In memory of the victims of the Victorian Bushfires who's lives were taken 2 weeks ago on Saturday 7th February, 2009 and in the days that followed.We remember them, mourn for them and those who loved them.
My deepest admiration goes to the CFA members and volunteer fire fighters, ambulance officers and paramedics, police and army personnel and the many wonderful volunteers that have played a part in the relief effort. We live in a lucky country.
I have just watched the National Day of Mourning Service at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Mr Bruce Woodley, author of the song 'I am Australian' penned two new verses to the song and they were performed by his daughter Claire and two survivors of the fires from Kinglake, Victoria. The lyrics, as best as I could get them on paper, are as follows...
( the song is the first on my playlist today)
I am Australian
There are no words of comfort
that can hope to ease the pain
of losing homes and loved ones
the memories will remain.
We weep our silent tears and find
the strength to carry on, you're not alone
We are with you,
We are Australian.
There are so many heroes
whose stories must be told.
They fought the raging fires of hell
and saved so many souls.
From the ashes of despair
our towns will rise again.
We mourn your loss,
We will rebuild
We are Australian.
We are one, but we are many
and from all the lands on earth we come.
We share a dream and sing with one voice
I am, you are
We are Australian.
(Now edited from transcript in The Advertiser, Mon 23/2/09)
- Joolz
Yes, the song brought a tear definitely.
ReplyDeleteHi Joolz,
ReplyDeleteThanks for transcribing these new verses. I want to sing them with my primary school students this week for music and it has saved me time. I thought I'd check the internet before I started just in case and there they were. Many thanks.
The National Day of Mourning Ceremony was very moving. Many well worded speeches and prayers and an overwhelming message of hope and resolve to recover. Hallelujah may not have been my choice for the event (an Australian song with relevant words would have been better) but presentation of the music and all was excellent. Kevin Rudd has built on his status as an engaging and pre-eminent spokesperson for the Australian population (sorry if that's a bit over the top.)
Cheers
Eamon Spillane
I have transcribed the words as I heard them being sung, there may be a few words to be corrected. A fitting tribute to those lives lost and the heroes of the day.
ReplyDeletejoolz
Julie, over here in England we've heard about these fires (of course we have) and the dreadful loss of lives and homes. It makes you realise that there are some brave and selfless people in this world and thank God for them. They risk their own lives every time they go to work.
ReplyDeleteGod bless all of you.
love, Angie, xx