Old Man Emu
John Williamson
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Let me tell you of an interview with an Old Man Emu He's got a beak and feathers and things But the poor old fella ain't got no wings Aren't you jealous of the wedge-tailed eagle While the eagle's flyin' round and round I keep my two feet firmly on the ground Now I can't fly but I'm tellin' you, I can run the pants off a kangaroo He can't fly but I'm tellin' you, he can run the pants off a kangaroo Well he was the model for the fifty cents The designer should have had more sense If you take a look it'll prove to you (ha-ha-ha-ha), I ran the pants off that kangaroo Take a look, it'll prove to you, he ran the pants off the kangaroo You can't loop the loop like a cockatoo Swoop and toss like an albatross You silly gallah, I'm better by far, than a white cockatoo or a budgerigar They squeak and squawk and try to talk, why me and them's like cheese and chalk He can't fly but I'm tellin' you, he can run the pants off a kangaroo Well the last time I saw Old Man Emu He was chasing a female he knew As he shot past I heard him say She can't fly but I'm tellin' you, she can run the pants off a kangaroo She can't fly but I'm tellin' you, she can run the pants off a kangaroo Well there is a moral to this ditty
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Written by: JOHN R. WILLIAMSON
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Release DateThe song "Old Man Emu" was released in 1970, serving as the debut single for Australian county musician John Williamson.
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SongwriterJohn Williamson wrote the song himself. The humorous narrative song later became the breakthrough hit that launched his career.
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Genre Classification"Old Man Emu" typically falls into the category of Country and Australian Country Folk music.
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Song InspirationWilliamson claimed to have written the song while travelling across Australia's outback, drawing inspiration from the national bird, the Emu.
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Album DetailsThe song features on Williamson's debut album, "John Williamson," which was released later in the same year.
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Commercial SuccessDespite its quirky nature, "Old Man Emu" was a commercial success, reaching #4 on the Australian Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart.
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Song MeaningThe song compares the speed and agility of an old man emu with off-road trucks, lorries, and four-wheel drives. This is seen as a fun and satirical observation of Australia's rural lifestyle.
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RecognitionThe song is widely regarded as an unofficial anthem for the Australian outback, reflecting the country's love for witty narratives and rural imagery.
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Cultural ImpactOver the years, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has regularly played "Old Man Emu", with the song now considered an iconic contribution to Australian folk music.
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PerformancesInterestingly, instead of using backup vocalists in live performances of "Old Man Emu," Williamson typically encourages the audience to participate in the chorus.
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Period of Composition"Old Man Emu" was written while Williamson was working on a remote Northern Territory farm, a time which significantly influenced his songwriting.
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Citation
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"Old Man Emu Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/16221730/John+Williamson/Old+Man+Emu>.
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