Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) - Then and Now lyrics

In my dreams I hear my tribe Laughing as they hunt and swim, But dreams are shattered by rushing car, By grinding tram and hissing train, As I see no more my tribe of old As I walk alone in the teeming town. I have seen corroboree Where that factory belches smoke; Here where they have memorial park One time lubras dug for yams; One time our children played There where the railway yards are now, And where I remember the didgeridoo Calling to us to dance and play, Offices now, neon lights now, Bank and shop and advertisement now, Traffic and trade of the busy town. No more woomera, no more boomerang, No more playabout, no more the old ways. Children of nature we were then. No clocks hurrying crowds to toil. Now I am civilized and work in the white way, Now I have dress, now I have shoes: 'Isn't she lucky to have a good job!' Better when I had only a dillybag. Better when I had nothing but happiness.