Aboriginal Inmates Survive Prison Through The Power Of Song

In Australia’s tropical Northern Territory over 800 inmates squeeze into the overcrowded Berrimah Prison. Berrimah is filled mainly with Aboriginal inmates, who battle the dirt, rats, mosquitoes and unbearable heat. Many come from remote communities where English isn’t their first language and their traditional lore is in conflict with European rule of law.
This thoughtful documentary musical gives a voice to these normally overlooked Australian citizens, tapping into their culture that uses song and dance to communicate. Working with award-winning songwriters Casey Bennetto and Shellie Morris, inmates have their stories interpreted into songs. Their personal tales mesh together to create a portrait of life in a society with one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.
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From Prison Songs
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[@sanjeedradgee1098]

Was expecting a documentary about life behind bars. Instead the prisoners are *spitting bars*

[@sandees9lives345]

LOL good one!

[@W3LSHDR4G0]

ahahahah good one

[@Ser_Arthur_Dayne]

It's funny cause it's true!

[@sergeantmajorabdullahmohab1837]

Yeah, one bar nearly penetrated my eye

[@azazel00060]

Introducing Australia's toughest prison, THE MUSICAL.. 🤣

[@paulinemagala9039]

Stfu '

[@bartardypedro2125]

Pauline Magala stfu

[@ethanolarano4341]

@@paulinemagala9039 silly fucki are buda

[@scotishjohn]

Hahahaha ffs

[@apriladelewhyte]

I actually really think some of these songs are good, it more about the stories. The concepts behind the songs are really strong and for a lot of people relatable in some way.

[@thekingofcool2105]

A musical documentary about prison in Australia. Let that sink in.

[@thirdeyefishing5608]

the king of cool you need to wake up ..

[@xarnett5385]

This is honestly the weirdest video I have ever seen.

[@codyjohnson8568]

lol same.

[@tarshaneilly518]

Twilight zone. Like wth!!

[@macmike8329]

Disturbing is the word that came to mind...

[@itsonlyacommentsnowflake3346]

🎶 At the Berrimah's Hilton🎶 i couldn't get past 11 minutes freaky weird Documentary.

[@macmike8329]

@@itsonlyacommentsnowflake3346 that's where I cut out too...

[@TheCanadiangirl4]

I don't even know what to say about this video. It's both tragic and strangely funny with the songs. Well done Real Stories, I like your sense of humour.

[@treborironwolfe978]

This is why I KEEP BEGGING YOUBUBE to introduce a 3rd rating option.. So we'd have "thumbs-up" , "thumbs-down", and "confused and uncertain smiley face."

[@efremlee6990]

I've been a song writer for over 30 years and I like watching prison documentarys for some reason this was an absolutely wonderful thing to watch an emotional roller coaster I loved it good job whoever came up with this good job! Thank you for making it .

[@shainovh9750]

We stand side by side black or white who cares? I'm a white Australian and I love my black brothers and sisters. United as one!

[@kebgak1146]

Asians yeh but not latinos

[@felipemarin1011]

B some -yeah there are bro ofcourse

[@felipemarin1011]

B no latinos my bro-theres a big community of Chilenos-Argentinos-Peruanos-Colombianos-Salvadorians and nicaraguans, and more and more Mexicans are coming aswell but no where near what is considered alot-the biggest group is Chileans-outside of Chile, Australia has the first or second biggest community of Chileans in the world-i am Chilean and i married a Salvadoreña, there are many many latinos here-in Sydney we used to be in Fairfield-western sydney-now they have spread out more-but there are more Chileans in Melbourne than sydney-the clubs here in Sydney most of them have latin Nights and Mexican food is pretty common-there are plenty of Latin restaurants and also Soccer clubs and also we celebrate our independence days for respective latino countries usually in Fairfield showground in Sydney-maybe the dude who said there arent many Latinos thinks its just mexicans who are latinos , there arent that many afro latinos though, but ive met quite a few though-i dont think there are many puerto riqueños or cubanos or carribean afro latinos/ but we here and were only getting bigger

[@allanwalsh95TSV]

Thank you ❤️ means a lot 👍

[@glenpos]

I can't believe how many people knocked this because of the music. The music touched my soul. It told the story of the men and women in prison. I had tears in my eyes listening to the words. I wish them all well and hope that they can find some peace on the outside and make better lives for themselves.

[@yandenuts]

Me too. Absolutely loved this insight..

[@deeak81]

Agree with you Its their way of dealing with being locked up, the songs are messages since they are not being heard. Here in the US inmates rape and kill each other over the bullshit prison culture so these people are just flipping the script. Do what ever to help your soul even in your darkest moments.

[@curtispetersen9312]

Prison shouldn't be tooken lightly....singing songs in jail is not what it's for..giving youth the wrong msg.....kids stay out of jail...this is not how jail is Singing and dancing....not at all

[@curtispetersen9312]

Prison shouldn't be tooken lightly....singing songs in jail is not what it's for..giving youth the wrong msg.....kids stay out of jail...this is not how jail is Singing and dancing....not at all

[@deeak81]

This is not about prisons being good this is about how these prisoners are dealing with their situation.

[@botticellichick6393]

Ummm yeah. Totally confused about the "musical". Kidding aside, here in the U.S., we incarcerate more people than anywhere in the world!! We are spending billions to build even more prisons. If we took a quarter of that money to build facilities for people with mental illness, drug users, non violent criminals? Give them a hand up instead of just a handout? They could get comprehensive care, get back on their feet and leave prison for violent offenders. There has to be a better way. It's just my opinion, it may not be popular but it's how I feel. XOXO ❤

[@pop-4567]

Disturbing that there are so many "Toe Tag Parolees" also Patricia. Never to be released is an abuse of human rights. America has without a doubt a very harsh attitude towards those that have "fallen", whether its through mental illness or many of the other attributing factors that can cause catastrophic suffering for often minor or non violent actions by those afflicted. Im Australian and looking at the American system it is horrific.. Plea bargaining, guilt by association, 3 felony strikes and life, massive sentences of hundreds of years, minor crimes incurring lengthy prison time, African Americans and other minorities being incarcerated proportionally Far higher than other American groups, Gang Violence and Drugs rampant within the Prisons, The whole unabated destruction of peoples lives on A grand scale, 2 million human beings locked up in American prisons, America seems to have a real Police state Lock em up attitude about it, Guns Guns Guns Guns, Throw away the key, even on release they are marked as a FELON For the Rest of their lives, Cant get a job etc etc and usually returning back to prison because of the stigma and lack of opportunities to change direction and go "straight". Yes shocking indeed, the whole system needs restructuring. Your opinion is held by many Patricia, if only things could change. After all We are All human beings, we all need a little bit of hand once in awhile, instead of hating on people a bit of humanity and a push in the right direction is all that's often needed. It makes no sense to Me how anyone can think by treating people like caged rabid dogs that this person is going to somehow be a better citizen for it. Many in prison would be Far better off in a mental health facility rather than getting sicker in a cage with violent thugs.. The throw them in jail, slam the door behind them, no one can see them, forget about them mentality has to stop. Sure the violent ones belong there but locking non violent offenders and the like together is nasty... Asking for trouble, and many are murdered, raped, bashed and scarred mentally as well as physically for life, and in turn often creating another violent offender and another vicious cycle of negative waste of a human life, Not only the convict but the Families as well become victims to crime. Happy New Year.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

Patricia Bell.... Please marry me?

[@botticellichick6393]

@@detroitfettyghost8492 maybe...just maybe...when I'm released. JK 😉😉❤😂

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

@@botticellichick6393 SO YOUR TELLING ME THERES A CHANCE? YESSSSSSSSS! ♡♡♡♡♡ Thanks for being as funny as you are beautiful, have a good day luv! Take care♡

[@karenemoug]

@@pop-4567 Very well said. I agree

[@DivaNino]

WOW. I've never seen nor expected to see such a prison documentary =) I'm honestly surprised. They told us their struggles & their stories thru the music. Every single word in those songs has a meaning behind. It's nothing like some others depressing, even boring prison doc. It's definitely unique. Bravo! ☮&💙 It's really Sad how Aboriginal ppl were treated, for so many years. Finally, about 10 years ago, they've got a public apology & more from the Government... Sadly, nothing can be changed overnight🥺

[@thorium3737]

Oh come off it, they put themselves in prison by making poor choices.

[@jasegtree4553]

Your virtue signalling game is on point 👌

[@kafka6451]

This was nicely done. Loved the music, especially the first song. There were some sad stories, but at least that correction centre looked like a pretty decent place.

[@brit-in-czech]

What the... ? I thought I was going to watch a prison documentary, not Australia's Got No Talent.

[@kirimvp7781]

😂

[@dainguyen1077]

Lmfao

[@richardvaughan9994]

Hahahahahhahaha

[@punk46664]

The segment on alcohol made me laugh and actually stop and think about my drinking. The section on domestic violence nearly drove me to a panic attack it was so familiar. Well done to the makers of this, you’ve helped at least one person put word to thought, which I will use in my next Dr’s appointment in a the never ending fight to keep hold of that cliff above the blackness

[@DontGoThereYouWontComeBack]

How are you travelling now brother? Everything ok?

[@morphshag]

It’s like a crossover between a documentary and a musical. And I totally enjoyed it.

[@catherha1]

Yes indeed 😊... Perfect combination 👌

[@jtmichaelson]

What a strange documentary. A musical. How bizarre. There's 8 minutes I'll never get back.

[@foxylady9110]

JT Michaelson 😂😂😂I lasted 4mins

[@debbietravers3096]

ha i made it 2 second song too...shoulda read comments grrr

[@scottstokes822]

I thought was great

[@patswert4049]

And this is why the human race will never get along. This documentary was so insightful, I loved it.

[@patswert4049]

Absolutely loved this documentary, a beautiful way of getting a very important point across. 🌷💕

[@deidrawashington1972]

I love the twist on this documentary. The musical was awesome however the stories were real & Truely heart felt.

[@timothyleee27204]

Coming from someone obsessed with music. That documentary was taken to another level of amazing because of the songs. Omg that was so awesome😍

[@cryptohunter8119]

this is actually a golden documentary

[@willsimmons9686]

Wondering where I can buy the soundtrack for this musical, I mean documentary 🤣

[@KatieB33]

This is the strangest but best doco on prison I’ve ever seen!!!

[@tinkerbelldog6321]

This is NOT typical of Australian prisons.! This is Berrima Gaol in the Northern Territory.

[@sarahvand3628]

@FKEDUPGAMER nope. Australia does not claim this 😆

[@Jnonswi]

And Berrima Gaol isn't part of Australia? Aah

[@tinkerbelldog6321]

Jnonswi NOT TYPICAL I said. If you know anything about Australia you would know that The Northern Territory is run VERY differently.

[@outcastcoco785]

Jnonswi this jail is nothing like other jails in aus. It looks easy there

[@booboo8706]

It would be like using a minimum security prison in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Wyoming as a representation of American prisons.

[@demondsofdogtown]

A musical about prison. Wtf is this? Wtf is going on in Australia that the prisoners are actually siging like they are in west side story.

[@linsioux217]

Right?! It did make it interesting.

[@luiggidecaro1621]

Keith Bro this is a very nice documentary about prision,. And besides giving us insight about it, made them happy and cathartic by singing. I really like this piece

[@demondsofdogtown]

@@luiggidecaro1621 Prison isn't supposed to be a fun time. the first 10 min of this video made me want to go to Australia and rob some banks.

[@linsioux217]

@@luiggidecaro1621 The songs were written very well, told a story.

[@treborironwolfe978]

@@demondsofdogtown LMAO... I wouldn't go *THAT* far.. maybe just walk up to a copper and spit on their shoe and tell them I really like their mom. I hear that is usually enough in proper British territories at least ;)

[@Seekingbeez]

What a refreshing way to tell the prison story. I've been watching prison documentaries non stop during the pandemic and they all seem to share the same story telling format. Stumbling into this was a great surprise.

[@SiCkNeSs-ux5lb]

Real Stories, you got me with this one. I'm left confused as to what I just witnessed, a musical, a documentary, fake news or some sorta mash up? Now I'm left feeling happy and sad. Entertained none the less, thanks.

[@tiemygvo5666]

This is the best prison documentary I have watched so far. Special thanks to Real Story for giving these beautiful souls an opportunity to tell their life stories. The music is top notch 👌, If the song are on digital platforms please give me the links 🔥

[@hannahhaircut]

They should do the songs so we can download them & the profits then go to a victim support group & in prison rehabilitation!

[@MS.MINI31]

Excellent idea

[@tess303]

This is the best documentary I have ever seen! I love the point of view as am so sick of seeing priso docos with same heavy point of view. Love the musical aspect to it! The prisoners loved it too- you can tell because they have a sense of ‘aire’ about it. Any of you haters out there mocking this doco, wake up and see how beautiful, real, eye opening and heart felt it is.

[@kyle69boss]

Old mate is advertising Berrimah as a 5 star holiday away from the outside world... loves it

[@celestialcircledance]

Very heartfelt .Through there stories and songs you really get a sense of the harsh circumstances that were stacked against them . Sad and entertaining as well as informative !

[@465marko]

Can't believe how well done and honest this is Not what I was expecting at all, but it was really good.

[@ikestrawman4625]

All the music makes me want to ice pick my ears

[@treborironwolfe978]

I think you mean "shank" your eardrums.

[@ikestrawman4625]

Trebor Ironwolfe wanted to edit v shAnk

[@pamelabradford4728]

I think this was eye opening. Thank you for making it and showing it to the world ❤❤❤❤

[@penguinpolo]

That alcohol song is really catchy!

[@nursedaniel72]

So is alcoholism 😂🤣😂

[@mac_skiller]

I just rolled a joint watching this , that prison song triggered me

[@yandenuts]

What a great insight. I visited a mate in Berrima doing 12 years, in the early 90's. He reckoned he would be brain dead before he got out due to boredom. If you never been to Darwin, you would have no idea how hard it would be to do time there. Great insight, and I can only imagine the good it did for the inmates, their family and the community as a whole to have been involved in making this production. Great job! Stupid bloody title for it, but great job!

[@kimthomson2495]

Wow! I'm awed by the talent that put this together. What a remarkable group of people.

[@Mbspitz851]

I loved this video. It was heart felt , the songs were so good and emotional, I could feel their pain and suffering.

[@demondsofdogtown]

Im guessing you have never done time.

[@deeak81]

I agree with you Its their way of dealing with being locked up, the songs are messages since they are not being heard. Here in the US inmates rape and kill each other over the bullshit prison culture so these people are just flipping the script. Do what ever to help your soul even in your darkest moments.

[@put_me_in_coach5751]

This is the weirdest documentary I have ever watched.

[@paulobumaye6425]

Really enjoyed this! Good job on this one.

[@dcpower6887]

Try watching this while high

[@JustJane1]

My head is exploding.

[@leeb4020]

Mine too

[@liamw6308]

Came here for this comment wtf is this

[@Jaydon05]

I try! 😂

[@jacksewell1457]

I Am

[@garik1018]

I'm gonna tell my grandkids this was Moanna 🤣

[@paulatierney1244]

Hahahahaha, I wish I'd thought of that.

[@samofkvardar]

"Prison got talent" - next on real stories!!!

[@samiyakoub7513]

This is legit and true %100. I lived in Australia for many many years and I was in prison for many of those years. This channel should investigate the Christmas island prisoners as well. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@samiyakoub7513]

@Jul rost potatoe head and Morrison won't let me 😂

[@one087]

Its like an Advertisement and.. i almost wanna buy.. the only currency accepted is Crime. 😒

[@josigg4153]

LMAO

[@ulrikezachmann7596]

This documentary is very well made and I hope it got an award. It has everything.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

Badass! Loved it. The music was worth dancing to.

[@LicualaBeauty]

Clickbait title,but i enjoyed it none the less! The jails are alive with the sound of music! Damn Renatos story was effen touching,so sad.

[@kellmiller4933]

Lots of cultures tell their stories and histories in song as do indigenous Australians... their history, connection to land, language and cultures is amazing and something we should all strive for.

[@hystericallyparanormal]

I loved it! Ive watched A LOT of prison docs and this one was so awesomely different then the usual doom and gloom

[@gregburns8099]

I didn't want to like the musical aspect. But if you pay attention it does tell the stories of these folks in a way that is gripping.

[@michaelmichael7958]

No it doesn't Greg just stop it.. stop it right now Greg!

[@danielvaladez3850]

This is one of the best things I've seen in a long time and I love it... great job..

[@BigNugget521]

Nice to see the crew made it fun for them with music. Looks like a lucky place to do hard time.

[@demondsofdogtown]

Yeah...moral of the story...if your going to live a life of crime....move to Australia.

[@JustJane1]

They're not doing hard time. They're at band camp.

[@rachaelcourtnell7667]

she needs a recording deal, what a beautiful voice :)

[@seanoreilly1832]

I find it hilarious that Australian prisoners are all like "Yeah fair enough"

[@gedfukdbich2645]

This was the best prison documentary I've really enjoyed. The songs omg they were amazing I loved every bit. I hope all goes well with your futures Jah bless from sth Auckland nz

[@TheEvilEve2012]

Ok...........what did I just watch, the Prison Musical ?

[@nochannel1q2321]

I was left wondering how packed Australia's prisons are.

[@JustJane1]

My brain is confused. Is this a musical or a documentary?

[@tridungsydney6618]

No this is prison got talent:)lolz

[@nuckinfuts7610]

This is awesome. Totally unexpected, different, and creative. Loved it, well done. 👍👏

[@inspiredbylove1432]

I liked this video !! These inmates seem to show real, genuine remorse for their actions than most other inmates, in high maximum security prisons.....and that, I do have respect to !!☺

[@barbarajohnstone7022]

Very very clever documentary interspersed with brechtian songs that make you realize that what you are watching is not 100% REALITY, which ironically in THIER case is!

[@susiehadfield3985]

The drug smuggling pastor can sing!

[@jasegtree4553]

😂

[@vegemitesandwich81]

This is HILARIOUS! Bloody 'Straya 😂.

[@frenchys_prospecting]

Ex prisoner here. There is no reform in Australian prisons. These people make songs and it’s great but that doesn’t help the majority of prisoners when they go to bed and wonder how they’re gonna change their lives once released.

[@mrjaywins7458]

At the beginning of the documentary I thought it was a bit weird but then as it went on it kinda put a tear in my eye because I'm going through some of those things im getting sentenced this week 😢

[@LornaJane16]

Brilliant documentary. I love how Berrimah let them take the pee out of the actual prison (in the really good opening song). I guess the warden figured it would be a kind of therapy for the over population of inmates - who clearly are not living in the 'Hilton' - to sing/dance and tell their stories. Despite the dodgy title - I thought this was really innovative and clever. (P.S. I was at Berrimah 30 years ago - er, as a visitor, and it definitely appears to have changed somewhat :( )

[@kellie4225]

I visited for a 4 year period in the early 90’s looks the same to me .😕 hope they don’t keep the kids there still . Moved don dale centre there when Darwin’s new prison opened . Great doco though 😊

[@DJDRESKIfoshizzle]

🥂🥂🥂🤮🤮🤮I'm talking about alcohol,I never had a chance at all....🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 Hey hey hey🍺🍺🍺🍺 Al co hol,you picked me up and let me fall, you cut me down to size, the devil in disguise and I can't get away.....🍺🍺🍺🍸🍸🍸🍹🍹🍹🥃🥃🥃

[@1211jinx]

I did not expect this prison docu to be like this lol 😂😂😂 it’s like an advertisement already..

[@scottstokes822]

That was great, good job.

[@Rabonics]

This is kinda weird but good, I'm enjoying the music, songs are quite catchy 🤣🤣

[@bestself123]

This is cool 😎!! , really loving the sarcasme behind it !!

[@sandees9lives345]

And I can tell from the comments that not a lot of people actually *GET* that sarcasm!

[@andrewbrown2278]

This is a really good and amazing documentary there alot of sad stories and these people actually seem like good genuine people that just made a few mistakes I hope they find their way in life and do good for themselves they deserve a life of happiness and love and having people that care for them.. Find happiness and peace with urself and life🙏🙏

[@juliastvcollection.2512]

Lol. WTH? Is this a music video? 🤣🤣Unbelievable. The prisoners are so joyous and singing in the video. 😆🙄

[@ashanatrav5841]

Aight Real Stories ... imma head out

[@ashanatrav5841]

* Samantha * 😂😂😂😭

[@someguy3522]

Well, that was different.

[@haleyheavenhill7680]

Awesome and funny, plus great music!!!! I looooove Australian films!

[@notevenea8277]

Awesomely Produced doco

[@brucewilbur1149]

That was well done I enjoyed the stories I hope they do something to end the cycle.

[@janaoh5785]

Nice that they gave the prisoners a chance to broadcast their musical talents.

[@vonquin9798]

How great it would have been to learn these lessons when your your ,it took me to 40 to get there,and all I can say is I'm so thankful for waking up.

[@gordonpeden6234]

Wow!.....I spent some time in Darwin in the early 70's So sad to see the crap my brothers and sisters have to go through. Don't know what the answer is. Good job on this Vid, Music and song can break through the hardest barriers.

[@Randomperson-xq7lz]

All these people are so happy to be in jail they singing. Lmao

[@celestialcircledance]

They probably are happy while they are singing together . Even when your in prison its probably not possible to be miserable and remorseful every second of every day .

[@tridungsydney6618]

Yeah they happy while they’re singing but not happy after it and they ll stressing when they’re in their cells at nighttimes..

[@ravenrisby]

Best video of prison yet 🤟🏻

[@brandiwhite7764]

All Jokes aside, i would like to know if there is a place i can get the last song, the one sung by the female pastor, i turely enjoyed the lyrics

[@karlgatchell6279]

Weird but great doco! Amazing hearing some of there struggles

[@Blagoja_Zdravkov]

The alcohol song was very funny and what a refreshing prison documentary. Very well made.

[@johnwakefield1234]

The state of imprisonment/ I documented this 30 years ago. But unfortunately prisons are viewed as implement opportunities by Governments. I was the secretary of a program in 76 bassed on scared strait. Over a 3 year period we had a 90 percent success rate . Yet the Authorities closed it down. I was in a documentary called out of sight out of mine at Parrmatta Prinson late 70s. I have real concern for our communities continuing failed programmes .Thuarwell Aboriginal corporation here at Campelltown has the right approach/ After 45 years of imprisonment from a young age . I have developed a system of trading to allow a person to develop knew mural pathways allowing the autonomic nervous system to break free of dissfuntion. Yet I am not being utilised sham

[@TheNomnom30]

This is one of the best things I've ever seen! 😂😂

[@tridungsydney6618]

Wtf..

[@jodyross6185]

Well Done!!.. I like the mockumentoay style of it, like it's a fine hotel..very smart..the stories in between are good too

[@skyisthelimit9897]

Where can I buy the CD love the songs on here lol y’all make prison look like Disneyland fun! Buhahaha love it!

[@sharethelove5034]

This is a great moral boost! Excellent 👍🙏🏼🇨🇦

[@lambese4-]

Lets just forget about the fact that these people bashed, robbed, and pushed drugs to land in here and focus on the lovely singing.. yay!

[@sandra7319.]

Im curious did the inmates write these songs and put this together??

[@tomkish1]

This is so special. I would love to work with these inmates and teach them that they are children of the King and they have an amazing future if they want it to be. I would like to be hired by this prison and be the Chaplin or counselor. I have worked in prisons here ministering and I love that too. I love the native peoples of Australia though very much.

[@demondsofdogtown]

would you like a cookie?

[@Curtin-mf3xy]

This is amazing

[@someguy3522]

Needs to be a soundtrack.

[@MCP920]

I thought the same. I enjoyed the lyrics and found it spoke to me. At one point I had tears and another I joined the chorus. Call me crazy. I couldn’t care any less.

[@JustJane1]

The comments are just as entertaining, if not more, than the video. I can't stop laughing.

[@teedsb]

This was amazing

[@anniehall8474]

The Christian woman wow, she is a beautiful singer. She is singing to our Lord.. What a amazing voice. Does not matter what she has done, Jesus has forgiven her. I hope she gets out soon and makes a new life for herself. I wish I knew her name and address. God bless you.

[@taniamcphelim6900]

Healing through music 🎶 is positive therapy. I think