Additional Chants and Short Songs
During the course of ESWT research, dozens of possibilities emerged for lively short songs and chants, suitable for singing whilst walking between Song Sites. They could also be sung at other Elwood locations. These chants are being created and recorded, and will be added to the website as they emerge. Let us know if you create your own!
Lyrics and background information for Chants and Short Songs
March of the Elwood Activists
Access this song’s Sheet Music
Listen to the recording and see the lyrics
Words: Jeannie Marsh; music: traditional tune Battle Hymn of the Republic (chorus only), widely known in the Union movement as Solidarity Forever.
Performed by Elwood Community Choir
Since the earliest days of European settlement, Elwood residents have been vocal and active in calling for improvements to their suburb. You can read some of their stories in Meyer Eidelson’s book: https://skhs.org.au/~SKHSflood/Noxious_Activitiesl.htm
Their activism was needed, because in the 19th Century the Elwood Swamp area was home to a human manure dump, an abattoir, kennels for hunting hounds, pigs, rubbish, and a rifle range. It was not a nice place to live! Residents campaigned vigorously for an end to the pollution, for flood mitigation, for better public transport. Many of their campaigns were successful, but there are many battles still to be fought. So, let’s sing a song in honour of Elwood activists, past, present and future.
Lyrics:
Elwood Activists forever!
Elwood Activists forever!
Elwood Activists fore–ver,
Get together,
And get things done!
Swimming with Dolphins
Access this song’s Sheet Music
Listen to the recording and see the lyrics
Words: Elwood oral history tiles; music: Jeannie Marsh and Matthew Lovering © 2022
Performed by Matthew Lovering (guitar) and Elwood Community Choir
Many Elwood residents have lived in the suburb for decades, and have memories of many changes. During 2003–2005 there were a number of oral history projects to record these memories, and some were featured on heritage tiles embedded on the banks of the canal. The story of swimming with dolphins can be found inscribed on one of these tiles. Many things have changed in Elwood, but you can still swim with dolphins at Elwood Beach.
You can add different swimming actions as you sing the simple melody, or just immerse yourself in the rippling layers of sound.
Lyrics:
“I used to swim with dolphins at Elwood Beach”
Accompanied by guitar, and layers of vocal sounds.
The Last Ride of Rickety Kate the Tram
Access this song’s Sheet Music
Listen to the recording and see the lyrics
Words and music: Jeannie Marsh © 2022
Performed by Elwood Community Choir
Rickety Kate was the name Elwood locals gave to the old tram that used to trundle around Elwood. When the tramline was closed in 1959, there was a party, with fireworks and music, as thousands accompanied Rickety Kate on her last journey at midnight.
See the full story in Meyer Eidelson’s book: https://skhs.org.au/~SKHSflood/Trams_to_the_resucue.htm
This song is a duet, so sing it with a friend. And why not add a Conga line, party hats, or maracas to get in the party mood?
Lyrics:
| First Party Guest | Second Party Guest |
| Rickety Kate | |
| Get on board! | |
| Rickety Kate | |
| Get on board! | |
| Rickety Kate, Rickety Kate, Rickety Kate the Tram. | Get on board, get on board, get on board that tram! |
| Rickety Kate | |
| It’s our last chance | |
| Rickety Kate | |
| So sing and dance! | |
| Rickety Kate, Rickety Kate, party on that tram! | Get on board, get on board, party on that tram! |