me wish at least some were !
I work in the mines at Roxby Downs in South Australia. It's a job where we are taught that you show no emotion , no weakness but I'll admit this song brings a tear to my eyes every time I hear it.
Wow-I haven’t heard them in decades! I forgot how great they were.
Jimmy Barnes was born in Scotland but has lived in Australia for a long time.
2 great videos with him are:
Jimmy and Tina Turner singing The Best, and Jimmy and Joe Bonamassa Stone Cold
Oh yes! I checked out Stone cold! His vocals are pretty impressive 👌
I am a proud Aussie , love the reaction we need to vote this in for our anthem
The gentleman who started singing the song wrote it. I forgot his name. But, by this time, the whole country knows it. Especially the children. There are videos of people just singing this incredible song. I wish we had something like that song to start to try to bring this country back together.
Alas, Judith Durham passed away in August at age 79. The Seekers had many folk song hits and sold 50 milion records. Their clear, uplifting voices were beautiful to hear.
I'm so sorry to hear she passed😓, they made a brilliant group!
Sarah, I think this is the first time seeing your reactions and I was blown away. This song fills me with pride and I truly wished this was our National Anthem. The Seekers are no more, Judith Durham passed away earlier this year, she had one of the most beautiful voices ever. The song really inspires the better sides of ourselves to be better and more accepting and it is my dream that we can look past all our differences and see just the person.
A truly beautiful reaction, I have subscribed and I am looking forward to watching more of your content.
I had the pleasure of hearing judith sing THE CARNIVAL IS OVER at the sydney entertainment centre in the early 90s , at 73 that performance on now this are my fondest memories , they are national treasures RIP beautiful judith.
My dream is to visit Australia. I have wanted to go there my whole life. Besides being one of America's best friends, it is such a beautiful country. My wife and I want to travel after we retire, but that is many years away. I don't want to wait 20 years to visit the Land Down Under.
Just do it. You won’t regret it. Australia is heaven on Earth. ❤️🇦🇺
Great reaction to a great song, thanks for that
Doesn't matter what song she sings. Can't stop the tears.
The first ten times of that song, I teared up. Now, I'm not sure why, but it is an inspiring and beautiful song.
It is a great song and we played it with pride. These days unfortunately the activists has taken over and do not understand what it means to be Australian. they are doing their best to divide the country. Today is Australia day 26/1/23 and I played it over and over and loud. loved your reactions. Take care, gave you a like, shared in general and subscribed.
Well said!
Well said! It is a shame the lefty scum are intent on causing division and hate amongst us Aussies. Thankfully, their attempt to fracture our nation, and Constitution was thwarted last Saturday. God bless all Australians!
Beautiful song proud to be Australian
I love your reaction to this great song…And I am Australian 😊👍🇦🇺
There was a commercial in Australia (I think it was for one of our car brands) but it said "the only thing we all have in common is that we are all different". Apart from living in Australia "the only thing we all have in common is that we are all different" :).
There's definitely some things that foreigners are not going to understand in this song which is a shame.
Firstly the instrument being played at the start, is a didgeridoo an Aboriginal instrument that is a wooden branch, or root that has been hollowed out. It contains no holes or valves, and the sound is made purely with the mouth, players use "Circular Breathing" to play continuously without stopping.
Verse 1: Is about the Aboriginals who were on this land
"I came from the dreamtime, from the dusty red soil plains" - The dreamtime refers to the Aboriginal creation myth and other stories about the environment, including the Rainbow Serpent, and others. The red soil plains refer to the Australian outback. This acknowledges the Indigenous heritage of Australia and the connection to the land.
"I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame" - This further acknowledges the Indigenous heritage of Australia and the importance of preserving that heritage. It also references the role of the Aboriginal people as custodians of the land, as they would use fire to burn the bush to help it thrive, as many of the native plants in Australia require fire to germinate their seeds.
"I am the voice of the past that will always be" - The verse speaks to the idea of the Aboriginal people as the "first Australians" who have lived on the land for thousands of years, and who are the keepers of the land and its traditions.
"I watched the tall ships come For forty thousand years I've been The first Australian" - This is about the aboriginals who would have seen the tall sail ships of the English "First Fleet" into the East Coast of Australia, and into Sydney and to the idea of the Aboriginal people as the "first Australians" who have lived on the land for forty thousand+ years, and who are the keepers of the land and its traditions.
Verse 2:
"I came upon the prison ship, Bowed down by iron chains" - This verse refers to the arrival of British Settlers settlers, many of whom were originally convicts sent to Australia as punishment. Who were chained up on the ships, or locked in compartments
"I fought the land, endured the lash, And waited for the rains" - This speaks to the convicts toiling the land as convicts, to setup the first colonies, and were lashed by guards, who were known to be rather cruel tot he prisoners.
"I'm a settler, I'm a farmer's wife, On a dry and barren run" - The convicts were given a deal of once the initial colony was setup, they would be given land to toil and produce on, and then be given a deed to the land to settle in the area, but the land was dry.
"A convict, then a free man, I became Australian" - The convicts came to Australia, and were then freed, and became the first British to be considered Australian.
Verse 3:
"I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode" - reference to the gold rush in Australia in the mid-19th century and the contribution of miners to the Australian economy and identity.
"The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road"
"I'm a child of the depression, I saw the good times come - speaks to the resilience and determination of the Australian people, as well as the hardships faced during the Great Depression
"I'm a bushy, I'm a battler, I am Australian" - Celebrates the idea of being a "bushy" a person who lives and embraces the Australian "Bush" or outback, and "battler," which refers to being tough and self-sufficient in the face of adversity.
Verse 4:
"I'm a teller of stories, I'm a singer of songs" - This verse emphasizes the importance of storytelling and music in Australian culture.
I am Albert Namatjira, I paint the ghostly gums" - It acknowledges the contributions of artists and musicians to the Australian identity, such as Albert Namatjira, a famous Aboriginal artist
I am Clancy on his horse, I'm Ned Kelly on the run" - and the legendary and infamous hero, the bushranger, outlaw and gang leader Ned Kelly.
I'm the one who waltzed Matilda, I am Australian" - iconic Australian poem/song by "Banjo" Patterson's "Waltzing Matilda," which tells the story of a wandering swagman, who tries to steal a sheep from a property and is chased by police, and the Euphemism suggests that he kills himself in a Billabong. Waltzing was slang for walking the outback, and Matilda was slang for a "swag" or sleeping/bag and cover made of canvas and leather that would be rolled up under the arm, or on the back
Verse 5:
"I'm the hot wind from the desert, I'm the black soil of the plains" - This verse refers to the Australian landscape and its unique features, personifying it
I am the mountains and the valleys, I am the drought and flooding rains" - It acknowledges the role of nature and the environment in shaping the Australian identity, such as the hot winds of "the desert, the black soil of the plains, and the rugged mountains and valleys, and the harsh conditions of Drought and then massive floods.
"I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run" -
"The spirit of this great land, I am Australian" - Speaks to the idea of being connected to the land and its natural features, and the importance of respecting and preserving them. And that the Australian landscape is another piece of our Identity.
This section of the song's chorus emphasizes the diversity of the Australian people and the idea of unity despite differences.
"We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come"" - acknowledges the presence of different cultures and nationalities in Australia and further emphasizes the individual identity of each person as unique and important, but at the core we're all Australian.
"We'll share a dream and sing with one voice" - speaks to the idea of working together towards a common goal and singing or being together with a shared identity.
"I am, you are, we are Australian" reiterates the idea of unity and the shared identity of Australians, regardless of their backgrounds.
further emphasizes the multicultural nature of Australian society.
Portions of this written with the help of ChatGPT
Just to add, Clancy on his horse is in reference to the Bajo Paterson poem Clancy of the Overflow first published in 1889 in an Australian newspaper, The Bulletin.
I don't usually read long replys but you re one is very good , detailed and very helpful for all the non Aussies that will hear the song. Good work!
@@utha2665 thanks
I love your reaction to this song,it is exactly how i felt,everything,the words the music and the vocals all come together to create a master piece.Beautiful.Cheers.PS.i,m English and have experienced many parts of Australia and loved everything about it.
I still miss this beautiful lady.
There will never be another “Seekers”… And I totally agree with THE BAD BATCH GAMING
Great job on the song.they make me think of the USA folksong singers!!!.
This has been representative of the spirit of Australia for so long. Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. Thank you for your beautiful reaction. 💙💙
Hi Sarah, I live in the US (Ohio), and the State of California is the closest I have ever been to Australia, but by the final chorus I am singing along.
As an Aussie born child I cant even get through the first verse without crying. I love this song. This is our story....
Thank you. I am an Australian who also believes it should be our National Anthem. You are one of many non-Australians who have posted "Reaction" videos about this song and the feelings shown are amazing - about the lyrics and the quality of the voices, especially Judith Durham's voice. Come and visit our country if you haven't already done so. We will make you welcome. Thanks again for your wonderful and sincere reaction.
this song brings a tear to my eyes every time i hear it. such a great song and makes me proud to an austrailan
Judith Durham one of the great voices of popular music, a sad loss
Home is where the heart is 💖 We can all be Aussies, just share our dream ☮
wow wow so b/tifull a perfit world to live in god bless
Sarah you may enjoy Paul Simon's album GRACELAND.
Graceland features an eclectic mixture of genres, including pop, rock, a cappella, zydeco, isicathamiya and mbaqanga.
Simon wrote songs inspired by the recordings made in Johannesburg, collaborating with African and American artists. 🤞✌️
Thanks Richard! Added 🙏
This song makes me so proud to be an Aussie & brings a tear to my eye every time 😢!
The first Australians are more like 60,000 yrs ago now they have found. Oldest continuing culture on earth!
Thank you, love QLD Australia thank you so very much.
Beautiful Sarah,
It made my heart smile watching you watch this.
Thank you for listening to us.
Much love from Downunda ❤
Beautiful reaction Sarah :)
What a voice Judith Durham had.
Thankyou for sharing - you get it Sarah, what it is to be Australian ! My father's family came to Australia in 1800 from Scotland as free settlers, my mother's family came from New Zealand with both Maori and English ancestory - and we are Australian !! It fills me with such pride and happiness and hope to see people from all backgrounds become Australian - we are one ! ❤
It’s depicts 200 years in 3 minutes of music
Seekers are legends and we should have this as a anthem!!!!
I love this 🥰
It should be Australia's National Anthem. It says it all.
Wonderful. Their music is unique. They don't make music like that anymore.
All for one and one for all! Loved your reaction to our iconic song by an iconic band❤❤
Beautiful….be proud folks…..well done
Awesome reaction Sarah, Warm Wishes from Australia!🦘💜☀
I love your words, you have a big heart
So Good - Loved Your reaction!
What a wonderful song. I'm learning new songs through you 😇
A great song Australia! Nobel, masculine and bold.
I hereby make you.....an honorary Australian ( hug)
I agree, this should be our anthem. I would like a verse added specifically for the immigrant experience, particularly those who've fled war, but the sentiment "from on all the lands on earth we come ... I am, You are, We are Australian" makes this the best anthem of inclusion.
Should be the National anthem
they are so good
Only the Seekers can play this song beautifully
Such a lovely reaction
Rest in Peace to the beautiful lady Judith Durham
Thank you ❤
This WILL become the anthem of the New Republic.
should be the australian national anthem/song imo and many agree
If that fills you with pride, you, too, are Australian. Come join us.
Australia is one but many.
U come here your Australian to me regardless of who u are
❤️❤️
That should be a national anthem
I agree!! Black or white it speaks to us all!!!
👍👍👍
Thanks
I knew it would be a hit with you….
🙂🙏
what people don't realist is that Judith Durham had a stroke before this concert.
Should be our anthem!!!!
I feel included in this song..
That song makes me cry ...I'm English
Sully from Bourke NSW
Glory Haleluyah.
It also doesn't matter if you don't live in Australia. We're happy to adopt Honorary Aussies, if you're a warm, open, friendly person who'll accept anybody from anywhere congratulations you're an Aussie. You also need to stand up for people who are being mistreated. It takes a lot to offend an Aussie because also a "She'll be right" attitude and there's a strong culture of Mateship (Friendship). If someone needs help, we'll be there for them even if we don't personally know you. Of course we have some not so nice people just like anywhere else ,but their bad behaviour is unacceptable if we know about it. If we see or hear someone being offensive to another person they'll receive dirty looks and a telling off. As of last year someone will probably call the police and they could be arrested. They might even be called "Un-Australian" which is our greatest insult and mark of shame. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all in Australia. Most of us will at least greet each other wherever we go, or if we have time even have a conversation with strangers as adults.
Stay warm Sarah
Thank you, you too!
@@SarahDengler I live in Australia Sarah it`s summer and 36 degrees