Happy Father’s Day!
I’ll bet there are plenty of readers out there who consider this to be another of those Hallmark holidays, but I don’t mind a day that gives me an excuse to catch up with my Dad. We touch base regularly, but those days where the entire family gets together are a bit rarer.
I’m lucky to enjoy a really good relationship with my Dad. Music has always been a bit of an anchor to that. I remember spending many evenings with him while Mum was working night duty. He’d take out his collection of vinyl and I’d know to stay very still as the tracks played. He’d explain to me the history of the band and the meaning of the lyrics. If not for those special nights I might not be the rabid music fan I am today.
So I figured today was the perfect day to post a few Aussie music videos that remind me of my Dad. Hopefully you’ll enjoy them too!
My Dad loves a bit of Chisel. “Flame Trees” is his favourite Cold Chisel track, and quite rightly so. “Khe Sahn” might be the popular choice, but the lyrics of this song and Jimmy’s impassioned delivery are exceptional.
My Dad is also the reason I’m such a big Richard Clapton. It’s not the coolest thing to admit, but if you saw this guy live you’d get it. I’ve picked “Best Years of Our Lives” not because it’s the best Richard Clapton song (although that’s arguably the case), but because its message is something Dad’s always instilled in me.
I remember when “Holy Grail” was released and it wowed my Dad. He’s generally a bit slower to embrace brand new music, but he loved this Hunters & Collectors track. If it came on the radio, he’d turn it up loud and sing along.
An oldie now, but an important one to include. Country Radio were playing at Newcastle nightspot The Savoy on the night that my Dad met my mother. This song “Gypsy Queen” was their big hit, so perhaps if it didn’t exist and drag them both out that night, I wouldn’t be here!
And no post about the relationship between a father and daughter would be complete without Axiom’s “Little Ray of Sunshine.”
Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love you lots!!