Title: Nunga, Murri, Nyungar, Koori Song
Artist: Jardine A. Kiwat
Language: English
Lyrics
Chorus).
Your a nunga, your a murri,
your a nyungar, a Koori too
well you’d have to come from Australia
just like the rest of us do
and I’m proud to be Australian
if thats what it takes
in all our many colours
stand up and take your place
stand up and take your place….
V1.) Whether you were raised in the cold
wrapped up in possum skins
whether you were raised on a coast
where Kondilli sings
whether you were raised in the East,
the North, the South or the West
whether you were taken away
from your family, from your cultural home…
Chorus).
V2.) Whether you were raised in the Coorong
or Bamaga
whether you were raised in Maralinga
or the coral sea
whether you were raised in Broome,
Redfern or Tennant creek
whether you were raised in Boroloola
or Murray bridge…
Nunga, Murri, Nyungar, Koori Song
Words and Music by Jardine A. Kiwat
Song Background
The song was written because it is a view on life we all have as Australian Indigenous Peoples. We understand from life experiences the hardships that were faced and endured by our ancestors, which in many circumstances continue into this day. Therefore, music has a very true heart within us and transcends into a place of happiness and sometimes tears.This song can be used in a way for people to remember their old stories and homelands.
The beauty of this song is that place names can be changed when you sing it, to suit wherever people come from when they’re listening or playing along with it, around the campfire or at home and give you a sense of ownership and belonging. Remembering old places and times has its own treasured value.
The song is more suited for adults, but it has an easy catchy chorus that can be easily picked up by children and sung with gusto, I imagine. There are plenty of songs that we are familiar with and sit around campfires and sing. Sometimes making up your own words for fun and laughter. It’s also an incentive to find out who you are, no matter how fragmented it is for you to find out, but to gather strength and knowledge from the process.
Bio
TMackay (Nth Queensland) born, Jardine Kiwat supported Warrumpi Band, Yothu Yindi, Rough Image, Hawaiian Quartet, Trochus and Fishtrap with drums, guitar, vocals and percussion, both nationally and internationally.
A cultural teacher in Torres Strait Island dance, singer/songwriter, Jardine believes in the understanding of all cultures and the preservation of learning of generational cultural knowledge through song music and dance.