I was at Granville RSL in 1974 and Slim was a spectator at a show there. I had more than my share of amber fluid and I went up and asked him if he would sing By A Fire Of Gidgee Coal. He explained that he wasn't working and couldn't do it but thanked me for being a fan of his. In 1993 I was introduced to Slim by Reg Lindsay at Rooty Hill RSL and I told Slim of that occasion and he said that he remembered that day. I thought, he has to be having me on. I said; Slim, did I make that big a fool of myself did I? He replied, no John it wasn't that. I remember how disappointed you were when I told you I couldn't sing it for you and I never like disappointing my fans. I thought right there and then what a genuine man and champion of Australia he is. I was honoured to meet the great man a dozen times or so after that and just couldn't help but admire the man so much, even more, every time I met him. There will never be anyone like Slim Dusty rooting for Australia again, what a great loss. RIP Slim ol' mate
Born in the south eastern part of North Dakota I never heard of Slim Dusty. I grew up on Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and all the American Bluegrass, Folk and Country music performers. I found Slim Dusty a couple Days ago when I was searching for Waltzing Matilda. I have been listening to him non stop since.
Hi Charles, Good comments. I have listened to all those singers you mentioned for decades going back to the 60s and Slim is still one of my favourites and typically country Australian. Gidgee is a tree that is termite resistant in Australia. Keep well.
Just a correction, Stan Coster was one of Slims Mates, it was Stan Coster who wrote By a Fire of Gidgee Coal in fact one of about 70 songs he wrote and shared with Slim, Slim put his touch to Stans songs both were the Best, Regards to all Trevor.W.Bacelli.Biloela Qld Australia.
I think this is the best song Slim ever did. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it because I can relate to it so much. Sadly missed is Slim Dusty.
This song so resonates with me, of my younger years in the Air Force, 4wdin in a landy, hunting, shooting, and sharing a can with my best mates in the west coast bush, a simpler time, a happy time. Full of laughter and love. Rest easy slim, you were an example to us all ❤️
Lyrics By a warm electric heater and a softly padded chair In a loungeroom brightly lighted by a glowing chandelier Since my early days of drovin' the years have taken toll But I somehow miss my swag wrap by a fire of Gidgee coal When I wake from sleep each morning and I ring the bedside bell The maid brings in my breakfast and she fills my pipe as well There are cakes and sweetened coffee on a tray of sparkling gold But I miss black tea and damper by a fire of Gidgee coal I am driven' out each evening by a chauffer spruce and neat Through the flowered parks and gardens and the crowded city streets But I drift back through the ages while the big car softly rolls To a stock route and a wagonette and a fire of Gidgee coal I attend all social parties in the rich parts of the town Drinking wine from fancy glasses as the waiters go their rounds But I'd rather share a bottle with those drovin' mates of old In a pair of dusty moleskins by a fire of Gidgee coal In a pair of dusty moleskins by a fire of Gidgee coal
Sang this song is few times with my ole mate slim dusty. My favourite slim dusty song. Slim Dusty will always be king of country music an his will live on forever through his music. Love ya slim. Xxxx
3 years is too long ago for anyone not to have posted any comment on one of Australia's greatest musical artists......ONLY EVER ONE SLIM but never forgotten by this writer
Can't understand why there are so few people listening/looking here. Guess the old days don't do it for the younger generation. Perhaps in the same way I preferred his songs about the old days in camps etc rather than his new stuff.
I'm still alive, and remember gidgee fires alright. Spent some time in stockcamps on various stations up here in the NT back in the 60's. Before Toyotas and motorbikes and helicopters came onto the scene. Still stock horses and bronco yards in those days. I preferred when Slim sang about the old days, rather than truck etc stuff.
Of course, from NT stations back in those days, 60's, we used to mail order our moleskins and gabardines through the R M Williams catalogue, along with everything else, boots, spurs, shirts, chaps etc. The catalogue was a prized item, but shared around the stockcamps.
Can't ever remember "chaps", pittycross, but that doesn't mean they weren't in use by some. Swan neck spurs, Akubra hats, RM Williams cuban heels, and 2-pocket shirts along with knives with a castrating blade and the occasional hawker selling all of them too. Oh, so many memories.
@redspeed56 - Liked your comment. Different days, different world really. People away from life in the bush, especially the far-out bush, will never really understand it, I don't think. But Slim captures it all here. What a legend! To lose him and RM Williams in one year was an immense loss to the Australia as it was.
Slim dusty is a legend he traveled all over australia towing a caravan talking to people learning from people and doing it really really really tough He has his own unique style and he kept everyone in the bush happy for many years especially the aboriginal people of austrlia
the only way to be brought up listening to this mans songs if all australians listened and learnt from this bloke australia be a different country appreciate this country and the traditional owners just shows recognition and respect goes along way rip slim
Very pleasing to the ear .. another of Slim's greats. Impressive guitar work + of course the melody & rhythm as well, as is par for the course for Slim . And like so many of Slim's great songs, this song tells a wonderful, if somewhat wistful tale. Uniquely Australian !! These lyrics sound very much like Henry Lawson's reknowned style - i.e. they are superb. RIP, Slim old mate. You will not be forgotten .....
When I wake from sleep each morning and I ring the Bedside Bell the maid Brings in my Breakfast and she fills my pipe as well there are cakes and sweetened coffee on a tray of sparking Gold but I miss Black tea and damper by a fire of Gidgee Coals
I love slim so much and this song I always love listening too it I love singing it such a beautiful song slim is such a great inspiration too many people he sure has inspired me very much such a talented man
I heard him sing this at a campfire in the outback not long before he died. A campfire, a starry sky and Slim singing (as Jimmy and friends). It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks for sharing this.
You would have had to spend many years in Australia to understand the words and terminology to the bush like swag Gidgi a small scrub tree beautiful scented specially when burnt swag bedroll many many different word meanings Just enjoy the Music
Yep, worked in contract mustering camps on Brunette for a couple of years, as well as on other stations. It was a great life back then, all changed now though. Sad to see Slim go, but we have his music forever. Cheers.
@BABSINUK - Slim's best ever song, and I'm an Aussie. He's had many top songs here, but this one in my view is the best of all of them. Having had some experience of what this song is about I can relate to what Slim is saying here.
QUESTION : did Slim write these lyrics (which go so well with the music here) ? For these lyrics to me have a real HENRY LAWSON feel to them. That's how highly I regard these fantastic lines .. and it's no suck-up at all on my part in my esteem for Slim & his wonderful talent .. because here, I consciously place Slim & his ability with words & lyrics, right up there on a pedestal with the GREAT Henry Lawson.
This song is from Slim's l.p."Songs of Australia! in 1964 and this song was co wrote by Stan Coster & Slim Dusty .they also co wrote 5 other songs on this great l.p.
I was at Granville RSL in 1974 and Slim was a spectator at a show there. I had more than my share of amber fluid and I went up and asked him if he would sing By A Fire Of Gidgee Coal. He explained that he wasn't working and couldn't do it but thanked me for being a fan of his. In 1993 I was introduced to Slim by Reg Lindsay at Rooty Hill RSL and I told Slim of that occasion and he said that he remembered that day. I thought, he has to be having me on. I said; Slim, did I make that big a fool of myself did I? He replied, no John it wasn't that. I remember how disappointed you were when I told you I couldn't sing it for you and I never like disappointing my fans. I thought right there and then what a genuine man and champion of Australia he is. I was honoured to meet the great man a dozen times or so after that and just couldn't help but admire the man so much, even more, every time I met him. There will never be anyone like Slim Dusty rooting for Australia again, what a great loss. RIP Slim ol' mate
You can tell he is genuine by his songs.
Grew up listening too slim dusty music true blue Australian legend 💙 R.I.P
Born in the south eastern part of North Dakota I never heard of Slim Dusty. I grew up on Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and all the American Bluegrass, Folk and Country music performers. I found Slim Dusty a couple Days ago when I was searching for Waltzing Matilda. I have been listening to him non stop since.
Hi Charles,
Good comments. I have listened to all those singers you mentioned for decades going back to the 60s and Slim is still one of my favourites and typically country Australian. Gidgee is a tree that is termite resistant in Australia. Keep well.
Slim was the King of Australian Country Music! Still is today❤❤❤
First time I've seen comments open for this classic, my Old Mans favourite Slim Dusty song, RIP
Stan Coster Wrote this Beautiful Bush Ballard love this song so much
Just a correction, Stan Coster was one of Slims Mates, it was Stan Coster who wrote By a Fire of Gidgee Coal in fact one of about 70 songs he wrote and shared with Slim, Slim put his touch to Stans songs both were the Best, Regards to all Trevor.W.Bacelli.Biloela Qld Australia.
Reminds me of my Dad and my childhood Fair dinkum I miss those days The droving days where the best
Rest in Peace Slim Dusty and Stan Coster
I think this is the best song Slim ever did. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it because I can relate to it so much. Sadly missed is Slim Dusty.
True, brings tears tearts to me eyes too... stock camps in the 1980s...
The song is about a well to do man who misses his younger days of being with his mates by a fire in a barrel while on the job
Absolutely one of the best
This song so resonates with me, of my younger years in the Air Force, 4wdin in a landy, hunting, shooting, and sharing a can with my best mates in the west coast bush, a simpler time, a happy time. Full of laughter and love. Rest easy slim, you were an example to us all ❤️
Lyrics
By a warm electric heater and a softly padded chair
In a loungeroom brightly lighted by a glowing chandelier
Since my early days of drovin' the years have taken toll
But I somehow miss my swag wrap by a fire of Gidgee coal
When I wake from sleep each morning and I ring the bedside bell
The maid brings in my breakfast and she fills my pipe as well
There are cakes and sweetened coffee on a tray of sparkling gold
But I miss black tea and damper by a fire of Gidgee coal
I am driven' out each evening by a chauffer spruce and neat
Through the flowered parks and gardens and the crowded city streets
But I drift back through the ages while the big car softly rolls
To a stock route and a wagonette and a fire of Gidgee coal
I attend all social parties in the rich parts of the town
Drinking wine from fancy glasses as the waiters go their rounds
But I'd rather share a bottle with those drovin' mates of old
In a pair of dusty moleskins by a fire of Gidgee coal
In a pair of dusty moleskins by a fire of Gidgee coal
Sang this song is few times with my ole mate slim dusty. My favourite slim dusty song. Slim Dusty will always be king of country music an his will live on forever through his music. Love ya slim. Xxxx
3 years is too long ago for anyone not to have posted any comment on one of Australia's greatest musical artists......ONLY EVER ONE SLIM but never forgotten by this writer
New every song before I left school.
Can't understand why there are so few people listening/looking here.
Guess the old days don't do it for the younger generation.
Perhaps in the same way I preferred his songs about the old days in camps etc rather than his new stuff.
not enough younguns going jackarooing or working stock camps any more. No memories to stir
I'm still alive, and remember gidgee fires alright. Spent some time in stockcamps on various stations up here in the NT back in the 60's. Before Toyotas and motorbikes and helicopters came onto the scene. Still stock horses and bronco yards in those days.
I preferred when Slim sang about the old days, rather than truck etc stuff.
The best of them all.Missing you Slim, and black tea and damper.
Australians think , love and remember without gushing. Slim was and will always be the greatest of our singers, he was much more. RIP old mate,
A most enjoyable ballad from a great artist of Australia. we miss you mate...
Of course, from NT stations back in those days, 60's, we used to mail order our moleskins and gabardines through the R M Williams catalogue, along with everything else, boots, spurs, shirts, chaps etc.
The catalogue was a prized item, but shared around the stockcamps.
Can't ever remember "chaps", pittycross, but that doesn't mean they weren't in use by some. Swan neck spurs, Akubra hats, RM Williams cuban heels, and 2-pocket shirts along with knives with a castrating blade and the occasional hawker selling all of them too. Oh, so many memories.
Gidgee coals burn slow and hot, perfect for campfires.. 👍👍👍
My Dad was a Drover in the 60s and loved Fire of Gidgee Coals.We played it at his funeral in 1996.Love Slim.
Rob Cowles..whow love this one --so memories brought back ..memories from Omeo..
@redspeed56 - Liked your comment. Different days, different world really. People away from life in the bush, especially the far-out bush, will never really understand it, I don't think. But Slim captures it all here. What a legend! To lose him and RM Williams in one year was an immense loss to the Australia as it was.
Sadly these songs will be on U tube and know ones will ever play them in the yrs to come,,,just like old classic movies
An amazing old song from my Childhood...
I always like Slim Dusty's music any day!
Idk why, but when i heard this music for the first time i immediately liked it😍
Enaken lagunya💗
Again, back with Slim. Soon to give away my last saddle, thankfully to a family member who will use it.
R I P. SD.
Another great song from the pen of StanCoster.
John Colville the master caster.
Slim dusty is a legend he traveled all over australia towing a caravan talking to people learning from people and doing it really really really tough He has his own unique style and he kept everyone in the bush happy for many years especially the aboriginal people of austrlia
Xmas Old man would have a few and break out this song, we kids thought it was hilarious.. Would give anything to hear him one more time.
Back with Slim again. An 'old rider in the grandstand'.
dead set legend and reminds me of my days
Slim you're a legend we miss you but you song's will always be there rip king of country music
my brother followed in his footsteps of old slim and is sorely missed by our family and his legend is in our hearts,...
Grew up to mother nature at its best
Slim I miss you
My grandmother loves this song.
Tonya Rogers good on her.
the only way to be brought up listening to this mans songs if all australians listened and learnt from this bloke australia be a different country appreciate this country and the traditional owners just shows recognition and respect goes along way rip slim
Very pleasing to the ear .. another of Slim's greats. Impressive guitar work + of course the melody & rhythm as well, as is par for the course for Slim . And like so many of Slim's great songs, this song tells a wonderful, if somewhat wistful tale. Uniquely Australian !! These lyrics sound very much like Henry Lawson's reknowned style - i.e. they are superb. RIP, Slim old mate. You will not be forgotten .....
what a great man a ledgen to country music
another great song by the Legend...................................................................................................
FANTASTIC SONGS SLIM DUSTY XXX
When I wake from sleep each morning and I ring the Bedside Bell the maid Brings in my Breakfast and she fills my pipe as well there are cakes and sweetened coffee on a tray of sparking Gold but I miss Black tea and damper by a fire of Gidgee Coals
I love slim so much and this song I always love listening too it I love singing it such a beautiful song slim is such a great inspiration too many people he sure has inspired me very much such a talented man
The song is of a wealthy retired man who reminisces of his early days as a Labourer with simple comforts
Well as a drover
why does he pronounce 'route' like 'rowt' and not the Aussie way 'root?'
You beauty
Just beautiful Slim
morning
music
KING OF COUNTRY
R.I.P.
OLD SLIM
Love this, In fact not heard a slim song I haven’t loved RIP
So true KING OF AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC,, THANKS FOR THE MEMORYS
I heard him sing this at a campfire in the outback not long before he died. A campfire, a starry sky and Slim singing (as Jimmy and friends). It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks for sharing this.
i would say it nothing would be better than that what a memory that would be
You would have had to spend many years in Australia to understand the words and terminology to the bush like swag Gidgi a small scrub tree beautiful scented specially when burnt swag bedroll many many different word meanings Just enjoy the Music
Yep, worked in contract mustering camps on Brunette for a couple of years, as well as on other stations. It was a great life back then, all changed now though. Sad to see Slim go, but we have his music forever. Cheers.
pittycross
Thanks for posting this true classic from Slim RIP
thats country mate.
Way to go Arnoz.
The cavery the bragade
@BABSINUK - Slim's best ever song, and I'm an Aussie. He's had many top songs here, but this one in my view is the best of all of them. Having had some experience of what this song is about I can relate to what Slim is saying here.
Paul Herring
Heres to John Hale he taught me this song
QUESTION : did Slim write these lyrics (which go so well with the music here) ? For these lyrics to me have a real HENRY LAWSON feel to them. That's how highly I regard these fantastic lines .. and it's no suck-up at all on my part in my esteem for Slim & his wonderful talent .. because here, I consciously place Slim & his ability with words & lyrics, right up there on a pedestal with the GREAT Henry Lawson.
This song is from Slim's l.p."Songs of Australia! in 1964 and this song was co wrote by Stan Coster & Slim Dusty .they also co wrote 5 other songs on this great l.p.
I think Stan Coster wrote this song
Aye, he did. Both Slim and Stan have amazing versions of the song.
Oh man....that Gibson 335 sound!!! Who says you need a tele for country....
only thing wrong with gidgee wood is that is b....y hard to cut
All king ware crowns but only one king wares a cowboy hat slim dusty
probably sitting around a fire of gidgee coals with st Peter up there
@colindominy -Believe he did in conjunction with Stan Coster. What a superb song from Slim - in my view his very best song.
SoLdiers fire chief john Francis Norman soLdiers