Day 86, Song 106

Yothu Yindi

Treaty

Yothu Yindi was an Austalian rock group with indigenous and white members.

Yothu Yindi performed a mix of aboriginal, pop, and rock songs. The group formed in 1986, when a white rock band merged with an aboriginal folk outfit. The band's aboriginal members hailed from Yolngu, in the Northern Territory of Australia. The song featured here was released in 1988. Its initial debut was unremarkable, but it became a national hit when, in 1991, Filthy Lucre recorded a popular remix of the song.

Lyrics

Well I heard it on the radio And I saw it on the television Back in 1988 All those talking politicians Words are easy, words are cheap Much cheaper than our priceless land But promises can disappear Just like writing in the sand Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Nhima Djatpangarri nhima walangwalang - Nhe Djatpayatpa nhima gaya nhe- Matjini.... Yakarray - nhe Djat'pa nhe walang - Gumurrtijararrk Gutjuk - This land was never given up This land was never bought and sold The planting of the Union Jack Never changed our law at all Now two rivers run their course Separated for so long I'm dreaming of a brighter day When the waters will be one Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Treaty Now Treaty Yeh Traty Now Nhima djatpa nhe walang gumurrtjararrk yawirriny Nhe gaya nhe matjini Gaya nhe matjini Gaya gaya nhe gaya nhe Matjini walangwalang Nhema djatpa nhe walang - Nhe gumurrtjarrk nhe ya- Promises - Disappear - Priceless land - Destiny - Well I heard it on the Radio - And I saw it on the Television But promises can be broken Just like writing in the sand Treaty Yeh Treaty Now ....