Perhaps sadly, the only instance of a co-written song in the 9 albums that make up the Kellaway body of work. Old friend Cool had the riff - basically a verse - but complained about the impossibility of writing lyrics. When asked what he thought it evoked he said "Bass Strait". Written in the singlemen's quarters at Tidal River, the lyrics took about 20 minutes and the song has never been changed thereafter; the only song on the album that didn't come through the patented Alfo Casio method. It was recorded prior to C&B up in the hills near Foster and was the showpiece to convince Ken that an album was worth pursuing.
This was a tribute to our good friends among the shark fishermen of Port Franklin, who put themselves on the line every time they left Corner Inlet to confront the unpredictable strait. Pretty lucrative though, and their return parties were worth being at.
lyrics
STRAITSMAN
Bass Strait wind, it blows from the south
Ice on the eyebrow, salt in the mouth
I wonder if we'll ever see Franklin in one piece
(We are the Straitsmen)
White-cap leaping, crash on the bow
Night is approaching, the sea is in cloud
I wonder if the nightmare of darkness will ever cease
(We are the Straitsmen)
Working from daylight, spreading the net
Far from the inlet, further south yet
Antarctic lies sleeping, waiting to throw you something new
(To throw at the Straitsmen)
Heading for home now, moon on the wax
Franklin in sight, the Strait at our backs
The inlet a pond, so easy forgetting what we went through
(We are the Straitsmen)
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