The apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008 marked a place in Australian history that The GetUp Mob – featuring Kev Carmody, Paul Kelly, Urthboy and Missy Higgins, have marked with the new release on April 21 of the GetUp StandUp version of ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’.

The song features the voice of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, delivering the Apology, and of former Prime Minister Paul Keating’s Redfern speech.

“This contemporised version of the song transforms us from a negative concept of the past to the positive possibilities of the future,” said Kev Carmody.

“Music is a vehicle for social change and this song will carry us all on that road,” said Tim Levinson (Urthboy).

“From Little Things Big Things Grow has its roots in songs like Woody Guthrie’s Deportees and The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll by Bob Dylan. And those songs grew out of the soil of other older songs. The Get Up Mob just added another branch to the tree. Long may it fruit,” said Paul Kelly.

The single was conceived when so many well known and respected Australians turned up to Parliament House to hear the apology in person. Artists from across the music industry have since flocked to the project to be a part of the next chapter of the reconciliation journey, and to make sure the momentum created by the apology is not lost.

Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly unhesitatingly offered the use of the song, Urthboy grasped the opportunity and under his direction vocalists, musicians, celebrities all took their place to produce a new and inspiring version of the track.

ARIA award winning Hackett Films produced the mesmerising video, which features John Butler, Leah Purcell, Pat Dodson, Anthony Mundine and others. It can be viewed by clicking here

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“When Prime Minister Rudd said the words “I am sorry” a wave of emotion and a process of healing began across the nation. The apology to the Stolen Generations marked a historic moment in our history and the first step on the road to a reconciled Australia,” said GetUp Executive Director Brett Solomon.

“The greatest tragedy however, would be if the momentum on these issues built by that day petered out – the GetUp StandUp version of ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ is a way to capture the popular imagination and sow the idea that 'sorry' is only the first step in a long road to equality,” said Solomon.

All proceeds from this unique digital only release are going to the GetUp’s Reconciliation Fund, which will support Indigenous projects on the ground. You buy the song by following the link at www.getup.org.au or from any digital music retailer.

After all, from little things, big things grow.

The GetUp StandUp version of
‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ will be launched on April 21
www.musichead.com.au / www.getup.org.au

Tags: kevin rudd