This song tells the story of how Eastern Arrernte man, and my friend, John Cavanagh, had to pay rent every night to the pastoral company in Central Australia in order to lay down his swag and sleep - on his own country. It honours the fact that John paid the rent out of his meagre wages, but also tells the story of how he was proud that he had helped "open up this country, black and white together, side by side." He was proud of his work as a cattleman, acknowledged how people could work together, and wanted to look to the future, even as he told this story. A story that included visitors to Central Australia, and people from all walks of life.
John is part of a class action claim seeking redress for stolen wages, and this is taking effect today.
I felt that John's story was important, and, with his permission, turned it into this song, which I have played many times on country in remote Australia, and in cities on the coast.
It is an attempt at deep listening, respect, and truth-telling.