Great Southern Land

Icehouse's 'Great Southern Land' is a poignant tribute to Australia, capturing the essence of its history, landscape, and the enduring spirit of its people. The song opens with vivid imagery of an 'endless ocean' and a 'city on a rainy day,' setting a melancholic tone that reflects the isolation and vastness of the Australian continent. The lyrics convey a sense of searching and longing, as the narrator looks everywhere to find a connection to the land and its past.

The phrase 'prisoner island' alludes to Australia's history as a penal colony, where convicts were sent from Britain. This historical reference is intertwined with the natural beauty and harshness of the land, described as being 'burned black.' This imagery evokes the intense heat and the rugged, unforgiving nature of the Australian outback. The song also touches on the indigenous history, with lines like 'you walk alone like a primitive man' and 'they make it work with sticks and bones,' highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of the Aboriginal people.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of betrayal and loss, as the land and its people have been 'forgotten' and 'betrayed' by outsiders. The 'hungry eyes' of strangers symbolize the exploitation and colonization that have left lasting scars on the Great Southern Land. Despite this, the song also speaks to the enduring spirit of the land and its people, who continue to walk 'with the ghost of time,' carrying the weight of their history while moving forward. Icehouse's evocative lyrics and haunting melody create a powerful tribute to Australia's complex and multifaceted identity.