The tune is Cool Water which was a hit in 1936 for Vaughn Munroe & again a big hit in 1955 for Frankie Laine. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Burl Ives, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams & Fleetwood Mac plus many other artists.
If you are not familiar with the tune the lyrics are:
All day I've faced the barren waste, Without the taste of water: Cool water. (Water.) Old Dan and I, with throats burned dry, An' souls that cry for water: (Water.) Cool, (Water.) Clear, (Water.) Water. (Water.)
Keep a-movin, Dan, Don't you listen to him, Dan, He's the devil, not a man: Spreads the burning sand with water. (Water.) Dan, can you see that big, green tree, (Water.) Where the water's runnin' free? (Water.) It's waitin' there for me and you? (Water.)
The nights are cool, I'm a fool. Each star's a pool of water. Cool water. (Water.) But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn, And carry on to water. (Water.) Water, (Water.) Water, (Water.) Water, (Water.)
The scenery is far outback western Queensland ca 1000miles from where I live. It's normally very dry barren country but has over the past 2 - 3 years had very substantial rainfall. Some other facts re the pictures is that they were taken along the stretch of road from Winton to Boulia. The distance is ca 400kms and is a lonely but lovely stretch of road upon which it is rare to see another vehicle. The hotel 'Middletons' is a welcoming watering hole ca 1/2 way and is one of Australia's legendary outback pubs.
Ah, memories. My sister and I learned that song back in the 60's from my grandmother's 45rpm of the Sons of the Pioneers. Whenever one of us was caught humming it we'd both end up singing it all the way through.
Thanks Rubes. Not good in the bush just now mate. Inland sea!
Thanks easyreader. Yes, my memories of learning to sing it was from Frankie Laines version in the mid 5o's. It was an old acetate 78 & I had a wind up record player, with needle stylus that had to be changed after a few plays. My favourite tunes then to play were Cool Water & Ghost Riders! ---------- HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
Thanks SuperBee. Yes it has been damp. We usually head outback in the winter when it dries out. It should be another good season outback come June & July. ---------- HARPOLDIE’S YOUTUBE
