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Clip description
This is a 30-second excerpt from the beginning of 'Stranger in My Country’, written and performed by Vic Simms. Simms recorded this song from his LP 'The Loner’ during a single one-hour recording session in a mobile studio in Bathurst Gaol in 1973.
Curator’s notes
Although the opening brass sound of ‘Stranger in My Country’ is not usual for a rock-county style of music, it sets up a relaxed and upbeat tempo that belies the serious message of the song. Written in prison, Simms is singing about his own alienation as well as that of his people, and a large part of the charm and appeal of this song is that it’s such a catchy tune. This contrast, along with Vic’s smooth and clear voice and the high production values, makes the song sound as fresh today as when it was recorded. The message in the lyrics is also as relevant now as when it was first written.
Simms later went on tour with the album, including a performance at the Sydney Opera House in 1973. His roadies for the tour were the Bathurst prison wardens.
