We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Of Trees and Humankind

from Green Footprints by Ecopella

/
  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    CD with gatefold wallet and 8 page lyric booklet.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Green Footprints via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      $25 AUD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $5 AUD  or more

     

about

A passionate view of the impact on forests and indigenous people made by brutal invaders in Europe and Australia, rendered in a sophisticated choral format. Our sister organisation, the Solidarity Choir made a beautiful recording of it

lyrics

The trees of the forest grew tall
The oak and the hazel, the ash and wild apple
Their power respected by all
Their strength safely guarded by priests of the lore
Sacred the old ways
And earth's ancient pathways. No more

Then strangers came onto the land
They lacked comprehension
their godheads were different
They simply did not understand
They laughed at the old ways
with scorn and derision
They raped and they slaughtered
and all was justified
By the word: 'civilised'. See the forests die

Lai lai lai! Lai lai lai
Lai luh lai lai lai lai lai lai lai
Lai lai Lai luh lai lai lai

The trees of the bushland grew strong
The casuarina, the red gum and mulga
Honoured by those who belong
The brown Pitjantjara, the emu, the brolga
Clear understanding and warm affinity
With the earth and the trees. Calm serenity

Then strangers came onto the land
Born of those ancients, both victim and victor
They simply did not understand
They laughed at the old ways
with scorn and derision
They raped and they slaughtered
and all was justified
By the word: 'civilised'. See the bushland die

And now here we sit on the land
The children of children of children of ages
If only together we'd stand
With courage and love
we could turn back the pages
The earth and its fullness are ours if we try
Raise a cry! Raise a cry!
And see the trees grow high!

credits

from Green Footprints, released September 4, 2020
Words & Melody: Wendy Joseph, 1982
Arranged: Miguel Heatwole, 1997

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Miguel Heatwole Sydney, Australia

Miguel’s a versatile singer, choral director & composer. His interests include folk & world music, political satire, the environment, trade unionism & the responsible enjoyment of alcohol. His songwriting embraces themes like peace & justice, the family cat, & visceral passionate attraction. His enthusiasm for recording community singing has let many people share the power of their songs. ... more

contact / help

Contact Miguel Heatwole

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Miguel Heatwole recommends:

If you like Miguel Heatwole, you may also like: