Saturday, July 17, 2021

 


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. ArrBarry 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



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