Shelter
John Williamson Lyrics
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Shimmering in the distant haze,
As you stand there on the mountain
On this loveliest day of days.
Round half the world you've drifted
Left no wild oats unsown,
But now your view has shifted
And you think you've just come home.
REPEAT INTRO
And you're drowning in the sunshine
As it pours down from the sky,
And there's something stirring in your heart
Bright colours fill your eyes.
As from here to the far horizon
Your beauty does unfold,
And oh, you look so lovely
Dressed in green and gold.
To the homeless and the hungry
May we always open doors,
May the restless and the weary
Find safe harbour on our shores.
May she always be our dreamtime place
Our spirit's glad release,
May she always be our shelter
May we always live in peace.
REPEAT INTRO
John Williamson's song "Shelter" is a heartfelt ode to the beauty of Australia and a call to action to extend warmth and hospitality to those in need. The opening lines paint an idyllic portrait of standing on a mountain with the shimmering ocean in sight, and it seems as though the singer has traversed the world, leaving no adventure unfulfilled. However, this moment is a turning point for the singer, realizing that they've come home to the stunning landscape that had been there all along.
The lyrics continue to build on this sentiment of overwhelming gratitude for the beauty and wonder of Australia. The singer becomes enveloped in feelings of joy and kindness as they observe the horizon unfolding, stunning with vibrant greens and golds. The final verse becomes a plea, urging listeners to make every effort to provide safety and support to those in need, to create a world where we can all live in peace. The song encourages hospitality and a sense of togetherness, emphasizing the importance of community and safety.
Line by Line Meaning
You can almost touch the ocean
The ocean is so close, it feels within reach
Shimmering in the distant haze,
The ocean is emitting a sparkling, almost hazy gleam in the distance
As you stand there on the mountain
The singer is positioned on a mountain, looking out towards the ocean
On this loveliest day of days.
The day is exceptionally beautiful
Round half the world you've drifted
The artist has travelled roughly halfway around the world
Left no wild oats unsown,
The singer has indulged in many experiences and left no stone unturned
But now your view has shifted
The singer's perspective has changed
And you think you've just come home.
The artist feels at home in this new place
And you're drowning in the sunshine
The artist is experiencing overwhelming feelings of happiness
As it pours down from the sky,
The sun is shining down quite strongly
And there's something stirring in your heart
The singer is feeling an intense emotion
Bright colours fill your eyes.
The artist is seeing vivid colors
As from here to the far horizon
The singer's view extends all the way to the horizon
Your beauty does unfold,
The singer is faced with immense beauty
And oh, you look so lovely
The beauty is so captivating that the singer feels the need to express it
Dressed in green and gold.
The beauty is attributed to the vibrant green and gold colors around the artist
To the homeless and the hungry
A prayer to help those in need
May we always open doors,
May we always lend a helping hand
May the restless and the weary
A prayer to help those who are in dire need
Find safe harbour on our shores.
May they find solace and safety on our shores
May she always be our dreamtime place
May this place forever be an idyllic retreat
Our spirit's glad release,
May this place be an escape for our spirits
May she always be our shelter
May this place continue to provide us with a safe haven
May we always live in peace.
A prayer for eternal peace and harmony
Writer(s): Eric Bogle
Contributed by Michael L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Miriam2401
John' voice is the echo of Australia ....... brilliant
@JuanMaria2012
An interesting note, funny enough, if my memory serves me correctly this song was written by a Scotsman. It takes someone not Australian to point out the most redeeming qualities of the Great Southern Land. Yes, it should be one of Australia's National Anthems!
@lapalad
Scotsman Eric Bogle wrote it same man who wrote The band played Waltzing Matilda
@gerrymyerson4024
@lapalad Bogle wrote it after becoming an Australian citizen.
@valburge
Thank you for putting this beautiful song on here. I used to think this the very best song for our National Anthem. Now I think it was just wishful thinking on my part. I may think this way, but unfortunately the majority of Australians don't.
@troubleclliff
valburge Agreed, advance Australia fair is a good anthem, but it was manufactured to be an anthem, much like Oh Canada. This song has the subtlety and beauty that Advance Australia Fair lacks, and it SHOULD be our national anthem!
@alanthehandyman3506
Just beautiful
@troubleclliff
Should be the national anthem!!!
@raelenemeeker6680
Home how I miss it
@MegaBigben30
what a beautiful country we live in to bad its being destroyed