Wildlife Warrior

Wildlife Warrior is a dedication to the great Steve Irwin, written by Andrew DeTeliga with additional lyrics and arrangement by Paul.

“We were touring with Sirocco in the Glass House Mountains region in September 2006. After doing three concerts at the charming local schools we drove along the highway, (now called Steve Irwin Way) passed the much loved Australia Zoo. As we drew closer we noticed thousands of people lined up along the road with flags, animals, signs, letters, flowers and instruments. A light rain was coming down and it did not deter these people who had come from far and wide. We stopped the car and asked someone what had happened.” “He’s gone mate”, said the old farmer, “Steve Irwin’s dead.”

“We paid our respects and then travelled back to our hotel in total silence. Once we arrived, Andrew and I decided that we must write a song about Steve Irwin immediately. We agreed to meet outside our rooms once one of us had written something. Half an hour later, Andrew appeared, guitar in hand, singing the chorus to this beautiful song and I fell in love with it straight away. We returned to the local schools the next day and performed the song for the children and teachers. There was not a dry eye in the house. We will always remember Steve and the joy he brought this world.” – Paul Jarman

Sample recording by the Voices of Birralee, directed by Julie Christiansen

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing from the heart
Duration 3:50
Key Eb Major for treble/ F Major for male voice choir
Range Standard for all
More info
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

W I L D L I F E   W A R R I O R                        
                          			
By Andrew DeTeliga & Paul Jarman

Crocodile dreaming in the morning light
Sun dance on the water
Dreams of a champion forever live on
Through mother, son and daughter

Never forget wildlife warrior
Though you roam far and wide
Never forget our wildlife warrior
Always be by your side

One mans passion for the wild world
All the good that he has done
Friends and family beside him stand
Together under the sun

Tell a real Aussie story
Lay your life on the line
By ‘crikey’ it aint over
Aussie legend always shine

Loved the children as he loved the wild
He held our dreams in his smile
Goodbye hero, goodbye friend
We'll miss you far across this land
         
© Andrew DeTeliga/Paul Jarman 2006