Where's the fire?

by @timfatchen Mod · @frontrowotago

There is no demo for this song.

Liner Notes

Tim sez: another @frontrowotago lyric I haven't got to but don't want to lose. There is still a serious largely inaccessible fire burning in the almost inaccessible southern Flinders Ranges. And the area is suffering from the malady affecting rural AUstralia, where the small towns are dying or dead and the remaining popualtion is getting older and greyer, and the volunteer manning of the little Fire Brigades getting harder and harder. As an old firey myself, from way back, it's sadder than sad.

Lyrics

WHERE'S THE FIRE? Words Copyright © 2025 Andrew Male Music Copyright © 2025 TJ Fatchen All Rights Reserved APRA-AMCOS

The wind swings north The flames go south From up in the gorge Down to the mouth The crews truck in The planes do drops It burns through the park Down to newly failed crops

Chorus There’s nothing to sell No interested buyer Towns that were bustling Fourteen months ago Are these days looking dire The bank’s shut down The agent’s gone The school’s a wreck Cars in front yards with no tyres But our town comes together in smoke, So, tell me, where’s the fire?

The ladies make the sandwiches Like they have for years Crews rotate in 10 hour shifts Between their meal breaks And their beers But nobody’s getting younger In these small brigades For most it’s more than 40 years They’ve chased flames along these grades

Chorus

Nobody’s getting any younger in these small brigades For most it’s more than 40 years Chasing flames Along these grades.

Comments

[avatar]

Haunting lyrics. Where's the demo?

[avatar]

Wonderful tribute to those trying to save a way of life that seems doomed by the climate crisis. The images conjure up a perfect view of the place and its people. Well done, indeed!

[avatar]
@leencha

These are such beautiful lyrics. So meaningful and lyrical too. I would love to hear what kind of music you would out under this.

[avatar]

Well done. I like the details you share…they really help the reader envision the scene and the challenges. I also appreciate the rallying efforts of the locals. I’m also reminded that there are tragic situations in so many places. Best of luck to you and others in continuing to find the good in what remains.

[avatar]

Nicely written.

[avatar]

A sad and vivid picture of somewhere on the cusp of change. Keenly observed, nostalgic, resigned.

And: ouch. That's a sorry state of affairs, Tim. I find myself wondering why these places are dying out. is it just in SA or the rest of the country too?

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