I don't want to be a backbencher at Christmas - Yuletide original by IanR

[IanR]

I was watching a show on the ABC a few nights ago which was about Christmas.  It was one of those shows where they interview comedians and other celebrities about how they "survive" Christmas.  One of them - Sam Pang - said something like: "I feel like a backbencher at Christmas.  I sit at the back and try not to draw attention to myself."  I thought that was funny and I kept thinking about it.  This song emerged from that yesterday. I have taken a slightly different perspective. I hope you like it.

cheers,

Ian

Here are some cultural insights you might need:
Canberra - the capital city of Australia and location of the federal Parliament
Barnaby Joyce - colourful politician - known for being populist and putting his foot in it.
Tony - Prime Minister, Tony Abbot, leader of the Government.
Great Wall - Korean cars that are very cheap and will become very common now that the Australian car industry is about to die.

I DON'T WANT TO BE A BACKBENCHER AT CHRISTMAS
Ian Robertson - 21 December 2013


I don't want to be a backbencher at Christmas
I don't want to be ignored
I spend my life slipping into the background
But at Christmas I want to be heard

All year when I fly into Canberra
It's my vote that gives me my place
But at Christmas time when I sit at the table
I want you to notice my face

In my electorate I get the attention
I'm as popular as Barnaby Joyce
But in Canberra, it's only hookers and cabbies
That have heard the sound of my voice

I don't want to be a backbencher at Christmas
I want to be King of the Pop
Except for Jesus and my mother-in-law
I want to be right up on top

I don't really want any presents
I got mine on election day
But if you insist, I like Grange Hermitage
And a cigar would not go astray

I wonder if Tony will notice
My Christmas pics on Facebook
Where I'm leading the singing and the backyard cricket
And rationally allocating the chook

I don't want to be a backbencher at Christmas
I want my leadership  to shine through
With my family and friends toasting my future
And 2 minutes of me on the news

If only my schoolmates and buddies
Were the ones who chose those in charge
We'd have free beer and no taxes for every Australian
And a Great Wall in every garage

So, please, when you see me at Christmas
Say hello with a smile and a wave
If I think you have spared me some genuine attention
I'll be happy from now 'til the grave

[Redler]

Very nice groove and great lyrics!

Thanks for the clarification of some Australian expressions. For me, as a Finn, it's difficult to imagine how the days can be so long somewhere at Christmas time, because here the length of day is only 5 hrs now, lol...

[IanR]

Yep, it was our longest day yesterday.

[SteveB]

Absolutely hilarious...and very probably universal, except in NK.
Great upload Ian, wonderfully produced, esp THAT bass, great playing.
Well done. 

[SwanSong]

hi Ian marvelous creativity on this original peice
of music. enjoyed the vocals and harmony and wonderful
work with guitar etc. great creation . cheers Neil.!