John Farnham’s song You’re the Voice used in Voice campaign: What you said

It’s an iconic Aussie song but its re-emergence has sparked a war of words ahead of the Voice referendum. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

“You’re The Voice. It’s a song for all Australians. Always has been, always will be.”

The words of Tim Wheatley, the singer-son of John Farnham’s manager Glenn Wheatley, are under threat of falling flat in the current Aussie climate.

At least according to columnist Mike O’Connor, who argues the iconic Aussie song is now endangered due to its use in the Voice campaign.

“It is a song for all Australians. I’ve may even have warbled the chorus myself after a particularly long lunch on our balcony,” O’Connor wrote.

“What is most certainly not for all Australians is the voice as proposed in the referendum which you might surely have appreciated if you had paused for thought.

John Farnham (right) and manager Glenn Wheatley

“Unlike Farnham’s song, the voice is for a very small percentage of the population.

“Would Farnham have ever recorded a song and then announced that he was only singing it for less than four per cent of Australians and that no one else was allowed to listen?”

The thought resonated with readers, with many torn over Farnham’s use in the Yes campaign.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION BELOW AND VOTE NOW >>>

SORRY, FARNSY, YOU’VE LOST ME

Nameless

No longer a fan John Farnham. Sold us out.

Margaret

We’re in Ireland at the moment & feel that the Irish deserve a voice more than the Aboriginal people for the injustices done to them since Oliver Cromwell invaded in the 17th century.

JAMES

Surprised Peter Garrett has not shown his head with a Midnight Oil rendition , I never like them anyway ! Bad call JF !

Sze-Ming

The great part is that the more the yes side bang on about it, the more people are turning away and moving to the no side.

Brian

I am very disappointed in John Farnham for giving the rights of this song away to such a nation dividing referendum.

Anthony

It's a no from me

NO SONG WILL CHANGE MY MIND

NEIL

I cannot understand why everyone is upset with John Farnham about a song You are all voting No anyway No song or tacky adds will change my mind

Nostradamus@Salon-de-Provence

As each poll is released the No case gains ground; exactly the same process as the Republic referendum. No detail of how it would work and the more time people had to think about it, the more concerned they became!

Richard

I really hope this rubbish fails big time.

Michael

Well I’m not going to sit in silence… a big loud NO from me.

STILL ON THE FENCE

“O” The Predictable’s

Why do people commenting on this forum have to tell us which way they are voting, I personally don’t care, it’s my business how I vote not yours, it’s like they have to justify their vote to other like-minded folks, very strange , or are they scared the Yes vote may get up.

AngelaB36

Love all your columns Mike. They make my day because they not only pass the pub test but expose the rubbish we the public have to put up with. Please don’t retire

ian

Great Southern Land is THE only song other than the current anthem. Maybe Iva Davies should lend it to the NO campaign, but then again, he has scruples