F-111

Annotation — Australian & New Zealand Songs

This LP was a split release, between two Australian contemporary folk artists, that wrote many political and socially conscious songs, especially regarding labour rights. It included the well-known anti-Vietnam War song "F-111" (Larrikin Records # LRF-109), written, and performed here by Lyell Sayer. Lyell Sayer wrote on the back of the LP: "One of my earliest songs, and certainly the most popular. My best claim to having written a 'folk' song as it has been recently collected from Vietnam veterans, by Graham Seal. The last two verses written later by Clem to keep the song current, are gratefully acknowledged".1 Released on Warren Fahey's record label, he wrote on the back of the LP: "Both Lyell and Clem enjoy taking the 'mickey' out of our politicians and why not! I have always felt that these contemporary folk songs play a real role in continuing the tradition of the folk song as the voice of the people. Long may the likes of Lyell Sayer and Clem Parkinson write and sing songs about us". The song was a reference to the US-made F-111c fighter bomber. The Australian government ordered a number, for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1963.2 However, the final version of the…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Notes

Split LP with Clem Parkinson, who wrote the last two verses; on Warren Fahey's Larrikin label. Written in the 1960s about the RAAF's F-111 order.

About the artist

Lyell Sayer - contemporary folk singer-songwriter of political and labour songs; "F-111" was collected from Vietnam veterans by Graham Seal.

Themes

Satire · Air Force · Air War · Robert Menzies · Anti-Government · VC · Ho Chi Minh · ANZUS

In collections

Australian & New Zealand Songs