From MvM Newsletter 8
December 2009
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
The rising sun sent him floating to his rest
And his wife fled south to
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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