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