Child of the Goldfield

Child of the Goldfield was commissioned by Caulfield Grammar in 2012 as part of the song cycle ‘Eureka’ under the artistic direction of Ruth Friend and Jodie Yemm. It is the 1st piece in the 3 part cycle about the Eureka Stockade, one of Australia’s most important early European battles.

This piece was inspired by a visit with the students to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat where the stockade took place during the height of the Australian Gold Rush. Lively and gritty, the piece is soaked in the style of Celtic music and Australian bush poetry and is a popular piece with upper primary age singers.

Internet Eureka 2

Other featured pieces from the Song Cycle are Sampan and the Stars of Eureka. Contact Paul or check the site for availability. The song cycle is a powerful performance piece that students can perform with costumes and narration in a theatrical setting. A great way to teach this history.

Sample recording courtesy of Hillcrest Christian College Choir, directed by Jenny Moon

Themes

Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing the adventure
Duration 4:20
Key D minor modulating to E minor
Range C4 to G5
More info Additional flute/tin whistle and violin parts available.
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

C H I L D   O F   T H E   G O L D F I E L D                        

By Paul Jarman
                       
I’ve been searching all my life, the only life I know
It’s running through my veins, the glitter and the glow
I sailed across the seas and walked the country wide
Yet lost so many years hunting in the gloom

The burning heat of day turns to bitter night
Tired, cold and lonely, I wait for the morning light
Crow rooster crow, blow whistle blow
Rumble from the darkness, it’s back to the pit I go

Working hard on the goldfield, down the mine below
One more day on the goldfield living the life I know
I’m a child of the goldfield walking the dusty road
I’ll carry that load all the way back home

I rock the golden cradle, shovel the muddy clay
Glean out the barrow reap the harvest of the day
Eyes like a hawk and the hunger of a crow
Captain of the mullock heap, master of the flow

I hope for tomorrow what I failed to find before
And even if it kills me it is still worth searching for
All my dreams are waiting somewhere in the stone
I’ll carry that load all the way back home

© Paul Jarman 2012