Shock council audition: the Gold Coast is to get its own song but guess who wrote it

In a surprise move, council has unveiled a new Gold Coast song. Listen to the song here and check out the lyrics.

MAYOR Tom Tate wants the Gold Coast to have its own song — and he has a band together.

Councillor Bob La Castra with the help of council transport boss Alton Twine have written and performed The Gift, recorded with their band The Waves, which includes other city officers.

↑↑↑ LISTEN TO THE SONG BY PLAYING THE VIDEO ABOVE ↑↑↑

Mayor Tom Tate has introduced a surprise item at council. Picture Glenn Hampson

Councillors received a hearing of the song — it is in the pop genre — when Councillor Tate presented the surprise item at today’s full council meeting.

Cr Tate said he had visited other cities in China which had a city song and wanted the Coast to have its own.

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“I always had that in the back of my mind, that would be nice one day,” he said.

Destination Gold Coast told the mayor the tourism body had a song but was spending $200,000 a year on owning the rights to it.

“If we had our own song that really had passion, then not just the city of Gold Coast, but when we open our gallery (could play it) — and perhaps Destination Gold Coast could save their 200 grand a year using the city song,” Cr Tate said.

Bob La Castra on stage.

The Mayor said he approached The Waves, a “talented band”, and Cr La Castra indicated he could provide “a gift” to the city.

Cr La Castra, who admitted to being nervous on the audition of the song today, asked councillors to applaud Mr Twine who was a talented musician, having released a platinum album.

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“I woke up one morning ... and basically had this idea for the lyrics. Generally the best ideas sort of come when you wake up,” he said.

“We wrote it together, it was a lot of fun.”

Several councillors in debate brought up questions of conflict of interests, and whether the

song should be tested on the market.

Bob La Castra out front for the band "The Waves on the Beach Stage at Surfers Paradise Live. Picture Glenn Hampson.

A super majority of councillors voted on a recommendation that CEO Dale Dickson provide advice to the next council meeting on whether the song could be endorsed as the official song of the Gold Coast. He would need to determine “relevant commercial considerations”.

Mr Dickson revealed he had left The Waves about 18 months ago.

THE GOLD COAST SONG

When the storm-clouds start to gather

Let me take you by the hand

And free our hearts to wander

Along endless Gold Coast sand

Cast all care away

Take-out time to play -

Take the family

Tell me what you say

Yesterday is gone

Got to carry on

It’s a brand-new day.

CHORUS

Where else would you wanna be

Spread your wings and I’ll set you free

Is there anywhere you’d rather be -

Than here with me?

Wanna taste a slice of heaven

See the wonder in your eyes

Watch waves of warmth embrace you

Under bluer, brighter skies

When you just can’t see -

Forests for the trees

Need some time to breathe

A little life reprieve

Though it kinda’ feels

Like it seems surreal

Look - and you’ll believe.

CHORUS

Where else would you wanna be

Spread your wings and I’ll set you free

Is there anywhere you’d rather be -

Than here with me?

Livin’ the dream here in paradise

And I don’t have to ask you twice

Is there any place that’s half as nice -

As what you see?

A beauty of all beauties

Is it possible to choose?

A canvas - a kaleidoscope

Of ever-changing hues

Sunrise on the beach

Sunset in the hills

Stars that you can reach

Moons that give you chills

Feels like life’s begun

And when we’re as one -

The world is standing still.

Tell me what you feel

Tell me what you see

Tell me what you want

Tell me honestly

Tell me what you want

Tell me what you see

Tell me honestly

CHORUS

Where else would you wanna be?

Spread your wings and I’ll set you free

Is there anywhere you’d rather be -

Than here with me?

Where else would you wanna be

Spread your wings and I’ll set you free

Is there anywhere you’d rather be -

Than here with me?

Livin’ the dream here in paradise

And I don’t have to ask you twice

Is there any place that’s half as nice -

As what you see?