Zillmere ’75 - Homestead Hotel

[Intro – spoken, nostalgic] Zillmere… Brisbane northside… Seventies nights and pub lights glowin’… Windmill out the front… And me… about to see my first band… [Verse 1] Homestead Hotel, windmill turnin’ slow Streetlights flicker on the bitumen road First live band, didn’t know what to expect Wickety Wak had the whole place set Coloured lights on a smoky floor Lino shinin’ by the bar and door Blokes on stage with their guitars loud Playin’ like kings to a Friday crowd [Pre-Chorus] He said, “Hey darlin’, wanna dance?” I looked at Mum… she took a chance [Chorus] Mum said, “OK… but I’ll be watchin’ you” Out on the floor to a Wickety groove Spinnin’ ‘round to the flashing lights First-time feelin’ of a Friday night But the music played and the mood got weird That easy smile just disappeared Next thing I knew, the shift set in Mum said “OK…” …till she didn’t [Verse 2] Sailor uniform, crisp and white Didn’t seem wrong in the coloured light Laughin’ loud but it turned... too fast That kind of moment you don’t let last Hand slid where it shouldn’t go Music loud but I felt it though Tried to step back, tried to be polite But Mum was watchin’ from the side that night [Pre-Chorus] Through the crowd like a storm she came Fire in her eyes, callin’ my name [Chorus] Mum said, “OK… but I’ll be watchin’ you” Next minute she was comin’ through Grabbed my arm, spun me ‘round Stop that nonsense stood her ground Gave him a clip, didn’t think twice “Hands off, mate... take my advice!” Dragged me clear through the crowded floor Mum said “OK…” …no more [Bridge – spoken/sung, cheeky Aussie tone] “That’s my daughter!” rang out loud Every head turned in the crowd Band kept playin', didn't miss a beat But Mum laid down the law and put that sailor in retreat [Break – upbeat pub rock instrumental] [Final Chorus] Mum said, “OK… but I’ll be watchin’ you” Best lesson I ever knew Not every dance is what it seems Not every smile is sweet and clean From Zillmere nights to who I am I still hear Mum sayin’, “Thats my daughter” Yeah I learned more than how to dance that night Mum said “OK…” …but she was right [Outro – soft, reflective] Homestead Hotel… Zillmere nights… Windmill turnin’ in the dusty light… First band… first dance… And Mum… right on time…