Generations of mistreatment have turned the “mighty Murray” — once “the bread-basket of our nation” — into a sad basket-case. This is a cry for help. (John)
lyrics
Once I was something
Remember me then?
I ran so wild and free
From mountain to valley
Through redgum and mallee
I ran all the way to the sea
Thought I’d run for all time
In those years of my prime
Now time’s running out for me
And as I lie dying, you’re not even trying
To help me run down to the sea
When you came along
With your dance and your song
I was taken in by your charms
You found your pleasures
In all of my treasures
As you settled down in my arms
With your ploughs and your ditches
You made all your riches
From the bounty that I bestowed
And your sons and your daughters
All drank from my waters
With no thought for the debt that they owed
Once I was something
Remember me when
I ran so wild and free
From mountain to valley
Through redgum and mallee
I ran all the way to the sea.
Now your mouths just chatter
With things that don’t matter
While mine’s gone silent and dryAnd your banks are swollen
With all that you’ve stolen
While mine are just left bare to die
It’s a cruel situation
To feed a whole nation
And be treated like this by a friend
It’s not me who’ll be cursed
If I die here of thirst
It’s you who’ll be damned in the end
Oh but once I was something
Remember me when
I ran so wild and free
From mountain to valley
Through redgum and mallee
I ran all the way to the sea
Thought I’d run for all time
In those years of my prime
Now time’s run out for me
And as I lie dying
I wish you were trying
To help me run down to the sea
I hope that you know I'm not ready to go
Help me run down to the sea
Could you this time be a true friend of mine?
Help me run down to the sea
Listen to me, please hear my plea
Help me run down to the sea
Help me run down to the sea
Help me run down to the sea
credits
from Ripple Effects,
released September 3, 2022
Carrie Jacobi: lead vocal, guitar
Lynden Jacobi: backing vocal, ukulele, recorder
Len McCarthy: backing vocal, guitar
Words and tune by John Sutton, music by Tripple Effect
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