Granite Town - 2009
This is the 12 track CD by the Graham Scobie Band which was launched at the August, 2009, Gympie Muster. All songs are written by Graham and Michelle Scobie.
Pat the Possum, written by Michelle Scobie, was a finalist in the 2010 Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards.
GRANITE TOWN
Graham and Michelle Scobie
Granite woman, granite man, granite purpose, granite plan.
Granite children, granite joy, granite tool, granite toy;
Come on down to Granite Town, people flock to this place of renown.
Come on down to Granite Town, solid as a rock, it won't let you down.
Granite Council, granite Mayor, granite dressing, granite dare;
Granite bank, granite lathe, granite bar, granite bathe.
Come on down to Granite Town, people flock to this place of renown.
Come on down to Granite Town, solid as a rock, it won't let you down.
Granite café, granite book, granite buttress, granite brook;
Granite column, granite bridge, granite river, granite ridge.
Come on down to Granite Town, people flock to this place of renown.
Come on down to Granite Town, solid as a rock, it won't let you down.
Granite quarry, granite park, granite light, granite dark;
Granite churches, granite room, granite tower, granite tomb.
Come on down to Granite Town, people flock to this place of renown.
Come on down to Granite Town, solid as a rock, it won't let you down.
JUST A WHIP CRACK AWAY
Graham Scobie
The Scobie whip is legend, up the Oodnadatta Track,
And Richard Farms Scobie gave it a fair crack.
From Junee in ’57, to Wagga in ‘006,
This Kurrajong crusader showed us a few tricks.
Just a whip crack away, just a whip crack away –
That’s what Rick would have us say – he’s just a whip crack away.
A perfectionist in leather, a plier of the plait,
A member of the Cracking Club, a dasher in a hat.
The Wantabadgery Wanderer, always ready for a ride –
And when it came to hitching, he was on the whipping side.
Just a whip crack away, just a whip crack away –
That’s what Rick would have us say – he’s just a whip crack away.
From whipping up a storm, to when the whips were cracking,
This whiptail wallaby from good whipstock took a lot of tracking.
He hasn’t really hung his whip, he’s in Shangri-la today:
Looking down with whip in hand –just a whip crack away.
Just a whip crack away, just a whip crack away –
That’s what Rick would have us say – he’s just a whip crack away.
Just a whip crack away, just a whip crack away –
That’s what God would have us say – he’s just a whip crack away.
I PLEDGE MY LOVE TO YOU
Michelle and Graham Scobie
Music and singing and sweet old Christmas songs,
Has me knowing that to you I belong.
Wise men gave gifts when they travelled to the Inn –
Others give boots and guitars that can sing.
Before these witnesses, family and friends,
I will pledge to love you, until our journey ends.
As God has taught us how to love, every day, anew –
I pledge my love to you.
Holding, touching, praying, staying – together we will grow.
In the garden of our love, where living waters flow.
As this curving archway joins the planet to the sky,
The crosses on our rings say we’re united, you and I.
Before these witnesses, family and friends,
I will pledge to love you until our journey ends.
As God has taught us how to love, every day anew -
I pledge my love to you.
Celebrating, promising our solemn bond of time,
Achieving goals together and setting them in rhyme.
Creation is surrounding us on this eventful day,
Which leads us to singing what some would only say.
Before these witnesses, family and friends,
I will pledge to love you until our journey ends.
As God has taught us how to love, every day anew -
I pledge my love to you.
PATRICK THE POSSUM
Michelle Scobie
I’m Patrick the possum, I live near the blossom,
I’m old and I’m wise, and I do recognize,
That creatures and plants who can’t do a dance,
Belong in their land, we must make a stand.
Oysters and pearls, are part of the world,
The mud and the silt, a home like a quilt,
So take them right back, to the river bed black,
Just leave them alone to live in their home.
I'm Patrick the possum, I live near the blossom,
I'm old and I'm wise and I do recognize,
That creatures and plants who can't do a dance,
Belong in their land, we must make a stand.
Our land needs all it’s plants and it’s leaves,
We must all learn, that it is not our turn,
To pick up or take things out of a lake,
Just leave them alone to live in their home.
I'm Patrick the possum, I live near the blossom,
I'm old and I'm wise and I do recognize,
That creatures and plants who can't do a dance,
Belong in their land, we must make a stand.
I’m Patrick the possum, Patrick the possum,
Patrick the possum, Patrick the possum,
Patrick the possum, Patrick the possum,
The possum, the possum, the possum, the possum.
I LOVE YOU 24/7
Graham Scobie
I love you 24/7, I love you 365,
You're my daily dose of Heaven,
I thank God that you're alive!
M is for the memories
We build upon each day.
I is for the interest
You always show my way!
C is for the cuddles
That keep us healthy, hey!
And H is for the happiness
That makes me want to say...
I love you 24/7, I love you 365,
You're my daily dose of Heaven,
I thank God that you're alive!
E is for excitement
That being with you brings.
L is for the loving
That happens when she sings!
Another L for laughter
That always loudly rings
And E is for eternal
And other special things!
I love you 24/7, I love you 365,
You're my daily dose of Heaven,
I thank God that you're alive!
THE BARN DANCE SONG
Michelle Scobie
One, two, three, kick back two, three,
Turn and change partners, three and four.
Side together side and back for some more,
Waltz hold, two and three and four.
One, two, three, on and on the call goes
Turn and change its never the same.
Side together side, hello and a smile
Display some style, now spin, for a while
One, two, three, kick back, two, three,
Turn and change partners, three and four.
Side together side and back for some more,
Waltz hold, two and three and four.
Music, a dance, a chance for romance,
A bass and a drum, some time for some fun.
A barn or a shed, hey watch out for Ted,
The beat it goes on, so steady and strong.
Counting in time, a musical rhyme,
The beat it repeats, look up not at feet.
Spinning around, a face like a clown,
It’s time for some fun, for old and for young.
THE REDBACK FARMER
Graham Scobie
We all know the redback, the spider of our nation,
But have you ever thought of its’ purpose in Creation?
Little Latrodectus is grossly underrated,
And the peril from its poison is just a tad inflated.
So let me pose a question for people here to ponder –
What place will the redback have when we all go up yonder?
Don’t want to breed a yak or a llama,
I want to be a redback farmer;
Cant get enough of that polka-dot charmer,
I want to be a redback farmer.
Now the redback on the toilet seat was once a common sight
And many a scream in many a dream pierced the pitch-black night.
When next upon the carpet red you are intent on walking
In your Redback boots and in cahoots with paparazzi talking:
Just remind all human-king when picking up their sticks –
No-one’s died from a redback bite since 1956!
Don't want to breed a yak or a llama,
I want to be a redback farmer;
Can't get enough of that polka-dot charmer,
I want to be a redback farmer.
In olden days, in sheep-filled ways we rode the wool to market,
Then camels, cows and horses – but if they ever cark it:
We could all learn and take a turn at breeding native species
Like emus, roos and wombats with their eco-friendly faeces.
But me I’d rather settle for something quite unique:
It’s in a jar up on the fridge – why don’t you take a peek!
Don't want to breed a yak or a llama,
I want to be a redback farmer;
Can't get enough of that polka-dot charmer,
I want to be a redback farmer.
With sheep and cows and horses you only get one baby –
I’d like to suggest what once was a pest is a better bet, and maybe:
To learn about what crawls the spout then you might find it thrifty,
To breed a spider that has inside her over two hundred and fifty!
And furthermore, in case you’re poor, there’s one less mouth to feed:
She goes for broke and eats her bloke – now there’s a nifty breed!
Don't want to breed a yak or a llama,
I want to be a redback farmer;
Can't get enough of that polka-dot charmer,
I want to be a redback farmer.
SOLDIER OF THE SADDLE
Graham Scobie
ANZAC Day in ’57 dawned like any other;
Little did I know that I would have a baby brother.
Duncan Andrew Scobie is the name that he was given;
From the moment of conception he was dirt-soil driven.
He’s a soldier of the saddle, a sailor of the soil,
A pilot of the plains – a man of constant toil.
Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland he served as a jackaroo
The Diamantina River was graced by his presence, too.
And later on in Texas and north of the Canada line,
Kimberley and Isa, Longreach was looking fine.
He's a soldier of the saddle, a sailor of the soil,
A pilot of the plains - a man of constant toil.
With Jane and Luke and Hannah he’s formed a mighty team,
Living life to the max, awake to the Australian dream.
So it seemed he's worthy to feature in a song,
Now that he has seen the light and is back to the Billabong.
He's a soldier of the saddle, a sailor of the soil,
A pilot of the plains - a man of constant toil.
TOUCHED BY LOVE
Michelle Scobie
Driving around - seen in the town,
Loved to distraction - explosive attraction,
Happy at last - the world’s spinning fast
Touched by love, no need to fear,
Strengthened by love, as long as you’re near.
United by love is all that I hear,
Touched by love, my love, oh so dear.
Beauty abounds - it's all around,
Love takes the time - to say you are mine,
Held tight in your arms – gentle touch calms.
Touched by love, no need to fear,
Strengthened by love, as long as you're near.
United by love is all that I hear,
Touched by love, my love, oh so dear.
Rhythm and heat – are driving the beat,
Hearts united – joined now delighted,
Melded together – in all kinds of weather.
Touched by love, no need to fear,
Strengthened by love, as long as you're near.
United by love is all that I hear,
Touched by love, my love, oh so dear.
Rocks, trees and grasses – witness the laughter,
Voices ring out – as we joyfully shout,
Our love to the sky – from platforms on high.
Touched by love, no need to fear,
Strengthened by love as long as you're near.
United by love is all that I hear,
Touched by love, my love, oh so dear.
WHAT IS IN STORE?
Michelle Scobie
Most people hear a sweet melody
And expect to hear more but I’ll wait and see.
Hearts are thumping, guitars are strumming,
But show me more of what is in store.
One very sweet and soft serenade,
Touches my heart like fresh lemonade.
Bubbles of laughter drift to the rafter,
But show me more of what is in store.
People they meet and enjoy the attention,
Feeling some form of special connection.
Emotions are strong, we do get along,
But show me more of what is in store.
My heart it is guarded the past has ensured,
That I must take care not to hurt like before.
Hurts of the past must take a blast,
Just show me more of what is in store.
Please let me learn to go with my smile,
And trust you’ll be here for more than a while.
Don’t rush the feelings, you know that I’m healing
Just show me more of what is in store.
Take the time, I’m sure you’ll find,
we will enjoy all of what is in store.
90 AND STILL IN HER PRIME
Graham Scobie
In nineteen hundred and sixteen, two famous Australians were born.
A couple of Gumnut Babies, in the shade of the Anzac dawn.
Whitlam was one, a Government gun, went on to tell us “It’s Time!”.
But I bow down to Aunt Esther, she was 90 and still in her prime.
90 and still in her prime, she was 90 and still in her prime.
Aunt Esther, Aunt Esther, we still tried to test her
She was 90 and still in her prime.
From a Broken Hill innings to new Griffith beginnings,
Then nursing in old Sydney town.
And during the War, a valourous chore
When wounded Kokoda came down.
And later to London, helping the needy,
Still wearing her Nightingale gown.
And through her profession,
She met her obsession, young Eric the Lord of renown.
90 and still in her prime, she was 90 and still in her prime.
Aunt Esther, Aunt Esther, we still tried to test her,
She was 90 and still in her prime.
Wee Jasper to Springwood, from there to Nambucca,
Living her life without fear.
Time for grandchildren, nephews and nieces,
And the home she and Eric held dear.
She was 90 not out with still lots of clout,
A century beckoned so near:
So ladies and gents, you know she made sense –
The Matron of Honour lived here!
90 and still in her prime, she was 90 and still in her prime.
Aunt Esther, Aunt Esther, we still tried to test her,
She was 90 and still in her prime.
HARD ROCK HOTEL
Graham Scobie
In Beaconsfield on Anzac Day
A goldmine roof it crashed away.
Three men were trapped – Russell, Webb and Knight,
But soon the world would know their plight.
On day the third, Larry Knight was found:
Crushed beneath a rocky mound.
But Todd and Brant were still unseen,
The days ticked by, but hope was keen.
It was Sunday before their cries were heard,
Alive in their cage like a startled bird.
But nine more days would pass before
The rescue team achieved its’ chore.
To reach the men down the damaged shaft
Was thought to be a deadly graft.
So a drill was brought from far afield
To wrest from the earth its’ precious yield.
So inch by inch and hour by hour,
The miners toiled with all their power.
Until after a fortnight of clout
The World War Two church bell rang out.
And who will ever forget the sight
As dawning day replaced the night –
It was Tuesday morning, the 9th of May:
“The Beacy boys are free today!”
So in years to come they will speak the tale,
Of the miners freed from their gold-plated jail.
These tough Tasmanians who holidayed in Hell:
Two weeks in 2-Star Hard Rock Hotel!