Paul was invited to a far western NSW outback station town called Wanaaring. It is many hundreds of kilometres west of Bourke. It was here that several other schools joined the community with Paul to write a new school song which they could all share.
The land was in drought but that was soon to break. Paul first worked with the children on developing lyrics, asking them questions about life in Wanaaring. The answers were honest and real and soon become the lyric of the piece. They then worked on natural melodies that grew from the words and soon the piece was born, evolving as clouds appeared in the sky. By the end of the day they had written the song as the community ran outside to witness the sky break for the first time in 4 years. It was a short celebration, for Paul had to drive the 6 hour dirt road back to Bourke, and with rain, it could become a dangerous bog within an hour. This would mean being cut off for up to a week, the only way out, by helicopter.
So, Paul packed up his things, and drive off with some of the community and teachers, all singing the great new piece they wrote together – ‘Living in the Bush’. The way back was not easy. By the time they reached the next station, the road had been closed and it was an arduous drive through mud to get back to Bourke. But with the first rain in 4 years it was all worth it. You can hear the joy of the rain, the country opening up and the spring in the step. This song has become a popular anthem for thousands of other kids who live in the bush.
Press play below and view the photos of the day, some of the research, the lyrics and sheet music sample. Enjoy…
