'Feathers of Our Nation'

I've recently been listening to a song from a UK-based artist by the name of Siobhán Donaghy. It's called 'Iodine' and the song's theme is of the historical use of Iodine and the utilisation of it through warfare. The song is intricately written and underlies some very emotive themes. It's written by Donaghy herself, alongside songwriters, Cameron McVey and Paul Simm for her first album "Revolution in Me", in 2003.


I found this song, specially the chorus very akin to what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have experienced during the 1770's. I then subconsciously heard the lyrics in form of relation to my people and have decided to write them down. Since documenting my subconscious lyrics, I have been only hearing the song into what I made it into - that's the beauty of music; expression of self is limitless and provides avenues of expression for all.

Here are the lyrics I have amended from the original, and the actual audio of Siobhan Donaghy's 'Iodine':

Feathers Of Our Nation
TATAFU, BLAKE / DONAGHY, SIOBHAN EMMA / MCVEY, CAMERON / SIMM, PAUL

Hurling ourselves down to the depths

Back since the day where we began

'cause time made us set and memories crept

So now there's political debt

There is no left wing

To fight the right wing

We're like turkeys in a box

Feathers of our nation all plucked off

And we're all ready for Christmas Day

Here's the paradox

We're like presents all wrapped up

And you can’t wait to steal our culture away

A sad full black face, all over the place

The lower you stoop, the less the disgrace

You use all your charms to take us from home

Leaving nothing but space where we once shone.

Like lambs to the slaughter

Stole all our daughters

We're like turkeys in a box

Feathers of our nation all plucked off

And we're all ready for Christmas Day

Here's the paradox

We're like presents all wrapped up

And you can’t wait to steal our culture away

We faced the brunt of your ‘love’

Like the curve that won't heal up

You know;

We're like turkeys in a box

Feathers of our nation all plucked off

And we're all ready for Christmas Day

Here's the paradox

We're like presents all wrapped up

And you can’t wait to steal our culture away

We're like turkeys in a box

Feathers of our nation all plucked off

And we're all ready for Christmas Day

Here's the paradox

We're like presents all wrapped up

And you can’t wait to steal our culture away

Siobhán Donaghy's 'Iodine':