[Spoken Dedication] For the Vietnam veterans who came home to Queensland, including Uncle John, and for all who received no welcome, no thanks, no fair go. For Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi, and all First Nations people across this land. This is our story, our red-dirt heart. [Verse 1] I grew up down where the cane-fields spread Where the Wide Bay tide rolls in to bed Watched the town change through the years gone by New signs go up, old places die Some folks left for the city lights Some stayed home through the long hot nights Some came back from the war away Carryin’ marks that won’t fade away [Pre-Chorus] It’s my hometown, it’s my red-dirt ground Where the gum-trees stand and the tides are found You can travel far, you can travel wide — Still feel the pull of the bay’s blue tide [Chorus] Gulf-Range distance — from the coast to the plain! Gulf-Range distance — through the sun and the rain! Gulf-Range distance — every track I’ve known! Gulf-Range distance — this is my home! Gulf-Range distance — from the coast to the plain! Gulf-Range distance — through the sun and the rain! Gulf-Range distance — every track I’ve known! Gulf-Range distance — this is my home! [Verse 2] Uncle John walked these streets as a boy Chased the summer, chased the joy Then went overseas to stand the line Came home with a mark and a heavy mind The town kept goin’, kept turnin’ fast Few stopped to think ‘bout the past Life moved on, the shops stayed open — But some hearts were broken [Pre-Chorus] It’s my hometown, it’s my red-dirt ground Where the gum-trees stand and the tides are found You can travel far, you can travel wide — Still feel the pull of the bay’s blue tide [Chorus] Gulf-Range distance — from the coast to the plain! Gulf-Range distance — through the sun and the rain! Gulf-Range distance — every track I’ve known! Gulf-Range distance — this is my home! Gulf-Range distance — from the coast to the plain! Gulf-Range distance — through the sun and the rain! Gulf-Range distance — every track I’ve known! Gulf-Range distance — this is my home! [Bridge] Now the kids run where we used to run New days come, new stories begun We pass the tales down one by one — Of the ones who fought, the ones who’re gone [Final Chorus] Gulf-Range distance — from the coast to the plain! Gulf-Range distance — through the sun and the rain! Gulf-Range distance — every track I’ve known! Gulf-Range distance — this is my home! [Outro] Quiet guitar and soft wind
