The Iconic Aussie Songs These Local Artists Wish They'd Written

The APRA Music Awards recognise the best in local songwriting and in the lead-up to next week's ceremony, a handful of this year's nominees have revealed the Aussie songs they wish they had written.

Kasey Chambers

Which Australian song do you wish you’d written?

Paul Kelly (Paul Kelly and the Messengers) — Everything's Turning To White

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Why do you wish you’d written it?

This song is a classic example of how, if a songwriter is connected enough to the song, they can convince the listener of anything. I believe that Paul Kelly is the woman telling the story as he's singing this song. It's moving, inspiring and one of the reasons I continue to challenge myself as a songwriter.

An emotional journey filled with heartache, whiskey and death. What more could you want in a song?

Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures)

Which Australian song do you wish you’d written?

Roland S. Howard (Boys Next Door) — Shivers

Why do you wish you’d written it?

It's a perfect song. I'm sure other people will say the same. I love the lyrics, how wry and overwrought they are. Roland was deeply sarcastic. Nick Cave made it sincere. I like when a song can be read differently, great art always has two faces. Also as a song it's simple, true and direct, which are the things that matter most to me as a songwriter.

M-Phazes

Which Australian song do you wish you’d written?

Daniel Johns — Preach

Why do you wish you’d written it?

I remember him playing it to me not long after he finished it and I was blown away. The hook is possibly the biggest I've heard in a long time! I can honestly say I am jealous of the brothers Damn Moroda for producing such a powerful track with Dan!

Kim Churchill

Which Australian song do you wish you’d written?

John Butler (John Butler Trio) — Ocean

Why do you wish you’d written it?

Every ounce of my ego is petrified of giving this answer but it's the truth and that’s probably why. When I was beginning [my career] I don't feel I was particularly good. I was a really ambitious teenager who wanted to be like his heroes. I had grown up playing classical guitar and I did feel accomplished on the guitar, but that’s about it. I discovered people like John Butler, or Xavier Rudd in his early days, or Ben Harper and liked the ways they played guitar as well as really connecting with their general themes and messages. I needed some kind positive accepting music to shape me into who I became. John Butler's Ocean became a real pivotal part of my performance. It was the perfect song for me to show my guitar playing abilities and it had an energy that was just perfect for connecting with audiences and certainly winning over a crowed in your standard Aussie rural pub on a Saturday night. Its was perfect for busking and really helped generate a crowd, which eventuated to CD sales. Busking was my only way of making money in the early days and I owe a lot to those street sessions and especially that song for keeping me and my dream afloat. I remember wishing I could write a piece of music that I could use like I used Ocean. I probably did wish I had written it on more than one occasion…

I eventually began to find my way and it was nothing like that stuff or that song. But I am proud of that stage and the way my heroes and influences helped me find myself. They were almost like suits I'd dress up in in an attempt to find my own thing. I no longer wish I had written it, but I have so much gratitude for how it helped me, and how much it has helped a whole generation of Australian guitarists and songwriters. Thanks John!