Blue Lake

from Deep Leads by The Orbweavers

supported by
Fresh Mess (fan)
Fresh Mess (fan) thumbnail
/

about

Subjects: salt lakes, wetlands, waterways, soil types, urban planning, engineering, loss

The mythical Blue Lake of West Melbourne Swamp once lay somewhere beneath the present rail yards west of Spencer Street Station. Surrounded by succulent salt marsh plants, on a bed of blue clay, its shimmering beauty was described in the 1840s by early Melbourne writer George Gordon McCrae.

The lake and surrounding saltwater wetlands disappeared in the late 19th century - the swampy land had become contaminated by sewage and industrial waste overflows from noxious trades such as abattoirs, tanneries and boiling down works, and was considered a health hazard. The lake was drained, used as a rubbish tip, filled and eventually paved.

To us, the Blue Lake is symbolic of widespread loss through colonisation and the industrialisation. Water still flows down from the basalt ridge of North Melbourne, towards the bay, where this lake once lay, and pools at the corner of Dynon Road and Lloyd Street. Water never forgets.

lyrics

Blue Lake, where is it you lie?
Hidden, on the north-west side
Beneath bitumen, I heard they filled you in,
Drained you out,
Covered over,
Driven further away,
Concrete over clay.

Blue Lake, fringed with pink and green,
Saltwater, rise and then recede.
Now only myth,
Under South Wharf, could you persist?
Driving home, over Dynon,
Lost my bearings, and then,
Caught dreaming again,
About that Blue Lake.

credits

from Deep Leads, released September 17, 2017

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Orbweavers image

The Orbweavers Melbourne, Australia

The Orbweavers are Marita Dyson & Stuart Flanagan, multidisciplinary artists working in song, performance and visual art. Their work responds to history, memory and place. They are interested in local waterways, industrial history and environmental change.

They have written and recorded 3 albums, co-produced by their greyhound companions, Fern (RIP 2018) & Susie, released through Mistletone. ... more

contact / help

Contact The Orbweavers

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like The Orbweavers, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now