MY ISLAND HOME
“My Island Home” is a rock song written by Neil Murray for George Burarrwanga. It was originally performed by the Warumpi Band. The song references lead singer’s (George Burarrwanga) home up at Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It was recorded in 1986 and released as a single from their second album, Go Bush!, in January 1987.
It was covered by Christine Anu in 1995; she had been a backing vocalist in Neil Murray and The Rainmakers during 1992–1993.
By Neil Murray
Last updated: (21 February 2024)
LYRICS
VERSE 1:
Six years I’ve been in the city
Every night I dream of the sea
They say home is where you find it
Will this place ever satisfy me?
PRE-CHORUS:
For I come from the saltwater people
We always live by the sea
Now I’m down here living in the city
Without my family
CHORUS:
My island home, my island home
My island home is waiting for me
My island home, my island home
My island home is waiting for me
VERSE 2:
In the evening the dry wind blows
From the hills and across the plain
I close my eyes and I’m standing
In a boat on the sea again
VERSE 3:
And I’m holding that long turtle spear
And I feel I’m close now
To where it must be
And my island home is waiting for me
INSTRUMENTAL
PRE-CHORUS:
For I come from the saltwater people
We always live by the sea
Now I’m down here living in the city
Without my family
CHORUS:
My island home, my island home
My island home is waiting for me
My island home, my island home
My island home is waiting for me
My island home is waiting for me