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Charity and Ghosts (Where's Your Mama Gone​?​)

from Circus by The Stillsons

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about

'Charity & Ghosts' was described by PBS FM as "a perfect song" and was released as a single/ film clip in Sept 2010.

The video was written and produced by The Stillsons, and was directed by Jonathan Burton and Alex Joseski. It tells the story of a former British child-migrant, who after hearing Kevin Rudd's apology to the 'Forgotten Australians' on Monday 16th November 2009, opens up his childhood suitcase that he's stowed away, to confront ghosts of his past. It prompts him to revisit Station Pier in Melbourne, where he arrived as a 'British child orphan'.

Around 150,000 children were sent from England to populate the Commonwealth (Canada, Australia, NZ and Zimbabwe).

Many children were lied to about their adoptive status.

lyrics

Flags on the pier,
Eyes filled with fear,
The ship is leaving home,
You're singing all alone.

People stop and stare,
There's poor kids everywhere.
You know what they say?
She gave you away.

Take your brother's hand, but
You don't quite understand,
When he says goodbye, there are
Tears in his eyes.

Wind's turning cold, and
You're only ten years old,
The Official line they say,
We're giving you away.

So where's your mama gone?

Home kids on the run,
Working in the sun,
Praying everyday, but
God's gone away.

Keaney rings the bell,
His lies will go to hell,
He'll sit on your bed,
Say your mama's dead.

Who you love the most,
Charity or ghosts? And
What they gonna say?
They're bastards anyway!

Where's your mama gone?

Who you love the most,
Charity or ghosts?
Never let them say,
She gave you away.

credits

from Circus, released May 17, 2009
Author - J Bernasconi - with elements of Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep (Composers - Harold Stott/ Giuseppe Cassia/ J Bernasconi) Warner
Producer - Justin Bernasconi - ukulele, lead vocal, glockenspiel, acoustic guitar, triangle, Sam Boon - vocals, piano, Cat Canteri - vocals, drums, Richard Bradbeer - bass, Ross Richard - lap steel, Ben Anderson - trombone

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about

The Stillsons March, UK

‘Never Go Your Way’ is The Stillsons' third LP, and was released on Friday 6th September.

The majority of the album was recorded in October 2012, and the band is comprised of two singers - Justin Bernasconi (guitar) and Cat Canteri (drums), along with pedal steel guitarist Ben Franz.

'NGYW' features bassist Edmondo Ammendola (Augie March). ... more

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