A PERFECT SOUND
Written and Produced by Michael STEWART
In 1977, life was a vibrant tapestry of youthful exuberance and unforgettable encounters. Among these memories, one evening stands out vividly, a party where laughter and joy filled the air, and where I briefly met the enchanting Shirleen Manning. Introduced by a close friend, Shirleen's beauty and vivacity left an indelible mark on everyone present. Little did we know, that fleeting moment would be the only time we’d see her.
Years later, the news of Shirleen's untimely death in the Marchioness Disaster of 1989 shook me and many others who knew her. The accident, which claimed the lives of 51 young people on the River Thames, was a national tragedy. It was almost impossible to fathom that the vibrant young woman I met at that party was among the victims.
Recently, my friend and I found ourselves reminiscing about Shirleen while strolling down the Wynnum Esplanade here in Brisbane. We shared stories of knowing Shirleen and inevitably, felt that familiar wave of sadness wash over us. The tragedy of her loss felt as fresh as ever, compounded by the years that had slipped by since that fateful night.
That night, I woke abruptly, thoughts of Shirleen on my mind. Imagining the unfathomable grief her mother must still be enduring, the first lines of "A Perfect Sound" came to me: "Imagine a sound so clear, As if resting your head on a pillow by your ear. It would bring tears to your eyers" .
The song flowed naturally from there, each line a heartfelt tribute to Shirleen and the profound impact of her loss. As the 35th anniversary of the Marchioness Disaster approaches, "A Perfect Sound" stands as an unexpected yet poignant creation, inspired by the brief yet memorable encounter with Shirleen in 1977.
Her beauty, grace, and the tragedy of her loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of those left behind. As we remember Shirleen and the others who perished on that tragic night, may "A Perfect Sound" serve as a tribute to their lives and a solace to those who mourn.
For more information on the Marchioness Disaster and the Australians who were affected, visit Wikipedia. Here is a list of the Australians involved:
Australians Who Died in the Marchioness Disaster:
David Ayres, Sydney
John Clarke, St Clair, NSW
Dianne Lim, Sydney
Shirleen Manning, Brisbane
Angela Plevey, Blue Mountains
Australians Who Survived:
Jonathan Davis, NSW
Rod Lay, WA
Kate McGurgan, NSW
Miles Miller, NSW
To Shirleen’s family, friends, and all who remember her, may "A Perfect Sound" echo the beauty of her spirit and the depth of our shared loss.