Kilometres Are Still Miles to Me
Slim Dusty Lyrics

Kilometres are still miles to me
In my mind, despite the measurement system, distances are still measured in miles and not kilometres. It represents my nostalgic attachment to the traditional way of counting distance.

They separate from home and family
Distances, regardless of the unit used, create physical and emotional distance between me and my loved ones. It symbolizes the loneliness and longing that comes with being away from home.

Now I can't count the white posts,
The familiar markers along the road, the white posts, have shifted or disappeared, making it difficult for me to keep track of the distance traveled. It reflects the disorientation caused by changes in the environment.

They're not where they used to be,
The white posts are no longer in their usual places, adding to the confusion and disconnection from what was once familiar. It speaks to the loss of stability and predictability in my journey.

Oh, it used to be five hundred
Referring to the distance between Melbourne and Sydney Town, which used to be measured as five hundred miles. It signifies a nostalgic reminiscence of the past and how things have changed over time.

Now it seems longer
As time goes on, the distance between Melbourne and Sydney Town feels longer than it actually is. It highlights the subjective perception of time and distance, which can be influenced by various factors.

Every time the run comes 'round.
Whenever I make the journey, it feels increasingly more arduous and tiring. It emphasizes the repetitive nature of the trip and the growing exhaustion associated with it.

But I just keep a churning on
Despite the difficulties and weariness, I continue to persevere and carry on with the journey. It reflects my determination and dedication to fulfill my responsibilities.

Just to stand on my two feet
The motivation behind my persistence is to support myself and maintain my independence. Standing on my two feet represents self-reliance and the need to sustain my livelihood.

But I'm weighed down in metrics,
Although I strive to adapt to the metric system, it feels burdensome and unfamiliar to me. It conveys the sense of being overwhelmed and constrained by a new way of measuring and understanding distances.

The familiar sign are gone
The recognizable road signs I used to rely on have disappeared, leaving me disoriented and uncertain. It signifies the loss of familiar reference points and the resulting confusion in navigation.

And I'm wondering why.
The disappearance of familiar signs leaves me questioning and seeking an explanation for the changes. It reflects my curiosity and desire for understanding in the face of unexpected circumstances.

I know the dog is still
Despite the uncertainty and changes, there are certain things that remain constant. The dog, a reference to the famous poem 'The Dog on the Tuckerbox,' represents the enduring elements in my journey.

Five miles from Gundagai.
Gundagai, a specific location, remains relatively close even amid the changes. It signifies a sense of familiarity and stability amidst the unfamiliarity.

Pumping litres more than gallons
Having to refuel my vehicle using litres, which is a larger unit than gallons, adds to the feeling of inconvenience and unfamiliarity. It emphasizes the adjustment required when transitioning to a different measurement system.

Into this old rig
I have to pump more fuel into my old vehicle, suggesting that the conversion to litres places additional strain on a vehicle that is already aging. It reflects the challenges and complexities of adapting to new systems in an old environment.

And my seven ounce at the end of the day
At the end of the day, enjoying a seven ounce drink, possibly referring to a beer, provides a small comfort and reward. It represents a moment of relaxation after a long journey and the satisfaction derived from the simple pleasures.

Is two hundred mils too big
The size of my drink, measured in mils, is two hundred units larger than what I am accustomed to. It emphasizes the difficulty in adjusting to new measurements and the sense of imbalance caused by the change.