Clip description
‘Treaty’ was one of the singles lifted from Yothu Yindi’s ‘Tribal Voice’ album, released in 1991. This is an excerpt from the first verse and chorus.
Curator’s notes
Though the song borrows from rock and roll, the driving beat and melody of the song is drawn from traditional Yolngu music. As with the best protest songs, the chorus is catchy and to the point ('Treaty yeah, Treaty now’), equally suited to singing along with or being chanted at a political demonstration. The lyrics reference the struggle for land rights and also act as a call for reconciliation between black and white ('I’m dreaming of a brighter day, When the waters will be one’).
‘Treaty’ spent over 20 weeks in the national music sales charts, was voted song of the year by APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) and received roaring approval when Yothu Yindi performed it at the Closing Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics on 1 October 2000.
Words are easy, words are cheap
Much cheaper than our priceless land
But promises can disappear
Just like writing in the sand
Treaty Yeah Treaty Now
Treaty Yeah Treaty Now
Nhima Djatpangarri nhima walangwalang –
Nhe Djatpayatpa nhima gaya nhe –
Matjini … Yakarray
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer ‘Treaty’ from the music Treaty as a download.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading the clip:
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. All rights are reserved.
When you access australianscreen you agree that:
- You may retrieve materials for information only.
- You may save, copy, print, distribute or download materials for your own personal use or for non-commercial educational purposes. Commercial exploitation of materials on this website is prohibited.
- The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
Right click on the link below to download the audio file:
treaty1_bb.mp3
Thanks to the generosity of the rights holders, we are able to offer this clip in an embeddable format for personal or non-commercial educational use in full form on your own website or your own blog.
You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before embedding the clip:
australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.
All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. All rights are reserved.
When you access australianscreen you agree that:
- You may retrieve materials for information only.
- You may save, copy, print, distribute or download materials for your own personal use or for non-commercial educational purposes. Commercial exploitation of materials on this website is prohibited.
- The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.
ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
Copy and paste the following code into your own web page to embed this clip:
Share
