Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Song lyrics evoke the spirit of family and tragedy

From MvM Newsletter 8

December 2009

Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee

 

PETER GARRETT’S life has not been without great tragedy.

As well as losing his grandfather on the Montevideo Maru, his father, a company executive, died of work stress and later his mother died in a house fire.

Peter’s song, In the Valley, draws its power from these dreadful events.

He has written of it: "It's just a simple story of someone talking about what's happening to their family and the passing of generations - and how that stays with you."

 

IN THE VALLEY

My grandfather went down with the Montevideo

The rising sun sent him floating to his rest

And his wife fled south to Sydney seeking out safe harbour

A north shore matron she became with some paying guests

My father went down with the curse of big cities

Traffic tolls and deadlines took him to his peace

Now Bob Dyer glued us to our seats

And lawns were always Victa neat

Whilst Menzies fawned at royal feet do you remember

In the valley I walk I took some comfort there

In the valley I walk cold comfort I can hear you talk

In the valley I walk - who will take me there

When my mother went down it was a stiff arm from Hades

Life surprises and tears you like the southerly

She always welcomed the spring always welcomed the stranger

I don't see too many around like this

Oh no, that's what I'm looking for, year, what we're looking for

In the valley I walk who will take me there

In the valley I walk cold comfort I can hear you talk

In the valley I walk I took some comfort there

In the valley I walk oh rough justice I hear you talk

In the valley I walk to meet my water shed

I hope virtue brings its own reward

And I hope the pen is mightier than any sword

I hope the kids will take it slow

I hope my country claims its own

In the valley I walk I cried yes I cried I was down then I crawled

Mercy's arms all around me when I was down there

In the valley I walk do you read me they can hear me in the valley

© Hirst/Moginie/Garrett

 

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