‘Tipperary to Fremantle Station’ by John Cronin and Marcy Taylor

PROFESSOR BRUCE SCATES: Now John wrote this song when he first heard about Fromelles. We all know the story of that bungled pointless battle. We all know the controversy that surrounded those exhumations from the killing fields. Now like any archaeological dig, Fromelles reminded us of a world we have lost. This collection of sad little things captures the tragedy, doesn’t it, of a whole generation. And perhaps the richest of those relics wrested from the earth is this one – one of the good luck charms carried by almost every soldier of the Great War. It was found sealed in his gas mask, the only place that cardboard wouldn’t perish. As you can see, it’s a train ticket– economy class return, Perth to Freo.

But of course it’s so much more than that, isn’t it? This man believed he’d be going home, that somehow he’d survive the mass carnage of 1914 to 1918. That gesture of faith and hope is at least as eloquent as any other symbol of remembrance we might wear today. And it inspired John’s song. Ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming John Cronin on guitar, Marcy Taylor, on violin. [APPLAUSE]

JOHN CRONIN: Thank you.

-(SINGING) Got my train ticket in my pocket– my tobacco and a photograph of you.

And when the war is over, I will ride that train to you.

I want to hear you talk softly– hear you whisper my name.

I want to talk to you about the weather, so you can tell me if it’s going to rain.

And I want to walk down Chapman Street, and drink beer at the Sail and Anchor.

And I want to dance in the town hall, and walk you home past the football oval.

I want to hear you talk softly– hear you whisper my name.

I want to talk to you about the weather, so you can tell me if it’s going to rain.

And I don’t care if you say I look older. But don’t forget who I am.

Please don’t call me soldier. Because it’s not my name.

Please don’t call me soldier, because it’s not my name. And it’s a long way to Tipperary. It’s a long way to Leicester Square. It’s a long way to Fremantle Station. Where my love she waits there. And it’s a long, long way. It’s a long, long way, it’s a long– and it’s a long, and it’s a long way to Fremantle Station. Where my love she waits there.

[CLAPPING AND CHEERING]

JOHN CRONIN: Thank you.