Paul Kelly's song 'If Not Now' carries a message of urgency and a call to action regarding the issue of the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. In this song, Kelly conveys a sense of incompleteness, a feeling that something crucial is missing, both in the Australian society and in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The lyrics suggest that there's a historical burden, represented as a 'splinter in the mind' and a 'whisper in the heart.' This burden is the unfinished business of addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, including dispossession, discrimination, and marginalization.
The repeated refrain, 'if not now then when, if not us then who,' underscores the urgency of the moment. It's a call to seize the opportunity for change and reconciliation. The song suggests that this is a chance to mend the past, to make Australia a better and more inclusive nation.
The mention of 'ancient songs and stories' being a gift greater than gold alludes to the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, which should be cherished and preserved. It also implies that acknowledging and including Indigenous voices in the nation's decision-making processes is a way to honor and respect this cultural heritage.
Overall, 'If Not Now' is a song that encourages listeners to reflect on the need for reconciliation, justice, and inclusivity in Australia, particularly through the establishment of the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. It suggests that this is a crucial moment to address historical injustices and make the country larger in its inclusivity and understanding.
there's a splinter in the mind a whisper in the heart I'm feeling something's missing some crucial little part it's business that's unfinished a reckoning let's do if not now then when if not us then who simple proposition to join the new and old a chance to make our country larger in its own it's an invitation offered to set our course on you if not now then when if not us then who how long can we keep walking with this Stone and I shoot if not now then when if not using who we may never get another chance like this again if not I stand in again too many falling far behind shut out of the deer if you called and no one heard you imagine how you'd feel never get taken it but it's ancient songs and the stories are a gift greater than gold all the status quo is busted let's stop kicking that okay thank you
