Steve Clisby Covers “I Still Call Australia Home”

I might be a little biased, since my husband is American, but I think there’s something so special about people who choose to live in our country. I love Australia, but I’ve also not known what it’s like to live anywhere else. I was taught my country was the best, and I never questioned it. But when people have lived abroad and they choose to make Australia home, they’re doing it because they’ve seen what else is out there and they truly know Australia is the country for them. Like me they were probably told the place they grew up is superior, but they explored beyond their immediate environment and rejected what they were told.

Perhaps that’s why I warm so much to Steve Clisby’s version of “I Still Call Australia Home.” I can truly feel his dedication to our country coming through this performance. And is there a more beautiful backdrop than Sydney Harbour?

Steve said he recorded the iconic Peter Allen song because he wanted to give back to the supporters he’s found in his adopted home. “I’m originally from California, but have lived in this beautiful country for over 16 years now – I fell in love with it the moment I arrived. I definitely call Australia my home and being able to do this now is very powerful for me,” he said in a press release.

I can’t think of a more appropriate time to share this single with you. Happy Australia Day!

Happy Australia Day!

Happy Australia Day Sounds of Oz readers! I hope that whatever you’re doing, whether it’s planning a big family barbeque or simply having a day off work, you’re enjoying it.

I always like to post a video on January 26 that makes me pause and think how good we’ve got it, and how special this country is. While watching Oprah’s Australian advertorials this month, I knew what I’d have to post in 2011. “I Still Call Australia Home” has always been a song that’s affected me. I honestly think it should be our national anthem, as it stirs me much more than “Advance Australia Fair.”

But that’s a discussion for another time. For now it’s just an amazing song made better by the presence of some of our best entertainers, and a great big Aussie flag.