8. Song for Charlie

Kumantjayi has just passed away

Returned to the Dreamtime, that’s what they say

The Nelson Mandela of Australia

No more fighting or fools to suffer

Born outback in Alice, many years ago

No right to walk free, no right to vote

Its hard to believe that its in our lifetime

You walked alone when you spoke your mind

But you packed a lot into 64 years

You started the Freedom Ride back in 1963

You founded the famous Tent Embassy

And were the first Aboriginal through university

A champion at soccer & first Government Head,

Your passion for native rights meant much was done and said

The march over Sydney Harbour Bridge exposed all your friends

It proved that people power must win in the end.

A radical who only had a bitter angry side?

Dr Charles Perkins always grabbed the headlines

Your soft side was safe from the Media’s view

Your caring & humour known only - by a close few

Kumantjayi has just passed away

Returned to the Dreamtime, that’s what they say

Your middle name was Nelson, the fates must have known …

You’d be the Nelson Mandela of Australia - your home