By B. Brown/W. Johnson

I've been around the world
A couple of times or maybe more
I've seen the sights, I've had delights
On every foreign shore
But when my mates all ask me
The place that I adore
I tell them right away

Give me a home among the gumtrees
With lots of plum trees
A sheep or two, a k-kangaroo
A clothesline out the back
Verandah out the front
And an old rocking chair

You can see me in the kitchen
Cooking up a roast
Or Vegemite on toast
Just you and me, a cup of tea
And later on, we'll settle down
And go out on the porch
And watch the possums play

There's a Safeways up the corner
And a Woolies down the street
And a brand new place they've opened up
Where they regulate the heat
But I'd trade them all tomorrow
For a little bush retreat
Where the kookaburras call

Some people like their houses
With fences all around
Others live in mansions
And some beneath the ground
But me I like the bush you know
With rabbits running round
And a pumpkin vine out the back

© 1975 Mushroom Music Pty. Ltd.

Listen to a
RealAudio™ Sample of
HOME AMONG THE GUMTREES

HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES
and TRUE BLUE (2006)

"These two tracks are in fact taken from the recording of Steve Irwin's Memorial Service at the Crocoseum in Queensland.

When I listen to these songs it all comes back to me. The 5,000 strong Crocodile Hunter fans who lined up for hours to be there, for Steve. The tears flowed like a river all round. Even the policemen were wiping their eyes. 'Home Among the Gum Trees' was a welcome relief for all of us. Just a moment to celebrate Australia and catch our breath before the real 'wammie' came. That is, when Brian (the bloke who tried to save Steve's life in the ocean) loaded up his old Ute and drove off to me singing 'True Blue'.

The only reason I kept it together was the fact that I was singing for Terri, Bindi and little Bob and the Grandparents. Also, I felt I had to be strong for Steve's mates who were all lined up in their khakis.

Thankfully, I had already seen the emotional footage of Steve at rehearsals so I learned not to listen or look at what was being shown.

Steve and I had a lot in common and our friendship was growing. As long as Terri wants me to sing at the Zoo on Australia Day I'll be there. His message must not die."