The Last of the Diggers
Reflections on Sacrifice and Silence
Lyrics
Who will march for peace
Asking who will advocate for peace.
Now that the last of the diggers has gone
Reflecting on the absence of veterans (diggers) from war.
All those who were released
Referring to those released from wars like Sulva Bay and the Somme.
From Sulva Bay and from the Somme
Specifically mentioning locations of historical battles.
The Mallee is whipped by sand
Describing the Mallee region being affected by harsh conditions.
A great new silence blankets the land
Highlighting a profound silence after the departure of veterans.
We sure need the stone age
Expressing a need for a return to simpler times (Stone Age).
In the coming century
Suggesting the Stone Age values are crucial in the upcoming century.
Who will feed the poor
Questioning who will take care of the impoverished.
Now that the saint of the gutters is gone
Referring to the passing of Mother Teresa and the challenge of continuing her work.
Who will hear the call
Asking who will respond to the call for help, regardless of origin.
You lately come or native born
Addressing both newcomers and native-born individuals.
For the touch of the Master's hand
Referring to the metaphorical touch of the Master's (creator's) hand.
The eye of the Master still watches the lamb
Assuring that divine guidance still watches over the innocent.
We sure need the Stone Age
Reiterating the need for a return to simpler values (Stone Age).
In the coming century
Emphasizing the importance of Stone Age principles in the future.
The last of the diggers
Celebrating the victory and contributions of the last remaining veterans.
The last of the diggers
-The last of the diggers
-The last of the diggers has won
-Who gets sent to war
Pondering who will be sent to war in the future.
Who'll lose a child to a foreign coast
Questioning the potential loss of children to conflicts on foreign shores.
Who will leave our shore
Wondering who will depart and return from war, scarred and changed.
And come home rattling like a ghost
Describing the haunting impact of war on individuals.
This country can be cruel
Highlighting the harshness and cruelty of the country.
It'll leave you with scars that never heal
Emphasizing the lasting and unhealed scars inflicted by the country's actions.
We sure need the stone age in the coming century
Reiterating the need for a return to Stone Age values in the future.
Still gonna need some stone age in the coming century
Affirming the ongoing necessity of Stone Age principles in the upcoming century.
The last of the diggers
Celebrating the triumph of the last remaining veterans and their impact on history.
The last of the diggers
-The last of the diggers
-The last of the diggers has won
-
Comment