"Truganini" is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil from their eighth studio album, Earth and Sun and Moon (1993). It was inspired by Truganini, a Nuenonne woman from south-east Tasmania.[1] The song uses a recurring Australian issue—drought—to pose the question "what for?", meaning "why did Europeans bother to colonise this harsh place?" The song mentions two prominent indigenous Australians (Truganini and Albert Namatjira) whose lives were altered by European settlement and discusses current day sentiment towards the old country, namely the monarchy.
"Truganini" was a chart success in several countries when released in March 1993 by Columbia and Sprint, peaking at number four in New Zealand, number 10 in Australia, number 11 in Canada and number 29 in the United Kingdom. In the United States, it peaked at number four on the BillboardModern Rock Tracks chart and number 10 on the BillboardAlbum Rock Tracks chart. The single's liner notes included the claim that Truganini was the "sole surviving Tasmanian Aborigine" when she died. This sparked protest by some of the 7,000 people who identify as Tasmanian Aboriginal.[2] Lead singer Peter Garrett issued an apology.
Live performances
The band performed the song live for American audiences as the musical guest on the American television show Saturday Night Live on 8 May 1993, when Christina Applegate served as host.
Track listings
Australian CD and cassette single, UK cassette single[3][4]
^Truganini (Australian & UK cassette single sleeve). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 659049 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Truganini (Australian CD single liner notes). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 659295 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Truganini (UK CD1 liner notes). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 659049 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Truganini (UK CD2 liner notes). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 659049 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Truganini (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 659049 6.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Truganini (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Midnight Oil. Columbia Records, Sprint Music. 1993. 38-74933.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)