Cover of Songs of the South West

a book by paul lawrence

Songs of the South West

A book of songs for the whole year, for children and grown-ups living in ‘Noongar Country’, the beautiful southwest corner of Australia.

Paul Lawrence developed these songs whilst working in Waldorf schools for 22 years. The book caters to a wide variety of singing ability, from simple kindergarten melodies in the mood-of-the-fifth and pentatonic to more complicated rounds and part songs up to 5 parts.

The songs are reflective of the 6 seasons experienced in the southwest corner of Australia. Various Noongar words are woven into the songs to enhance our sensitivity to nature.

Introduction by Gina Williams, well-known Noongar singer-songwriter.

Let us not forget that singing has always been the primary way to connect to country.
May this vitally important connection continue to grow.

hear it

Experience the book from afar

contents

What’s inside

Songs for the six Noongar seasons, plus a suite of bird songs.

  • Introduction 6
  • Foreword 7
  • A word on “Mood of the Fifth” and “Pentatonic”
  • Thanks
Bunuru February–March
  • Bunuru, mood of the fifth 9
  • Summer Round, up to 8 parts 10
  • Bunuru, pentatonic 11
  • Bunuru, 2-part vocal 12
  • Bunuru, 3-part vocal 14
  • Drink, Jarrah Trees Drink! 4-part round 16
Djeran April–May
  • Djeran Song 18
  • Cool Nights And Warm Days, pentatonic 19
  • Djeran, 5-part vocal 20
  • Djeran, mood of the fifth 22
Makuru June–July
  • Winter Song, mood of the fifth 24
  • Makuru, mood of the fifth 25
  • Cool Winter, pentatonic 26
  • Makuru, for soloist and piano 27
  • Makuru Song 30
Djilba August–September
  • Djilba, mood of the fifth 33
  • Djilba, 6-part round 34
  • Djilba Song 35
  • The Wattle Song 36
  • As The Days Grow Warm 38
Kambarang October–November
  • Kambarang, pentatonic 40
  • Kambarang, 3-part vocal 42
  • Kambarang, mood of the fifth 44
Birak December–January
  • Birak, mood of the fifth 46
  • Moojar, The Australian Christmas Tree 47
  • Birak, 4-part vocal 48
  • East Wind Round, 4-part round 50
Bird Songs
  • Koolyabarak (magpie lark), mood of the fifth 53
  • Karak (red-tailed black cockatoo), pentatonic 55
  • Kulyak (black swan) 56
  • Djooi (tawny frogmouth) 62
  • Djer-Djer (blue wren) 66
  • Wardong (a conversation with a crow) 69
  • Kulbardi (magpie) 71
  • Glossary 73
Pen drawing of gum leaves and gumnuts, from Songs of the South West

order

How to get a copy

  • Price AUD $40, plus postage
  • To order Email us with your name, address and the number of copies