3 Meanings
Add Yours
Follow
Share
Q&A
The Colour of the Earth Lyrics
Louis was my dearest friend
Fighting in the ANZAC trench
Louis ran forward from the line
I never saw him again
Later in the dark
I thought I heard Louis' voice
Calling for his mother, then me
But I couldn't get to him
He's still up on that hill
20 years on that hill
Nothing more than a pile of bones
But I think of him still
If I was asked I'd tell
The colour of the earth that day
It was dull and browny red
The colour of blood, I'd say
Fighting in the ANZAC trench
Louis ran forward from the line
I never saw him again
Later in the dark
I thought I heard Louis' voice
Calling for his mother, then me
But I couldn't get to him
He's still up on that hill
20 years on that hill
Nothing more than a pile of bones
But I think of him still
If I was asked I'd tell
The colour of the earth that day
It was dull and browny red
The colour of blood, I'd say
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
ANZAC = Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which likely means this is about the fighting in Gallipoli in World War I. A simple song about a soldier haunted by the memory of losing his friend and being unable to save him or recover his body.
One of about 4 songs on this album making reference to the battle at Gallipoli in WWI. Amazingly simple yet powerful song, could easily have been written by a soldier. The simplicity of the backing and lyrics makes my eyes well up.
I think Bluey is the correct name - no Anzac would have been called "Louis"- are you kidding me?
Damn, it is Louis - has any Aussie or NZer ever heard of a digger called Louis? Nope!
Damn, it is Louis - has any Aussie or NZer ever heard of a digger called Louis? Nope!