W.O.C.K On Vinyl - John Williamson: True Blue (1986)

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future. Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788.

With respect to Australia's Music Industry, we can be very proud of the contributions that our Aussie Musos have made in entertaining people from every nation with music and song, with many of our artists achieving world wide acclaim. Therefore, I would like to celebrate Australia Day by posting this wonderful Australian Anthem recorded by one of our country's best musical artists. I hope you enjoy it and have a great Australia Day !

The 'True Blue' Aussie musician that I'd like to acknowledge this Australia Day / WOCK on Vinyl post is the Country singer John Williamson. 

In November 1986, John released his breakthrough album, Mallee Boy, which peaked in the Top 10 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart. It remained in the top 50 for a year-and-a-half, and was awarded a triple platinum certificate.  The album had a re-recorded version of "True Blue" which was released as a single in December. Williamson was asked by the Australian Made Campaign whether they could use "True Blue" for their TV and radio ads. It became a career highlight and was adopted as a theme by the Australia national cricket team.  "True Blue" earned John a Golden Guitar for Male Vocalist of the Year at the 1987 CMAA (Country Music Awards of Australia) Awards at Tamworth Country Music Festival.
On 4 September 2006, Australian country music singer John Williamson performed True Blue at the public memorial service for Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo. 
"True Blue" was Steve's favourite song and so, I have chosen to post it for you this month as it is one of my favourite 'Australian Anthems'.
 
What the words mean: 
Smoko ~ take a break to have a cigarette
True Blue ~ totally Australian, honest, reliable, trustworthy
Fair Dinkum ~ telling the truth, honest statement 

Lyrics 
Hey True Blue
Don't say you've gone
Say you've knocked off for a smoko
And you'll be back later on
Hey True Blue

Hey True Blue
Give it to me straight
Face to face
Are you really disappearing
Just another dying race
Hey True Blue

True Blue
Is it me and you
Is it Mum and Dad
Is it a cockatoo
Is it standing by your mate
When he's in a fight
Or will she be right
True Blue
I'm asking you

Hey True Blue
Can you bear the load
Will you tie it up with wire

Just to keep the show on the road
Hey True Blue

Hey True Blue
Now be fair dinkum
Is your heart still there
If they sell us out like sponge cake
Do you really care
Hey True Blue

True Blue
Is it me and you
Is it Mum and Dad
Is it a cockatoo
Is it standing by your mate
When she's in a fight
Or will she be right
True Blue
I'm asking you

Finally,  I'd like to finish this post by highlighting a milestone for 'Rock On Vinyl'  - 1 Million Hits since it's conception in 2009.  So, thanks to my regular visitors for your support over the years and I look forward to seeing you back for the next exciting installment.  Happy Australia Day everyone

True Blue (MP3 / 320kps)  New Link 07/08/2024