Missy Higgins and Dan & Paul Kelly - Droving Woman (Live on RocKwiz)

Missy Higgins and Dan & Paul Kelly perform Droving Woman live on RocKwiz.

[@greybirdo]

If you've ever been out there, you listen to this song and you can smell dust of the cattle country that still takes up a big chunk of the 'dead heart' of this vast country from Spencer Gulf to the Gulf of Carpentaria. And if you haven't spent a night hundreds of miles away in any direction from the nearest town under a new moon, this song is the closest you'll get to knowing what it's like. Kev is a deadset poetic genius.

[@tukidream]

Not one wasted word..one of the most profound poems ever written about life in Australia.

[@steveg1xb]

I would like to say that "like" is just not enough. This is stupendous. Thank you.

[@freejulianassange3143]

Missy Higgins and Paul Kelly should be the voices for any self-respecting Aussie GPS implementation.

[@mjr320]

That song truly describes the life and toughness of the early australian stockman , makes me proud to be Australian when i hear this

[@christibrown5956]

You mean stockwomen

[@thiagosuzuki6842]

Sure I have played this song 100 times and I still love it is paul missy and dan make me so proud to be a 5th generation Australian

[@roicampbell2509]

yes

[@roicampbell2509]

@Dan Sultan thank you Dan I've seen you around good man

[@Vandl82]

Made me cry really, really hard. Over 9000 points to Missy, Dan and Paul.

[@tommyspigeonhole]

Too beautiful for words. Love Dan's voice.. then Paul arrives, in a flourish of deepness, then Missy takes it sincerely home. Couldn't change a thing.

[@davidpiwen5729]

Love this Rendition beyond Words in my Vocabulary....

[@danflannery5808]

@@davidpiwen5729 heard it the first time it was ever broadcast and recorded on cassette on Radio Slid Row in 1984...just Kev Carmody singing about his mum and with Sibby Doolan as backing...SHIVERS then, Mate, and ever since...

[@laurieaylmore7676]

Still super after all this time that has passed .

[@yvonnestephenson6676]

You know the most moving moment in this particular performance is as Naomi is finishing up her final solo, with that masterful tempo ristretto, clearly moving Dan, and he turns toward her in awe and appreciation. Music can do that. It's just beautiful.

[@Us3DownUnder]

Magical. Truly beautiful story-telling and an outstanding live performance by Dan, Paul, Missy and the band.

[@malwinton3442]

Another example of your ability to capture the heart of Australians…simply brilliant. Thank you guys.

[@herepigsfly]

Paul & Missy originally sang it on "Cannot Buy my Soul" , which is a Kev Carmody tribute album - Augie March does the Dan Kelly part & it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The whole album is cover versions like this of Kev's songs by other Australian artists.

[@fayreader7014]

&Y wasn't I told about this? I have been playing the same old tunes for daze. Thank You ♥️ Thank You 💛 Thank You 💙

[@tubes5150]

So many words to memorize…. And they were sung so beautifully ❤️ I hung on every word . Bruce would be honored to hear this . I live in the US and my Aussie buddy just turned me on to this . Absolutely Beautiful 🤩

[@troycrittle9809]

"I was blessed with the gentlest of men" Heart breaking

[@stephenwhitworth7701]

I have returned to this video over and over; it is a wonderful demonstration of Aussie talent, craft and performance. Thank you all for such a wonderful experience - thank you.

[@chinogringo08]

That violin is weeping!

[@brenhark]

Love it.....this song reminds me of my grandma in so many ways.....she was a drovers wife in Cunnamulla/Bourke district in the 40's to the 60's.

[@tyvs-x6l]

Proper AUSTRALIAN MUSIC

[@garymacdonald7866]

I just drowned in patriotism Our true national anthem❤️

[@sjf9994]

Finally found one of the great performances of a fabulous Kev Carmody song - doesn't get much better than this - and it gets better each play

[@jamesnapier7789]

Omg two of the best Australian singers singing together, Paul Kelly and missy higgins, sorry dan good job too! Love ya work

[@becarcher1748]

A powerfully haunting ballad that makes me feel tight in the chest as the tears prickle behind my eyes...I can feel the hardship and I travel those muddy tracks with the herd and I can see the kids living free and the whites of the eyes of the wild horse. The violin is as powerful as the beautiful voices.

[@stevious7278]

"I heard his spine snap like a roo shooters shot" WOW! So Australian; such a succinct expression of the moment. Kev Carmody is arguably the greatesy poet/songwriter this country has ever produced.

[@richardkenna149]

You can see Missy steel herself to deliver that line, i think she was close to tears for most of her verses (and who wouldn't be, singing those devastating lyrics)

[@stevious7278]

@@richardkenna149 I tear up every time I hear this song; and the "roo shooter's shot" line makes me gasp.

[@lyndalf4857]

Honestly, I love this song. Speaks to me as part of my heritage. Such an emotive story told by amazing Australians

[@papapatriot]

Everyone was great, but Missy stole my heart with her sweet voice!

[@geoff1468]

bohemian rhapsody queen

[@timbushnell8964]

Same. Although she's had my heart for years

[@Stikibits]

Missy Higgins...stunningly beautiful.

[@petekelly2888]

I cant stop playing this, it really strikes a chord great performances from all. Missy Higgins voice touches your heart and brings a tear to the eye

[@wrwosster89076]

The way music is meant to be!! 🙏🙏

[@Bad808wagz]

how good are these 3 awesome Aussie singers, they compliment each other, like ..... Awesome, . and stuff.............

[@seanyuke3249]

Tears every time. Thanks again folks.

[@dingo2312]

missy does a top job in this, only one other lady could top it, and that's sara storer, but I like missy's voice in this, she brings a very "real" feeling to the story. I hope to see much more of missy, love her talent

[@raresaturn]

In tears listening to this

[@muzzamastrol1835]

Great singing and playing and loved Naomi on the violin too.

[@HowToCookThat]

absolutely brilliant!

[@glennaisbett4383]

Henry Lawson & Paul Kelly. Australia’s story tellers 😍

[@DGeoff6]

For those that don't know, this song/Ballad, the Droving Woman, was written by KEV CARMODY, this along with other fantastic stories of his life's experiences turned into song. You may know a song called "from little things big things grow"? well that song was written by Paul Kelly AND Kev Carmody, you can see these people in concert called "CANNOT BUY MY SOUL" aired recently on SBS, It is a fantastic concert with some well known, Aussie Musios, recorded Feb 2008 at Sydney's State Theatre.

[@diannelangdon7845]

Been there ,done that a few years ago

[@st6086]

I still remember the feeling when they sang Droving Woman at the state theatre that night. Halt the audience was in tears. He recently did an interview with the Beetoota Advocate guys. Was a crack up. What a legend Kev is.

[@outback6t9]

Not another word could be said, poetry

[@mattpowell301]

What a fantastic tribute that was to a wonderful Kev Carmody song! 👌

[@tukidream]

This is profoundly beautiful poetry. A contented loneliness to which you can't put a name"" Worthy of Henry Lawson.

[@adandap]

What a stunner. Great performances all round, but Missy Higgins is especially good.

[@mick1080m]

makes me cry every time..

[@deannecook8544]

LOVE this sooo MMUCCH 💕💛💚💙

[@domfarrell9073]

Missy Higgins!!! Beautiful voice :)

[@sorsaria]

I would love to have heard Missy sing the whole song. She makes me love this song

[@virginiaeb]

Classy and talented!

[@jeffnunn4203]

Never tire of listening to this! Its classic, Naomi Evans incredible!

[@mogadeet6857]

That is the most moving song I have ever heard

[@leenie81]

Love this performance, song and its arrangement. Such talent and heart on display.

[@grantf366]

This is wonderful storytelling / songwriting by Kev Carmody, leaves you numb. Thanks Dan, Missy and Paul

[@markwhelan9887]

Absolutely awesome Paul Kelly is a genius his songs are so deep and meaningful he is a true gem Dan and Missy are great too it's such a sad song AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OIE OIE OIE

[@markwhelan9887]

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to change it what a silly thing to rite on my behalf.cheers 😉

[@brno1985]

Genuine Aussie music

[@davidpiwen5729]

Beyond Discription Amazing.

[@BrissoParrothead]

I listen to this and imagine Henry Lawson smiling approvingly. Imagine a song collaboration with that crew and Henry Lawson. Stunning song such a story of love life and loss and hope

[@mick1080m]

21 verses of greatness..

[@flamingfrancis]

Just a beautiful interpretation of the real Australia in the hard times. Reminds me of a musical adaptation of something from a Frederick McCubbin or Sir Arthur Streeton or Tom Robert painting. Paul Kelly is a living Aussie treasure

[@christibrown5956]

Without the Drovet's Boy.

[@petekelly2888]

pioneers of this country truly experienced things like this. how do you pass things like this on to our kids to learn real values ??

[@timbushnell8964]

😭 Such a beautifully sad song performed by amazing Aussie legends ❤️

[@sps996desmo]

I WISH this version was available to buy/add to my music. Ps I see some down votes, how could anyone not love this song??

[@Tippitiwitch]

But... but, it doesn't say "I love you, baby" anywhere.

[@sps996desmo]

Tippitiwitch , I feel the love deeply when I listen.

[@josephshort8818]

@@sps996desmo best song

[@tkarolak1]

Dan is amazing!! Wow what a voice! Super great sound

[@MelindaLewis-w9c]

Best song ever

[@deannecook8544]

Just beautiful 😍

[@maryhickey2504]

OMG what a song, he's such a poet and amazing musician........come and visit us in Canada....

[@MsPoppsie]

Droving Woman was written by wonderful Aboriginal artist, Kev Carmody. She buried him down on the edge of town Where the brigalow suckers on the cemetery creep She stood with them children in a heavy brown gown What you want you just can't always keep "I'm sorry", I says, "I knew him so well" Though your body is young you just never can tell When the hand of fate rings the final death knell" She just turned with the saddest of smiles She says "At the start well we knewed it so hard We were always dealt the severest of cards Honeymoon spent droving Jamieson's stock Through the wildest winter you seen Romantic notions of horses and land They were soon dispelled as a fantasised dream Watching cattle at night in the mid-winter cold Turns a person, both wiry and old The flame of the breakfast fire'd be dead As the sun rose up he'd be miles up ahead I'd be breaking the camp there and rolling the beds While he fanned the stock wider for feed When the weather turned sour with the onset of rain An' the truck'd bog down to the axle mains He'd move ahead with pack saddles and chains And I'd wait in the mud by the road With the blankets and canvas there hung out to dry With nothing for heat 'cause you couldn't light a fire With no stock permit for the forthcoming shire The dog'd whimper in the winter wind rain Cattle don't camp where they're sloshing in rain They keep walking all night like a dog on a chain He'd be red eyed and weary with a pack horse gone lame I'd sit miles behind in the mud It was down through Charleville up to Julia Creek Living on syrup and damper and salted corn meat We had nothing but the ‘roos and the mailman to meet We'd move up and down with the rains But them inland skies have the starriest of nights With the dance of the fire throwing flickering lights The beauty of it's sunsets were a constant delight I felt that nature had let me intrude The enormous vastness of them inland plains Gives you a lonely contentment to which you can't put a name It's satisfied glow city folks seldom attain They spend life on a right rigid rail The kids got their schooling from the government mail We posted their work in at each cattle sale They considered the learning a self imposed jail They'd rather help their father and fail Early last month at the end of the dry He was given a horse nobody could ride Alert were his ears with a fire in his stride He was young and his spirit was wild To catch him each morning was an hour long battle We had to collar rope his near side to throw on the saddle He'd bite and he'd strike, he made my nerves rattle Pandemonium reigned with each ride It was a hot summers' mornin' at the government bore There was stillness around that I'd never felt before How could he know it was fate at his door That was stealthily watchin' his moves He mounted up quick taking slack from the reins Grasped a full hand of hair from the horses long mane He'd just hit the saddle when the horse went insane Churning dust in a frenzy of fear The girth on the saddle let go at the ring The surcingle slipped it was impossible to cling The horse felt it go made a desperate fling He was thrown to the length of the reins I heard his spine snap like a ‘roo shooters' shot He'd busted his back on the concreted trough Sickness and fear were the feelings I got For the doctor was a six hour drive I looked at his face and his colour turned white He turned slowly and said "I can't make it till night My body is broken, I'm bleedin' inside" And the life slowly drained from his eyes I'll sell up the plant and I'll move here to town Before the winter returns with a chill on the ground For what I've just lost can seldom be found I was blessed with the gentlest of men Eventually the children will move to the east But I couldn't stand the bustle of even a quiet city street I'll stay in the scrub here where my heart really beats For some dogs grow too old for change.

[@pamelahay6242]

Thanks for posting the lyrics. The droving life was not “ romantic”, just tough. I once met a drover who had 4 small mobs totalling 700 on the Long Paddock for the 4 owners. Some were cows in calf so the mob grew a little over the months he had them. Just him and a stockman on horses. He knew every beast in the mob individually and only lost 2 on the road through accudent or illness; brought all the cows and calves safely home. Amazing. This was in 2001 or thereabouts.

[@regw73]

Quintessential Aussie brilliance :)))

[@stephenwhitworth7701]

You were all awesome I have tears rolling down my face. Third time I have listened first time to write; awesome the lot of you; awesome. Thank you wonderful story wonderful performances.

[@mazzaradi22]

Beautiful and powerful & sad song, love the violin

[@ianbartle456]

Me too. Great job, Naomi. Not over-played, just perfectly under-played!

[@SunFlower3Happy]

Nice narration by Paul Kelly. Dan & Missy Higgins & Paul- awesome song.

[@gabadines]

i actually shed a tear for this song .... very sad ....,

[@nickb-]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

[@acari27]

the three of them together are fkn magic..beautiful...sad..delightful..moving...kill me

[@garrietaylor9519]

Mr Kelly you have such a colorful brush, this is a prime example

[@dingo2312]

2 of aussies great song writers, the old and the new. this is talent at its best. very very raw, it hits the soul. I always respected paul Kelly for his cutting edge, and loved missy higgens for her raw, but smooth way. put them together, and this is the goal. love both of them. great partnership, look forward to more of this.

[@chinogringo08]

So awesome and so beautiful!

[@crystalynn2006]

Wow! this kind of music is great, love the ending when she is singing and the guy is talking over her:)

[@Tippitiwitch]

Paul Kelly's voice complements Missy's so well . They're all such great musicians.

[@madrx2]

I can't believe I only heard this today. What a great song. Beautiful

[@KookDaMonster]

All awesome ... but Missy gave me goosebumps :)

[@joelkalpram]

Wow I'm so in love right now!

[@garymacdonald7866]

Pure Australian poetry

[@henningtacey8857]

whoa... dafuq did i just miss... dan teased me... his royal country AUSTRALIAN highness mr kelly taunted me... then...as always... missy higgins appears... and i lose my shit... so proud to be an Australian right now... ❤️

[@BrusselsKat]

I met Dan Kelly. At the greatest Paul Kelly concert ever.

[@chrisbruce2661]

I too love this song, thanks you.

[@sarahdorsett6008]

What a fantastic song. Full of so much feeling - absolutely unreal.

[@nickonicko8291]

Very respectful and superb version of the moving Kev Carmody song. Worth seeking out the original too. I am sure the musos here would want that.

[@darrendwyer9981]

OMG what an amazing compilation...fucking awesome

[@grahamgilby3237]

beautiful

[@claireashton4696]

Haunting.. especially missy's voice.

[@davidblakeburles1]

Droving Woman is such amazing song that has a good saying know every word paul kelly you rock

[@damianmcwilliams8352]

These people are just awesome

[@sarahdorsett6008]

I'm so addicted to this song - its effing unreal. Another great song PK xx

[@vicksterhawk]

What great storytellers :) love it :)

[@michaelboylan5308]

Jesus,,,this is superb,,,like one of the Child Ballads, The songs of Carmody Roach and Gurrumul should be taught to all Australian children,,and Gurrumuls of course in his own Australian language

[@timeisafactor]

this is the good stuff :)

[@cerebalb123]

Hey All...PK, Missy and Dan do a great job.....I've followed Paul since his "punk" days and watched this amazing philosopher, lyricist/poet evolve into somone who in my view has no peer....Saw him play with just guitar and mouth organ at Byron Writer's Festival last week...What a hoot!!! Just to straigten out a few comments... Song was written by Kev Carmody Dan is Paul's nephew... Great to see this type of music collaboration though... this is a rare gem..

[@michaelboylan5308]

Well this song is immortal diamond, I think George Eliot wrote the world goes as well as it does because ordinary people do the best they can, Aint that the truth, And the ending,,,woman singing man talking,,,that is the harmony of a starry night, The widow sings,,,I was blessed with the gentlest of men, So all our Aussie macho yobbos who think masculinity is violence remember,,she loved the gentlest of men

[@roseharvey2664]

Love Paul Kelly's voice.

[@RuthlessCaruso11]

this song always gives me goosebumps.....

[@biggun6658]

Wow ! Moving lyrics . Loved it.

[@Frenchmoomoo]

I love that song !

[@mutualbeard]

A great Australian song sung in the vernacular by some great talents.

[@jbdsigned]

Thank you all. Love live. Music and vocals are amazing. Pau Kellyl the story teller.

[@liamyoung1299]

You do know that this song was written and sung by Kev Carmody? There is something more raw and emotional when you hear him sing it!

[@danflannery5808]

@@liamyoung1299 Something even more special when you hear it sung live in a radio studio with Sibby Doolan also on vocals before it was "tidied up" for Kev's first album....damned beautiful!!!

[@liamyoung1299]

@@danflannery5808 OMG that would have been amazing! My personal feeling is that Kev is truly one of Australia's greatest songwriters.

[@grizzleguts6331]

beautifully written words--truly poetry put to music