Over the course of his career, he collected more gold and platinum albums than any other Australian artist.
Dusty not only recorded songs written by himself and other fellow Australian performers, but also recorded classic Australian poems by Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson with new tunes, to call attention to the old 'Bush Ballads.' An example is The Man from Snowy River by Paterson.
In 1970, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music. In 1971 he won Best Single at the Australian Country Music Awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival (Slim's wife Joy McKean won Song of the Year as writer of the song for which he won best single). In all, he won a record 35 "Golden Guitars" over the years.
He died at home in St Ives, New South Wales on 19 September 2003 after a protracted battle with cancer, at age 76.
The Slim Dusty Story started back in the 1940s on a remote dairy farm in the hills behind Kempsey, NSW, when a 10-year-old boy dreamed of being a country music singer. His name was David Gordon Kirkpatrick... he called himself "Slim Dusty" and began to live that dream.
But even the most optimistic farm boy would never have imagined the life that was to unfold... a life that would establish Slim as the voice of the nation, the chronicler of Australian history in song.
Slim managed to hold on to those early visions of writing and singing about the bush because during his lengthy career, he always stayed in touch with his audience. And he did this in a very real and meaningful way, so much so that his fans would feel that Slim was one of their mates and his songs "just a good yarn you might hear from a mate at the pub, around a campfire in the bush or at a back yard barbie".
He described his music as "songs about real Australians... "I have to be fair dinkum with my audience. I can't see any other way of doing it," he said. "You have to believe in what you are singing about."
Slim Dusty was the first Australian to have a number one hit record and the only Australian to ever receive a 78rpm Gold Record (for A Pub With No Beer in 1958)...
He was the first Australian to have an international record hit and the first singer in the world to have his voice beamed to earth from space (astronauts Bob Crippen and John Young played Slim's recording of Waltzing Matilda from the space shuttle "Columbia" as it passed over Australia back in 1983).
During an amazingly successful career spanning over six decades, Slims' continued popularity saw him rewarded with more Gold and Platinum Awards for sales of his singles, eight-tracks, cassettes, CD's, videos and DVDs... more than any other Australian artist!
He received an unequaled 37 Golden Guitar Awards, two ARIA's (Australian Recording Industry Association awards), inductions into the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Australian Country Music Roll of Renown.
Slim was recognized for his long time services to Australian entertainment with an MBE and an Order of Australia. In 1999, Prime Minister John Howard named Slim Dusty Australia's Father of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year. There were many other awards and honors... too many to name here!
Dusty died at his home in St Ives, New South Wales on 19 September 2003 at the age of 76, after a protracted battle with cancer.
G'Day Blue
Slim Dusty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He could take it on the chin when the chips are down
and he could always take a joke,
You can pick him for miles by his friendly smiles,
he always gave a few,
With the colour of his hair he had names to spare
but we all called him Blue.
Ah G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
you're as dinkum as can be,
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me.
When I stand around and listen to the things that people say,
I reckon if there were more like Blue, we’d be better off today,
When the boots go in Blue will give the grin an' give it to you straight,
He sees only good like all of us should and he’ll stand up for a mate.
We all say "G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
We all feel better when you're around so drag yourself up here,
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
you're as dinkum as can be,
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me."
Now Blue's not ashamed to let you see the gentle side of man,
He'll offer his seat to the fairer sex anytime he can,
For he'll never stare an' he doesn't swear when a lady's walkin' by,
These things we mention ove’ again an' hold our heads up high.
Ah G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
We all feel better when you're around so drag yourself up here,
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
you're as dinkum as can be,
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me.
Australia need more men like Blue to lift us up once more,
An' our comradeship an' will to win has crumbled on the floor,
Our 'Fair Go, mate' s gone out the gate, we no longer seem to care,
Should the likes of Blue ever meet with you I reckon you will declare.
And you’ll say "G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
We all feel better when you're around so drag yourself up here,
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
you're as dinkum as can be,
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me;
Ah, You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me."
The lyrics of Slim Dusty's "G'day Blue" are a heartwarming tribute to the eponymous character, who is described as a true blue Aussie and a decent bloke. The song speaks of Blue's affable personality and his ability to take things in stride, never complaining or boasting. He is a man who values camaraderie and loyalty, always standing up for his mates and seeing the good in people.
The lyrics are a nostalgic nod to a time when Australian mateship was at its peak, and people genuinely cared about each other. Dusty laments the loss of this spirit, suggesting that if there were more people like Blue, we would be better off as a society. The song touches on themes of unity, respect, and decency, pointing out that these are traits that we should all strive to embody.
In summary, "G'day Blue" is a heartwarming ode to a quintessential Australian character, depicting him as a shining example of what we should all aspire to be. Dusty's nostalgic lyrics are a call to action, imploring us to recapture the spirit of mateship that once made Australia great.
Line by Line Meaning
Now Blue is known around the town as a real decent bloke,
Blue is a well-respected man around town and is regarded as an upstanding fellow.
He could take it on the chin when the chips are down
Blue has the ability to face difficult situations without getting discouraged.
and he could always take a joke,
Blue has a good sense of humor and can accept teasing or jesting without feeling offended.
You can pick him for miles by his friendly smiles,
One can easily recognize Blue from his warm and welcoming smile.
he always gave a few,
Blue's friendly nature is always evident as he frequently greets others with a smile.
With the colour of his hair he had names to spare
Blue's hair color has given people the idea to call him by different nicknames.
but we all called him Blue.
However, regardless of what nickname others chose to use, Blue is commonly referred to as 'Blue.'
Ah G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
Greetings to Blue, asking how he is doing, and an invitation to have a drink.
We all feel better when you're around so drag yourself up here,
Everyone loves having Blue around since his presence brings joy and positivity.
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
Blue is never aggressive, and he never brags about his accomplishments or success.
you're as dinkum as can be,
Blue is a true and genuine person in every sense of the word.
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me.
Blue is a loyal friend, and the artist is acknowledging that by offering him a drink.
When I stand around and listen to the things that people say,
The singer spends time observing what people talk about in conversations.
I reckon if there were more like Blue, we’d be better off today,
The singer believes that if there were more people like Blue, society would benefit.
When the boots go in Blue will give the grin an' give it to you straight,
When something goes wrong, Blue will not hesitate to offer a smile but will also provide honest feedback.
He sees only good like all of us should and he’ll stand up for a mate.
Blue has a positive attitude and always seeks the best, and he will defend his friends whenever needed.
Now Blue's not ashamed to let you see the gentle side of man,
Blue is proud to show his tender and caring nature.
He'll offer his seat to the fairer sex anytime he can,
Blue is courteous and respectful towards women, and he always offers his seat to them when possible.
For he'll never stare an' he doesn't swear when a lady's walkin' by,
Blue is a gentleman and never stares or swears around women.
These things we mention ove’ again an' hold our heads up high.
This is something that people often praise and take pride in.
Australia need more men like Blue to lift us up once more,
Australia requires more individuals like Blue to bring back the values and standards of the past.
An' our comradeship an' will to win has crumbled on the floor,
The spirit of togetherness and the desire to succeed has faded from society.
Our 'Fair Go, mate' s gone out the gate, we no longer seem to care,
The Australian ethos of giving everyone a fair chance has become irrelevant, and people are less caring than before.
Should the likes of Blue ever meet with you I reckon you will declare.
Meeting someone like Blue would make anyone proud and inclined to express such admiration.
And you’ll say "G'day Blue, how they treatin’ you, come an' have yourself a beer,
People would welcome Blue with enthusiasm, asking how he is doing and inviting him for a drink.
You're never on the bite and you're never a skite,
Blue's honest and unassuming character is both refreshing and commendable.
you're as dinkum as can be,
Blue's straightforward and authentic nature is a trait that others should strive to emulate.
You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me;
Blue is an excellent friend and the artist acknowledges that by offering him a drink.
Ah, You're a good mate Blue, and I'm tellin' you, you can have this one on me.
The artist reiterates that Blue is a valuable friend, and he is more than willing to buy him a drink.
Contributed by Noah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@damonbrady3201
Who ever dislikes this is unAustralian
@arvingallagher7946
I'm a Australian farmer
@loganratley6704
I second that
@CustommanJohn
@@loganratley6704u6😊 Hu Hu seehhg
@friendlyneighbourhoodbridg1354
I love American country music, but Slim blows them out of the water! I'm only fifteen and I love him! RIP mate!
@mikehunt6566
no one cares that ur fifteen and listening to good music such as slim. just enjoy the music
@malachiwex4622
@@mikehunt6566 he is mate, its the whole reason why he posted dude
@Trustytrevor
Happy 21st!
@Trustytrevor
@@mikehunt6566 nobody likes a dickhead, mike
@friendlyneighbourhoodbridg1354
@Crazy Dean Show exactly. I usually love American country, but Slim Dusty is an exception