Title: Pang Kayap
Artist: Corey Theatre
Language: Gunditjmara and English
Lyrics
I feel an aching in my bones
as the weariness takes hold
and the shadows they lurk below
but you are not alone
risen from the dust
breath of creation in all of us
the shadows they lurk below
but you are not alone
wanga pakanyingan wurunda
warta wawa miringa
yuluwa murrupapan wanyu
pang kayap ngutuk
mirta mirta mirringu
ngurnduk muyupitj ngathuk-ngan
yuluwa murupapan wanyu
pang kayap ngutuk
Words and Music by Corey Theatre
Song Background
The song utilises the presence of themes shared between Abrahamic religions and Aboriginal cultures. It describes the creation of humanity from the dust; a reality that is well known from Christianity but also occurs in some Kulin creation stories. As the narrative draws on multiple world views it can be interpreted in several ways. This song describes difficult times when people are suffering from physical, emotional or spiritual affliction and how people are not alone if they put their trust in the God the Creator. The English verses are a loose translation of the Gunditjmara verses, however, there are some subtle differences, for example, the English word ‘shadow’ is represented in Gunditjmara as murrup which is more accurately translated as ‘spirit’, ‘ghost’ or even ‘devil’.
Bio
Through a unique synthesis of scholarship and artistic expression Corey Theatre continues to establish himself as important Indigenous singer songwriter and language revivalist. Corey is a singular artist whose extraordinary talent is capable of speaking eloquently to our sense of national identity.
Through both his work as a leading exponent of Gunditj-Mara language revival and his deeply personal and genuine approach to songwriting, Corey’s songs convey a sense of country and place few other songwriters are capable of. Despite the seriousness of his message, Corey’s music is uplifting and upbeat. His music is curious and playful; it keeps love at the core of its message and always advocates the merits of taking a laid-back approach to life.