Country Says What I Am You Can Be

by Steve Bevis

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about

I wrote this song while sitting beside Eastern Arrernte elder, John Cavanagh, as we drove out of Ruby Gap, a stunning and important place on his country, east of Alice Springs. For many years we have run 'spirit journeys' for visitors from the big cities, taking them out bush, while John shares stories of his life, culture and history: the stories of his place, the land of which he is a 'caretaker.' John doesn't say 'he owns the land', though by rights, he is now recognised as an owner under our laws; instead he says "the land owns him." This lyric is an attempt to express my learning from John of what 'country' means: that it is alive, is a potent source of strength, a reality that you can "talk to" and that in some mysterious way talks back.

I wrote the music in both styles - country and western! - in tribute to the place this form holds in the hearts of Indigenous people across the country, and especially to an old stockman like John.

Happy listening; not only to this track, but to the country itself. May the country lay tracks across your heart.

lyrics

Country is strong, dependable
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is wide, with room for all
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is quiet, healing hearts
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is home and family
Country says, “what I am you can be”

In the quiet you can hear
Country says, “what I am you can be”
If you listen you will hear
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is scarred, vulnerable
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is true, straight ’n' proud
Country says, “what I am you can be”

In the quiet you can hear
Country says, “what I am you can be”
If you listen you will hear
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is strong, dependable
Country says, “what I am you can be”

Country is home and family
Country says, “what I am you can be”
Country says, “what I am you can be”
Country says, “what I am you can be”

credits

released November 14, 2020

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Steve Bevis Sydney, Australia

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, nomad and pilgrim.

Traversing folk, rock, trad and spirituals
on 'country' and across many nations.

Now residing on the lands of the Wangal people of the Eora nation. ... more

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