Asylum Island Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ0LmxSh1I8
Our country Australia was a welcoming country when our family arrived
decades ago. Aussies were happy to greet you and have you belong.
These poor boat people sought to escape inhumane political regimes in their own country
yet have been greeted by similar treatment here ie. inhumane. Many are now certified refugees
yet have been placed in detention, some in excess of 7 years, and for what?
Seeking solace. Seeking humanity's embrace. And love.
You wouldn't treat a rabid dog like this.
They have become political footballs.
Is this who we are?
The song, based upon an old Irish rebel song which my cousin Chris McGloin and I performed
many years back, I rewrote about seven years ago. Sadly it remains true today.
Many thanks to Oblique Productions, The Big O for a magnificent job.
Pacific Solution Revisited - Asylum Island
To the tune of the Irish rebel song, “Join The British Army” (Trad. Arr – Barry McGloin)
AM
Well I was young and proud and free
G
They took my home and family
AM
And now you see a refugee
C G AM
Searching for asylum
Too ra loo ra loo ra loo
They’re looking for monkeys up in the zoo
Said one if I had a face like you
I’d stick you on an island
Australians all let us rejoice
We have a hope we have a choice
We have a vote we have a voice
Not searching for asylum
Too ra loo ra loo ra lee
We'll process youse eventually
We'll stamp your bum and test your pee
While checking on your history…
Ah don’t complain this ain’t the Ritz
It’s Alcatraz not St Moritz
If you can swim out to the ships
The sharks can be relied on
Too ra loo ra loo ra lie
A pat on the back and a poke in the eye
They're looking for monkeys in disguise
Out upon the island
The privileged and the disposed
One is cursed and one is blessed
Which one are you, I bet you've guessed
Out upon the island
Too ra loo ra loo ra loo
Not Sanctuary Point, nor Woolloomooloo
They’re looking for monkeys up in the zoo
To stick upon an island
The privileged and the disposed
One is cursed and one is blessed
You have fuck all, well now it’s less
Out upon the island
Too ra loo ra loo ra loo
This government will do for you
They'll scrub your face and change you to
A number on an island
Well I was young and proud and free
I loved my home and family
But now you see a refugee
Searching for asylum
Too ra loo ra loo ra loo
They’re looking for monkeys up in the zoo
Said one if I had a face like you
I’d stick you on an island
