Paul Kelly - From Little Things Big Things Grow Lyrics






Gather round people i'll tell you a story
An eight year long story of power and pride
British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiari
Were opposite men on opposite sides

Vestey was fat with money and muscle
Beef was his business, broad was his door
Vincent was lean and spoke very little
He had no bank balance, hard dirt was his floor

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow

Gurindji were working for nothing but rations
Where once they had gathered the wealth of the land
Daily the pressure got tighter and tighter
Gurindji decided they must make a stand

They picked up their swags and started off walking
At Wattie Creek they sat themselves down
Now it don't sound like much but it sure got tongues talking
Back at the homestead and then in the town

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow

Vestey man said "I'll double your wages
Eighteen quid a week you'll have in your hand"
Vincent said "Uhuh we're not talking about wages
We're sitting right here till we get our land"
Vestey man roared and Vestey man thundered
"You don't stand the chance of a cinder in snow!"
Vince said "If we fall others are rising

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow

Then Vincent Lingiari boarded an aeroplane
Landed in Sydney, big city of lights
And daily he went round softly speaking his story
To all kinds of men from all walks of life

And Vincent sat down with big politicians
"This affair", they told him, "it's a matter of state
Let us sort it out, your people are hungry"
Vincent said "No thanks, we know how to wait"

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow

Then Vincent Lingiari returned in an aeroplane
Back to his country once more to sit down
And he told his people "Let the stars keep on turning
We have friends in the south, in the cities and towns"

Eight years went by, eight long years of waiting
'Til one day a tall stranger appeared in the land
And he came with lawyers and he came with great ceremony
And through Vincent's fingers poured a handful of sand

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow

That was the story of Vincent Lingiari
But this is the story of something much more
How power and privilege cannot move a people
Who know where they stand and stand in the law

From little things big things grow
From little things big things grow





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Paul Kelly From Little Things Big Things Grow Comments
  1. D.... ....

    This song has to be inspired by "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol" by Bob Dylan. These two songs - and artists - have a lot in common.

  2. G.... L....

    It brings a tear to my eye that our life my life no one encouraged my spirit greatness been good to me and I'm striving for freedom so I can get some Australian girl that likes that I have success not for much else this is a deep pain the successful feel they just want a real relationship like they were in highscool there is some sadness being an adult but we all have things to sort through peace and love to everyone

  3. L.... P....

    Got to see him preform live today it was amazing

  4. H.... A....

    such a touching song

  5. A.... F....

    I have no recollection of learning this but it's so reminiscent of something

  6. S.... ....

    No one talks about how this song is plagiarised

  7. L.... D....

    My mums and my favorite song in the whole world!!😘😘😘

  8. E.... C....

    Goff was a legend. I once lived in a small costal town that had a great pub for live music. Goff use to come down on a Sunday session of music and engage with all the young pot smoking surfing community and gives us allot of food for thought and talk about our Aboriginal community and respect for all

    E.... C....

    Elli Clare that’s awesome

  9. P.... M....

    Fucking white man

  10. J.... V....

    I had to learn this for school poems anilising

  11. J.... W....

    I'm a white fella... love black fellas, cause they are the truest in our land. Tell you straight, call you mate if you be worth it.

  12. L.... ....

    Paul Kelly is Australia's Bob Dylan

  13. T.... �....

    1:12 - 1.21 and 4:16 - 4.23

  14. T.... �....

    4:18 sorry

  15. T.... �....

    1:12 stop at 121. 4:19 stop at 423

  16. O.... ....

    This song is about the grindji strike of 1966 it took 8 long years until 1975 when the grindji people got their land back and the tall man is the prime minister but if forgot his name.

  17. J.... J....

    Of the a portion final was smarter they would have developed technology to protect their land but they were all drunks and they lost.
    It’s like going to the tab with 2 bucks you invest. From little things big things grow but as we all know you loose.

  18. J.... J....

    Now the abo uber cry’s and sues

  19. J.... J....

    An abo is simple man
    White man is uber and cane and sorted things out

  20. J.... J....

    It’s like uber came through the town
    Morons not Uber’s fault abos were all drunk retards

  21. P.... R....

    Yes that true

  22. d.... N....

    Best Aussie song of all time, much love from Lake Michigan. x
    my best mate is a black fella. White + Black can make this country go forward
    Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari, 40 years ago today. A very important day!

  23. H.... 9....

    Ah the national anthem of Industry SuperFund

  24. P.... T....

    R.I.P Tall Man

  25. S.... D....

    Not all heroes wear capes. Greetings from Canada!
    Vincent has rewrote history and made rights for indigenous
    Should be our National Anthem.

  26. T.... ....

    Vincent has rewrote history and made rights for indigenous
    Should be our National Anthem.

  27. d.... ....

    Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari, 40 years ago today. A very important day!
    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!

  28. B.... T....

    From little things big things grow,! What a truly inspiring song ,don't give up hope ,cos things can only get better,stand up for your country stand up for your rights!

  29. s.... k....

    Much love from Ireland. One love, one people, one land, our land.
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!

  30. T.... C....

    Always get choked by this one. Thanks Paul!
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!

  31. C.... H....

    Gather round people let me tell you're a story
    An eight year long story of power and pride
    British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiarri
    Were opposite men on opposite sides

    Vestey was fat with money and muscle
    Beef was his business, broad was his door
    Vincent was lean and spoke very little
    He had no bank balance, hard dirt was his floor

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

    Gurindji were working for nothing but rations
    Where once they had gathered the wealth of the land
    Daily the pressure got tighter and tighter
    Gurindju decided they must make a stand

    They picked up their swags and started off walking
    At Wattie Creek they sat themselves down
    Now it don't sound like much but it sure got tongues talking
    Back at the homestead and then in the town

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

    Vestey man said I'll double your wages
    Seven quid a week you'll have in your hand
    Vincent said uh-huh we're not talking about wages
    We're sitting right here till we get our land
    Vestey man roared and Vestey man thundered
    You don't stand the chance of a cinder in snow
    Vince said if we fall others are rising

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

    Then Vincent Lingiarri boarded an aeroplane
    Landed in Sydney, big city of lights
    And daily he went round softly speaking his story
    To all kinds of men from all walks of life

    And Vincent sat down with big politicians
    This affair they told him is a matter of state
    Let us sort it out, your people are hungry
    Vincent said no thanks, we know how to wait

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

    Then Vincent Lingiarri returned in an aeroplane
    Back to his country once more to sit down
    And he told his people let the stars keep on turning
    We have friends in the south, in the cities and towns

    Eight years went by, eight long years of waiting
    Till one day a tall stranger appeared in the land
    And he came with lawyers and he came with great ceremony
    And through Vincent's fingers poured a handful of sand

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

    That was the story of Vincent Lingairri
    But this is the story of something much more
    How power and privilege can not move a people
    Who know where they stand and stand in the law

    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow
    From little things big things grow

  32. V.... C....

    Vincent and his mob brought a million dollar business to a vault.

  33. T.... W....

    My husband as an Aussie Aboriginal, he has never been so proud to hear this song and be proud to be one. The love will never die, which is why I love him.

  34. E.... C....

    National treasure right here. Gough, Vincent and Paul Kelly are all legends. Gough was one of the few great PMs we ever had.

  35. j.... ....

    If this song doesn't bring tears to your eyes and a swelling to your heart then you are what is wrong with this world.

  36. K.... t....

    A truly beautiful piece of history. If im not mistaken its about that walk-off those 200 aboriginal workers did in the 1960's. the referendum for their count on the census, meaning their civil rights, was in 1967. they we so so vulnerable doing this, they could have been killed for the sake of the matter, they didnt have rights. but hey, from little things, big things grow, coming ,Mabo, the apology, and now to the return of the sacredness of Uluru. what strong people the aborinal australians are.

  37. r.... n....

    Vincent Lingiari and Paul Kelly is also a legend.
    Should be our National Anthem.
    Gough brought such positive change to the lives of so many....RIP Gough, you were a top bloke

    r.... n....

    ragi narok i think it’s pretty cool that the electorate that Vincent was from in named after him now

  38. L.... B....

    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!

  39. J.... G....

    Vincent Lingiari and Paul Kelly is also a legend.
    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!

  40. C.... B....

    Best Aussie song of all time, much love from Lake Michigan. x
    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!
    haven't had watery eyes in a while c:

  41. h.... b....

    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!
    Best Aussie song of all time, much love from Lake Michigan. x

  42. J.... H....

    Should be our National Anthem.
    Vincent Lingiari and Paul Kelly is also a legend.

    J.... H....

    Bit long don't ya think?

  43. I.... M....

    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!
    What a great song
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!

  44. b.... d....

    How do give land back when it wasn't your's in the first place. ?
    Much love from Ireland. One love, one people, one land, our land.

    b.... d....

    Land ownership changes. Look at Ireland. The Irish owned it. Then the English, Then the EU. Now it belongs to the muslims. Land ownership changes my friend.

  45. S.... K....

    What a great song
    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!

  46. G.... S....

    Gough brought such positive change to the lives of so many....RIP Gough, you were a top bloke
    What a great song

    G.... S....

    George Slacks not copied comment

  47. Z.... P....

    RIP Edward 'Gough' Whitlam... You made a difference in so many ways!
    Anyone who doesn't think Paul Kelly is a national treasure is a bloody mug!

  48. T.... T....

    Best Aussie song of all time, much love from Lake Michigan. x
    The Real Aussie's Story!

  49. A.... M....

    I wonder if anyone is listening now this is such a... beautiful song

    I also remember this on an add ages ago

  50. Y.... L....

    very old and amazing song

  51. M.... W....

    The Manaian Way started out just like this.

  52. t.... t....

    This song reminds of me of when Darrel Kerrigan from the castle reckons “Eddie Mabo yeah black fella told the govement to shove it” lol.

  53. N.... D....

    ridgy didge mate yeahhhhh oath to the bogans

  54. R.... D....

    Vincent Lingiari a great warrior for his people who fought with words.

    R.... D....

    I agree

  55. T.... S....

    its a great sentiment...but getting a grip on reality...but where do the little things start? and for who? and what grows from big things for that matter? or what if things are in between??? if little things are 10 or 20 thousand years ago then I get it...for humanity...but I don't get humanity saying a hundred or so years ago we started as little things...etc

  56. S.... Z....

    I wish Gough was prime minister for longer

  57. R.... T....

    "This is Folk Rock,
    the way it should be
    played and performed,
    Very good."-😮.
    🌐📻🌐.

  58. a.... c....

    🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

  59. y.... b....

    Always was, always will be..

  60. S.... ....

    Not all heroes wear capes. Greetings from Canada!

  61. N.... s....

    Lol why am I seeing this in 2019

  62. D.... R....

    Never mind Austrailias Bob Dyln. Bob Dylan is Americas Paul Kelly!

  63. S.... F....

    The only good prime minister who *cared*

  64. N.... M....

    Love this song my people from wavehill station ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  65. I.... N....

    Always get choked by this one. Thanks Paul!

  66. y.... c....

    This is a song about Vincent Lingiari not Gough pull it together cunts

  67. D.... F....

    Dear primary school teachers across Australia,


    Please stop using this song for your end of year concert unless you know what the song is actually about.


    Yours truly.

    D.... F....

    Declan Forrest ugh you’re joking do they really use this

  68. S.... ....

    My god, the revisionist history in this comment-thread is staggering! And I'm forced to wonder how many of you are even old enough to actually remember the _real_ aftermath of Whitlam's policies, especially the harm to Australia's Aboriginal peoples as a result...

    I am SMH -- in horror!

  69. D.... F....

    Happy Birthday Paul. This is one of your best.

  70. S.... ....

    Socialist rubbish.

    S.... ....

    Fuck you, colonialist scumbag.

  71. U.... W....

    Straight up bogan album

  72. V.... B....

    Amen patience is God wants from us!

  73. E.... N....

    Ol Paul Kelly makes the soul strings twang....bloody gem...

  74. M.... L....

    Vincent has rewrote history and made rights for indigenous

  75. i.... _....

    Prime Minister Gough Whitlam should never be forgotten by Aboriginal Australians. For doing the right thing, he didn't have to but he knew it was the right thing to do. Remember, from little things big things grow. Time for Treaty and Reconciliation. Time to do the right thing for Aboriginal Australians and all of Australia, you know, be on the right side of history.

  76. B.... J....

    I hate fucking nuggets

  77. S.... B....

    Always been one of my favourite , pity that the politicians these days can't hold their heads high like previous ones mentioned - Paul Kelly is one if not the best Australian poets in my opinion, Australia,what a country with stories to tell if only people would listen

  78. C.... P....

    It's sad that many people only see this song as a superfund ad

  79. E.... N....

    Yep....Paul Kelly has a few gems.....this is one of them.....soul talk

  80. 1.... ....

    Brain explosion! Too many thoughts; this frikken world is too complicated............either way, for all things too impossible to practically reconcile, this song has got what I wish the whole world had.

  81. l.... ....

    Say what you like about Gough, he had 10 times the balls that any modern day pollitician had.

  82. C.... S....

    who i watching in 2018

  83. B.... J....

    What a poet.....power to you Paul Kelly !!

  84. R.... S....

    Love this song ❤❤❤

  85. S.... A....

    “Vincent said no thanks. We know how to wait.” ❤️

    S.... A....

    DID YU KNOw that my name is vincent

    S.... A....

    ... if we fall, others are rising...' - this line on its own gives me hope

  86. L.... ....

    neutral

  87. T.... D....

    Poor people

  88. M.... ....

    Anyone else from TISA P8 class with Mr. Nick etc?? :")

  89. J.... K....

    a naidoc favourite

  90. D.... B....

    one of the best auzzie songs ever

  91. o.... ....

    Good tune

  92. T.... F....

    why would you dislike this?!

    T.... F....

    Tyler Roze, I know right!

  93. T.... S....

    In my class we listened to this song and i Like the tune to it, as well as the story behind it.