song
-
Later on in Life Love
by Marni Sheehan Many couples get together after previous marriages and divorce. This song paints an optimistic picture. Composed in 2005. Lyrics Verse 1 We got together. What a classic You were cretaceous and I’m Jurassic We got another chance, later on in life romance On the weekend, in the camper Snuggled up drinkin’ tea Continue reading
-
The Killing Times
by Ruth Hazleton A song acknowledging the horror of Australia’s frontier wars and the continued act of colonisation implied when we refuse to embrace ‘truth-telling’ about our colonial history. The song recognises storytelling, retelling and remembering as powerful forms of protest and healing. I wrote it after having long conversations online with Patrick Davies from Fitzroy Crossing, Continue reading
-
I Remember You
by Martin Ruane I wrote this song for my sister Maria who passed away suddenly December, 2011. When people pass away, our memories of our shared times together lives on through them and this can help with the pain of losing them. Composed in 2012. Lyrics Verse 1 I remember you, I remember you tonight, Continue reading
-
Hume Highway
by Marni Sheehan Impressions from driving up the Hume highway for the first time in many years. Originally performed in Gm with Capo on the 3rd fret. Composed in 2014. Lyrics Verse 1 Hume Highway headin out of town Hot north wind and the sun beatin’ down Hume Highway callin’ to me Get out on the Continue reading
-
The Goddess of Harkaway
by Penelope Swales This song was written for my yoga teacher, who became my friend. When I started going to her classes, I sort of got a glimpse that she was going through a rough time. But despite that she always had something good to give to her class. Continue reading
-
Green April Morning
by Ailsa Mitchell A love song about growing with someone over the seasons and April in Melbourne. Composed in 2022. Lyrics Verse 1 Green April morning Cold autumn arriving She drops her bags and stands in my door Leaves in hair, fell to the floor And there is something so beautiful in how she lets Continue reading
-
The First Inaugural Bounce
by Jeremiah Rose Composed in 2018. Lyrics Verse You rock my world! You’re a strong, determinated girl When you smile you’re so fierce, you’re like Daisy Pearce when she goes for the speccy When the siren calls I’m so high up I can barely see the ball And everybody looks so great Watch them play, Continue reading
-
The Palmer’s Song
by Robert Hillman and Hannah Pelka-Caven (The Raglins) This is a re-imagining of traditional Australian ballad ‘The Old Palmer Song’. We found the original ballad in prominent Australian folk collectors Pat Edwards and Kate Baker’s book ‘The Gold and Glory Boys: Australian History in Song 2’. We took the song and composed some additional lyrics, and a Continue reading
-
Choice of Company
by Robert Hillman and Hannah Pelka-Caven (The Raglins) A re-telling of the traditional ballad ‘Henry’s Downfall,’ which is a variant of the well-known transportation ballad ‘Van Diemen’s Land’. We found ‘Henry’s Downfall’ in the prominent Australian folk collector Ron Edwards’ The Big Book of Australian Folk Song. We took the story from the song but Continue reading
About Melbourne Tune collection
Melbourne Tune Collection records and publishes original folk tunes and songs from around Australia.
I started this project after realising that I barely knew any Australian folk tunes, even though I’ve been playing the fiddle for almost two decades. It wasn’t that Australians weren’t writing tunes, it’s just that there was limited publishing opportunities for them.
I thought maybe if I collect these tunes and put them together, they would have a better chance of getting played. So in early 2019 I set off with my camera and recorder, first around Melbourne, then across Australia.
This site is the result of these travels. Its purpose is to make Australian folk music as accessible as possible and promote the incredible music that’s being written today. I genuinely believe that there’s something special happening in the Melbourne and Australian folk music scenes right now.
I hope you enjoy playing through these tunes as much as I have!
Katherine Oleinikov
Melbourne Tune Collection 