The First Lyrics You Remember Being Grabbed By

I grew up in a fairly music filled household, all music lovers not necessarily players. I don't remember why, but for some reason I knew the words to Long Haired Lover From Liverpool by Jimmy Osmond. I guess because he was a little kid and so was I, I felt some affinity. I still sing it in my head at random occasions to this day.

A Lyric You Wish You'd Written

When it comes to lyrics that absolutely nail their topic in a way that means you can listen over and over without being tired of it, it has to be Long Way To The Top by  AC/DC. It is equal parts Bon's love of the touring beast and dire warning to those who wish to follow that track. As the great Rockin’ Rob Riley from Rose Tattoo would say, 'it's rock n roll, it's not for the faint hearted.'

A Favourite Lyric From Your New Album

Our new release is a revisitation and re recording of our debut release, All For One. It was unreal to take a fresh look at all the songs on the album after 30 years.

The one that really struck me as being so relevant for the times, probably more so than when first written is Shine On - written by the great songwriter, Pauly Woseen. "Passing from the cold and dark into the light of freedom."

A Lyric You Think Is Perfect

Short Note by Matt Moffat of Matt Finish is just about as good as it gets for me. It's beautiful and haunting and deserves a higher place in the Aus music psyche in my humble opinion.

A Lyric That Makes You Happy

I've been a Doors fan since about 13 when I had just started high school. I was in a class with a guy called Peter Fulmizi who I coincidentally shared a birthday with. He gave me a Doors tape and changed my life.

Jim sings in the last verse of Roadhouse Blues, 'well I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer.'

That makes me happy. 

A Lyric That Makes You Sad 

I released a solo album in 2002. (Remember that???) On it I wrote a song about my mother who passed tragically in a car accident 10 years before. I had written it soon after her death but it didn't suit The Jets, so I just kept it under wraps til such time as was appropriate to record it. It's called Rusty Train Tracks. I've never played it live as I find it impossible to get through it when playing it by myself in the lounge room.

The Most 'Underrated' Lyrics

Jeremy Oxley from The Sunnyboys was an absolute giant when it came to writing lyrics. He was 16 when he wrote the songs for the band's eponymous album. To now know about his struggles all through his career with mental health, should stand as a testament to his ability as a song writer. "Happy man, I can't talk to you, alone with you." As a matter of fact, every song on that album is essential listening. Do it. Do it now.

A Lyric You Think Everyone Should Know

The lyric I think everyone should hear is Camouflage  by Stan Ridgeway. A great songsmith and storyteller if ever there was..  And anything by Troye Sivan because my daughter loves him.

The Screaming Jets re-release of All For One is out now.