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Stolen Children

by Patrick Burgess

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about

‘Stolen Children’ tells the story of Nina, one of the thousands of children taken from their parents by Indonesian soldiers during the military occupation of then East Timor. Thirty years later Patrick and others from the non-profit Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) have been painstakingly tracing some of those children in Indonesia and bringing them home to their parents, many of whom believe their child had died decades before. The song follows six year old Nina’s journey...

Patrick’s resonant vocal wanders across a bed of chiming guitars, bass and drums, with contributions from some of Australia’s most well-known musicians including drummer Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil and multi-instrumentalist Paul di Giacomo (Taman Shud, Matt Finish.)

All proceeds from the ‘Stolen Children’ release will go directly to the program to reunite more of those who were taken as children during the conflict in Timor Leste with their families. You can also show your support by downloading the Stolen Children single here on BANDCAMP or donate via AJAR here: stolenchildrentimorleste.raisely.com

For more information on the Stolen Children project and more of Patrick Burgess’ Human Rights work go to:
Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) www.asia-ajar.org

The ABC television Foreign Correspondent show on the Stolen Children of Timor can be viewed on ABC iView or on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu_EUpLtMYg

The film ‘Nina and the stolen children of Timor Leste,’ can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu_EUpLtMYg

lyrics

Stolen Children

I was holding on tight to your old blue dress
When the car came into view
The man in green said I’ll take this one
I thought he meant to school

They put me in the car and drove away
Rivers of tears ran down your face
Thirty years pass slowly by, but today

I’m coming home
I’m coming home

They took me in a ship across the sea
And left me in a strange house
The man and the woman seemed kind to me
Until the lights went out

Mama, mama, mama, come now please,
Don’t leave me here alone
Take me in your arms,
I want to go home
I want to go home

So many miles across the water
But it’s not water that runs in our veins
Stolen children, sons and daughters
Voices silent as they led us away

Every week my mother’s been
Putting flowers on my grave
Then a lady came and brought the news
That I’d been found far away

Can she let herself believe
This really could be true
Miracles do happen, mama
I’m on my way to you
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
to Timor Lorosae

©Words and music by Patrick Burgess

credits

released April 25, 2023
Words and music by Patrick Burgess
Vocals, guitars, harmonicas: Patrick Burgess
Guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals: DC
Percussion, Rob Hirst
Drums Nerida Wu
Backing vocals: Galuh Wandita, Sami Burgess
Produced by D.C & Patrick Burgess
Recorded at The Cool Room Sydney, Australia
Engineered and mixed by DC
Mastering by Steve Smart at
Studios 301, Sydney, Australia
Artwork by Evil Twinns
Cover photos by Anne Cecile Esteve

With thanks to all of those involved in AJAR’s Stolen Children Reunion Program and for the inspiration and courage of the families and survivors.

All proceeds from the ‘Stolen Children’ release will go directly to the program to reunite more of those ‘stolen children’ with their parents.

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Patrick Burgess Australia

Human rights activist singer-songwriter Patrick Burgess draws from the stories of ordinary people who have inspired him during his travels to many of the world’s conflict areas. He has worked in Rwanda, East Timor, Myanmar, the Congo, Cambodia and dozens of other countries, always carrying a guitar...

Patrick Burgess’ new single, ‘Stolen Children’ out now on Bandcamp! ... more

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