Album Notes
This album is essentially a reflection on modern Australia; its social/political issues, its landscape, the people who live here and my personal place within it as the writer of these songs. The songs are grouped into their relevant category to provide a little more background into how they came to life.
Social/political
Free Again
This is a tribute song for Uncle Archie Roach, great songwriter and all-round human who always spoke so bravely about our chance for true reconciliation. He was such an important role model for First Nations people and for all Australians, showing us that it is possible to acknowledge the truth of the past and move forward together. It was written very quickly one morning, a couple of weeks after he died. The story of the verses is one that I read in Archie’s autobiography “Tell Me Why” and also in Paul Kelly’s musical memoir “How to Make Gravy”.
*Free Again won the Local heroes/Tribute section of the TSA songwriting awards at Tamworth in 2023
Coral Coast
I was encouraged to write this by a friend, environmental activist Jenny Fitzgibbon, for the Reef Grief songwriting competition. This was being run to raise awareness of the loss of the barrier reef due to climate change and environmental damage. I chose to tell the story through the eyes of a (fictional) young boy and his grandfather.
*Coral Coast went on to win the Reef Grief competition; the prize money contributed to the costs of recording the song.
Lifeline
Both a tribute song and a reminder to anyone who hears it that help is available no matter how dark your life might seem. I chose to approach the topic of suicide from the perspective of a Lifeline volunteer. They are incredibly well trained and really are the best place to turn for anyone who finds themselves contemplating taking their own life, or if you are worried that someone you know might be in danger of doing so.
*Lifeline number is 13 11 14
Behind A Curtain
For a long time this song had the working title of “The Bob Brown Song” because it was inspired by the former Australian Greens leader’s personal struggles and bravery. As a young gay man at a time when homosexuality was illegal, Bob Brown was working as a GP in a small town in Tasmania. After a tumultuous adolescence, he ultimately chose to be open about his sexuality because he wanted to provide a living example for other people in the same situation as him. People today are still benefitting from that bravery.
Landscape
Brindabellas
The mountains behind Canberra form the backdrop to this song which was written on a music tour of NSW/ACT in July 2022 with two of my children, Murray and Roanna. We played a bunch of folk clubs around Sydney, Newcastle and in Canberra itself, staying with lovely people who gave us beds to sleep in and made breakfast for us in the morning. I was so happy to share this folk tour experience with my kids, so they could experience the joy and generosity that exists within the folk world. Murray was working as a roofer’s assistant at the time, so he really did hop up on the roof to fix a leak at one of the houses.
If You Go
My two daughters have both spent time in Thredbo, working the snow season and also staying on in Summer. A popular thing to do there in the warmer months is climb up Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain, to watch the sunrise from the top. The chairlifts aren’t operating at night of course, so you have to start the climb all the way down in Thredbo village. Many years ago I was trekking in Nepal and went on a bus trip to see the sun rising over Mount Everest. On the day in question the mountain peak remained in the clouds. This memory inspired the metaphorical message in the song.
The Great Outside
When I first came to Australia I spent five years travelling the country in a caravan, working harvest jobs then moving on. For the last 25 years, since having kids, I have been settled in one place. There’s joy in both things, the going and the settling. These days I very often sit on my back verandah, cup of tea in my hand, looking out over the trees.
People
A Million Dollars
This song is a tribute to my friend Noel Law who died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. One of his mates told the story at his funeral and it perfectly sums up Noel’s approach to life.
Don’t Bring Gifts
Many people have merged to create the character within this song, a much-loved family member who cherishes the contact they have with loved ones. The song’s bridge was inspired by a speech made at a friend's 50th birthday party.
Personal
Granny’s Violin
Music is a strong generational thread within my family. All four of my grandparents were very good amateur musicians (two piano players, one opera singer and one violinist) and all three of my children have followed me into the folk music world. This is the true story of my paternal grandmother Barbara Burton (Granny B) who was already 80 years old when I was born. My grandfather Joe, also mentioned in the song, died long before I was born.
Always Belong
As a migrant to Australia at the age of 25 I fully embraced the country I was choosing to live in. England had never been that kind to me, though I suspect that was as much down to my own mental health struggles as the country’s social structure or opportunities. In Australia I had the chance to start again without anyone watching and without needing to explain my choices. I maintained a good relationship with the family I left behind but there was always a sense that I’d abandoned my country of birth. When I returned in 2022 to visit my Mum for the first time since COVID, I finally felt at ease with England. This nostalgic song was written in my former teenage bedroom, with my big teddy sitting on a chair in the corner.
Three Guests
A love song for David, my soul mate who has been with me since I was 19 and he was 24. He introduced me to folk music and Australia so it’s true to say that without him this album would not exist.
Credits
All songs were written by Karen Law except Coral Coast and Lifeline, written by Karen Law and Murray Law.
This album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Fix at Parklands Studio in Brisbane.
Musicians
Karen Law – lead vocals and acoustic guitar (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Murray Law – acoustic guitar (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12), electric guitar (1, 2), twelve-string guitar (2, 3), Nashville guitar (5,12), baritone guitar (8,12), resonator guitar ((8), bass guitar and backing vocals (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12)
Doug Gallacher – drums (1, 2, 3, 5, 7,9, 10, 12)
Daniel Khoury – keyboard; piano, organ, synth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Mal Webb – horns (6, 10)
Hugh Curtis – fiddle (5, 7, 8)
Sarah Calderwood – backing vocals (2,8,11) and flute (11)
Michael Fix – electric guitar (8) and mandolin (12)
Fred Smith – harmonica (7)
Roanna Law – backing vocals (12)
