Set between All Nations Park (Northcote) and Edinburgh Gardens (North Fitzroy), ‘Fitzroy Bowl’ is the story of two children from different socio-economic backgrounds who form a bond through their mutual love of skateboarding. The song explores the kindness and compassion of children, whist reflecting on social privilege, disadvantage, and the isolation experienced by those who are failed by the system and fall through the cracks.
The song is narrated through a child’s thoughts as he witnesses the destabilisation of his friend’s home life. In distress and struggling with feelings of powerlessness he turns to his parents for help,
“I begged my folks to take you in, ‘we can’t interfere son, it’s just one of those things’”.
The two lose touch, years later as an adult he sees his friend from a far in All Nations Park collecting cans and bottles to make ends meet.
lyrics
Shared many stories at Fitzroy Bowl
Edinburgh Gardens, both 9 years old
Hung out in the grandstand at every game
Skating and footy, those were our days
You lived in the high rise up Brunswick St
Your Mum had skitzed out on bad LSD
She was always too freaked out to get you to school
So you jumped on your board, rode on down that hill
Your Dad moved back in, you just had to go
He smashed up your stuff, wasn’t safe to go home
I begged my folks to take you in
We can’t interfere son it’s just one of those things
A few months went by, you were hardly at school
I heard you’d been fostered near Clifton Hill
You weren’t at the bowl, you weren’t at the game
Did we drift apart or did you drift away
Last time I saw you was in All Nations Park
Collecting those soft drink cans after dark
Pushin’ your trolley down Merri Parade
Past Rushall Station to where the homeless stay
But they don’t understand you, avert their gaze
Just an angry young man a tattoo on your face
You’ll never tell ‘em what you’ve been through
Cause men don’t talk, boys don’t cry
Trucks on the coping, skate hard or
Men don’t talk, boys don’t cry
Trucks on the coping drop in and fly
credits
from Inner North,
released May 18, 2018
Written by Cat Canteri
Cat Canteri – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Justin Bernasconi – Electric Guitars
Ben Franz – Bass
Justin Olsson – Drums
Recently rediscovered this album, there's something powerful in it's spirit. It's definitely one you can leave on repeat in the background as the soundtrack to life. Cat Canteri
Such killer musical choices from the players in the band, and fantastic mix and sonic choices on the production front. Not your typical Alt Country record. Cat Canteri
Great to see them live in Ballarat 4 December - what a set and also the new songs are great. I like Mint Condition and as always the story in a song. Having visited Macquarie Harbour since the last gig and read about Alexander Pearce escaping twice... perhaps the song needed to be 14 minutes! Jaycen Cruickshank