Crystal Nights with Diamond Stars

22. May 2008, 12:57 pmReflectionsKin

When I was in Sydney I popped into the Australian Geographic shop at Macquarie Centre to try to find something for Hubby. I figured it was a pretty safe bet, for just about any bloke, and everytime I go away he complains when I don’t buy him anything. But that isn’t what this story is about.

So, I was in the Australian Geographic shop with Gemisht and heard the familiar songs of John Williamson. For those non-Australians, or those who call themselves Australians but don’t know who John Williamsn is, he is what some might call a country singer, but what I prefer to call a patriotic singer. He sings songs about our country, the land, our sporting heros, diggers and our people. Basically he has his priorities right.

On a whim I bought the album that was playing for myself. I’ve always been selfish like that.

You see, John Williamson reminds me of my childhood, because, well, basically, that was my childood. Camping at Kakadu, campfires, billabongs, watching cricket, sitting up late watching the rugby. I’ve been to any number of performances of his in Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin and everywhere in between. Before I started school I spent a good part of the year camping by a river, fishing for barramundi for dinner, helping Dad set prawn traps. Sitting up at night playing Uno with the other campers, many of whom are still family friends today.

I listened to the album the other day, and his songs never fail to provoke thought about what it means to be an Australian. Multi-cultrual Australia, Outback Australia, Country Australia.

To those who meet me now, I’m sure I appear the picture of middle class luxury, private boarding school, 3 kids, living in a desirable part of the world. The very essence of spoiled.

I was spoiled. But not by my education, my family or our success. I was spoiled by my childhood. Kakadu was my playground. Crocodiles are not so scary (if you leave them alone). Billabongs were my pools. I camped in tents, caravans and the back of utes. And no matter how used to five star luxury I’d like to get, there is nothing that beats a campfire under the stars. Fresh fish cooking over an open flame. The laughter of kids playing in the bush. Exploring. Discovering.

Dreaming.

Wondering if I could give my kids that same life.

Wishing that I could.

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7 comments:

Kerrie (17 comments.), 22. May 2008, 14:58

I love John WIlliamson - I get chills listening to him, especially True Blue. I’ve seen him a couple of times in concert at a small bush-barn nearby - absolutely magical. I was curious to see that the words in that YouTube video had been changed from “Is it standing by your mate, When he’s in a fight or just Vegemite” to “”Is it standing by your mate, When he’s in a fight or will she be right?”!!!

Your childhood sounds awesome!!! Thanks so much for letting us have a glimpse.
Jayne (35 comments.), 22. May 2008, 15:03

We love John Williamson here, his songs are just so exact and spot on, capturing the Aussie essence and spirit.
Joyce (4 comments.), 22. May 2008, 16:18

Wow Kin hunny I didnt know you grew up in Kakadu- will have to share our pics with you from the time we lived there!
brissiemum2 (2 comments.), 24. May 2008, 20:49

I love John Williamson, too! He reminds me of a few years that I spent at the Gympie Music Muster in the pouring rain and mud (Ok ok, with a Bundy or two in hand!). He was fantastic then and still is!
Gemisht (29 comments.), 26. May 2008, 9:38

I accept no credit for being a bad influence on you - I had nothing to do with you buying that CD

I love John Williamson, especially “True Blue”. And there isn’t much more powerful than music to stir the memories. I hope that you enjoy reliving those wonderful times from your childhood through the music.
Birdwing Therapies (Trackback), 4. June 2008, 5:25

Carnival of (winter in Cairns) Australia…

Welcome to the June 4, 2008 edition of Carnival of Australia and Blog On Cairns. I hope you are all surviving our winter. Here in Cairns, the nights are chilly (have to wear a cardie and pull up the doona) but the days are DIVINE.
Just some housekeepin…
Trish (13 comments.), 4. June 2008, 8:59

I love this song and what you said about your childhood is priceless. I want my boys to experience this true blue Aussie life too.
JW is a great musician and song writer.

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