From Little Things Big Things Grow

Paul Kelly

About From Little Things Big Things Grow

"From Little Things Big Things Grow" is a protest song recorded by Australian artists Paul Kelly & The Messengers on their 1991 album Comedy, and by Kev Carmody (with Kelly) on his 1993 album Bloodlines. It was released as a CD single by Carmody and Kelly in 1993 but failed to chart. The song was co-written by Kelly and Carmody, and is based on the story of the Gurindji strike and Vincent Lingiari as part of the Indigenous Australian struggle for land rights and reconciliation. On 2008-05-04, a cover version by The GetUp Mob, part of the GetUp! advocacy group, peaked at #4 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) singles charts. This version included samples from speeches by Prime Ministers Paul Keating in 1992, and Kevin Rudd in 2008; it featured vocals by both Carmody and Kelly, as well as other Australian artists. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "From Little Things Big Things Grow" was ranked number 70. 


Year:
1992
6:55
114 
#1

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Paul Kelly

Paul Maurice Kelly (born 13 January 1955) is an Australian rock music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. He has performed solo, and has led numerous groups, including the Dots, the Coloured Girls, and the Messengers. He has worked with other artists and groups, including associated projects Professor Ratbaggy and Stardust Five. Kelly's music style has ranged from bluegrass to studio-oriented dub reggae, but his core output straddles folk, rock, and country. His lyrics capture the vastness of the culture and landscape of Australia by chronicling life about him for over 30 years. David Fricke from Rolling Stone calls Kelly "one of the finest songwriters I have ever heard, Australian or otherwise." Kelly has said, "Song writing is mysterious to … more »

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10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
The song "From Little Things Big Things Grow" by Paul Kelly is known as a folk ballad, featuring a blend of storytelling and music that’s typical of the genre.
Release Date
It was officially released in 1991, as a part of Paul Kelly's album "Comedy.”
Collaboration Details
Apart from Paul Kelly, the song is also credited to Kev Carmody. Both are popular Australian musicians known for their contribution to folk music.
Inspirational Background
The song is based on the true story about the Gurindji strike and Vincent Lingiari, a key figure in Aboriginal land rights movement in Australia.
Recognition
The song was inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry in 2010, cementing its impact and importance in Australian culture.
Political Influence
"From Little Things Big Things Grow" was used as a theme song in the 2007 Australian Federal Labor Party election campaign.
Media Adaptation
The song was adapted into a children's picture book in 2008; the book is an illustrated representation of the lyrics and has since become a popular educational resource.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered the song in their performances, highlighting its influence and widespread appeal. These include artists like the John Butler Trio and Missy Higgins.
Social Impact
The song is celebrated for its lyrical content that focuses on social justice and equal rights, sparking conversation and awareness regarding these issues.
Live Performances
The song is an integral part of Kelly's and Carmody's live performances and often induces audience participation, reflecting its timeless appeal and popularity.

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