Scroll down to see FULL LYRICS, also CD & MUSIC Information.
NOTE:
'Once a Shearer, Now a Shepherd' was commissioned by Suzanne Schmidt of Canberra as a surprise gift for her friend Mark Croker on the occasion of his ordination as a Catholic priest in the Canberra-Goulburn Diocese.
At my request, Suzanne gathered source material for the song from his family and friends. I was pleased and surprised to read some affectionate yet irreverent comments on his character. So, the character of the song followed suit. The song was first played for Mark during a celebration at the local showground after his ordination.
Mark truly had worked as a shearer and strongly identified as ‘a country man’. His late vocation was a surprising challenge for him. So, one of the readings chosen by Mark for his Ordination Mass was from the first chapter of Jeremiah- the 'reluctant prophet'. The chorus lyrics draw on the Jeremiah text.
lyrics
ONCE A SHEARER, NOW A SHEPHERD
True bushman, cocky farmer
still the soil is in his hands.
Wears boots with sides elastic,
he's a country man.
Down to earth he's fair dinkum-
sure to call a spade a spade.
He plays football, likes to drink a bit-
laid back in the shade.
Before I formed you in the womb
(Leave me alone Lord)
Don't you know I knew you well.
(I'm not really the type.)
Before you came to birth upon this fertile earth
I had consecrated you.
Down to earth he's fair dinkum-
sure to call a spade a spade.
He digs music, likes to sing a bit-
cool man in the shade.
He loves people- a good mixer,
spins a yarn well, likes to fish.
Sense of humour- takes it easy,
he's a sociable man.
Don't you try to hide from me.
(Why is it me Lord?)
I have been calling constantly.
(Try somebody else)
You've got a job to do. I have annointed you.
Away with all anxiety.
He's a bushman, real handy,
glad to help you if he can.
Once a shearer, soon a shepherd,
he's a practical man.
No intellectual stuff- don't suit him,
Keep it simple- that's the plan;
He don't like no high falutin'-
he's a hands on man.
No need to worry what you'll say.
(Hard to believe Lord)
The words will come now come-what-may
(But I'll give it a go.)
Go where I'm sending you. My hand is laid on you.
You will speak my words today.
True bushman, cocky farmer,
still the soil is in his hands.
Wears boots with sides elastic.
He's a flexible man.
He's a bushman, real handy,
hopes to serve as best he can.
Once a shearer, now a shepherd - he's a chosen man.
Once a shearer, now a shepherd but ...
Still a countryman.
released November 13, 2020
RELATED RESOURCES for 'ONCE A SHEARER, NOW A SHEPHERD'
The following can be purchased through Peter's Online Store. Links provided below:
1. CD 'Islands of the Heart' containing 'Once a Shearer Now a Shepherd' and fourteen other tracks is available. Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356144
2. MUSIC BOOK: 'Islands of the Heart' contains 'Once a Shearer Now a Shepherd' and fourteen other songs . Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/553816
THE RECORDING
Recorded in the Little Portion Studio, Welby.
Produced and arranged by Peter Kearney.
VOCALS: Peter Kearney and Steve Cheers
VIOLIN: Gus Olding
Guitar and bass: Peter Kearney
Peter Kearney is an Australian songwriter and singer. His early folk-hymns 'Fill My House' & 'The Beatitudes' are
internationally known. He has written many other songs of justice and peace, songs for children, and a musical-narrative on St. Francis of Assisi. His published recordings include 153 original songs.
LINKS BELOW are for Peter's:
- Website
- Online store
- Facebook Artist Page....more
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