We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Silverton picnic train

from Unsung Yarns by Tapestries of Sound

supported by
dieter58
dieter58 thumbnail
Karl Gordon
Karl Gordon thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $2 AUD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Afghan loyalties are divided in a time of war as a New Year's Day outing from Broken Hill goes badly awry. This song relates to a tragic incident in which 4 innocent people were killed and 7 others wounded at the hands of two assailants occurred on 1st January 1915 at a time when Australia (along with the British empire and allied forces) was at war with Turkey.

While much of the 'Afghan' community (who were from Afghanistan as well as neighbouring countries on the subcontinent) were loyal to the allied forces (some of the older Afghans living in Australia had even fought with the British during the 19th century Afghan war) there were others who had their allegiance to the Sultan of Ottoman Turkey including Badshah Mahommed Gool and Mullah Abdullah. The loyalty of these two men towards Turkey combined with their personal grievances in segregated and racially stratified Australia led them to take up arms and fire upon white civilians. 'Silverton picnic train' attempts to capture the tragedy of war and violence from the two sides and sets Australian folk ballad-style lyrics to the melodies and rhythms of the subcontinent with some twists...

lyrics

Flying a rival flag-
Dangerous times
Disgruntled though you feel
Beware of the vigilant eyes
Silverton picnic train
Ready to celebrate
Hardly prepared for pain
Behind the car they wait

Behind the cart we hide
Blind to the faceless screams
To no one do we confide
These last of our broken dreams

I will fight and kill your people
because your people are fighting us
I have no enemies among you
This I do 'cos I feel it so much

Silverton picnic train
Ready to celebrate
Hardly prepared for pain
A totally different fate
A picnic on New Year's day
For the folk of Broken Hill
The war seemed so far away
Before the chill...

Why did they shoot to kill?
Why did they hide?
Why are they full of hate?
Why do they stay that side?

credits

from Unsung Yarns, track released January 1, 2011
Mahesh Radhakrishnan- vocals, harmonium, jaw harp
David Carr- banjo
Jess Randall- violin, slide violin, 'pornograph', violin screeches
Mirabai Peart- violin, violin screeches and violin solo
Robin Dixon- double bass
Joe Gould- udu and backing vocals

Recorded and mixed at Shadowsounds Glossodia by Greg Le Couteur

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Tapestries of Sound image

Tapestries of Sound Sydney, Australia

contact / help

Contact Tapestries of Sound

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

If you like Tapestries of Sound, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Fabiana Palladino stops by to talk about her mesmeric debut LP.
listen now