My mate took his own life yesterday. He played acoustic guitar and this was our favourite to sing. RIP mate. You deserved better.

I've started listening to Australian classics on Spotify and every other song gives me a Deja vu that I have listened it before ....I think on world stage Australian music is grossly underrated.....they are original and great

Grossly underrated artist from a world's perspective, much like all good Australian musician

My Dad drove a silver top. Such a beautiful, desperate love song. A real love song.

I'm an Aussie living in Shenzhen, China - and one of the local expat (immigrant) bars I go to (owned by a Russian couple) has a playlist which is about 80% AUS/NZ pub-rock music from the 80's. Most of the others in the bar are American, German, Poms, and Russians - and they all love the songs even though they can't quite figure out where/when the music comes from. I love it.

Criminally underrated

Great song and a real throw back to the real Australia of the 1980s. "The Buttery" is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Binna Burra, northern NSW that is still operating as of 2019. "Olympic" was an interstate coach line that ran until around 1980, a later version of the song changed the wording to "McCafferty" which was an Australian coach line that formed in 1940 and begun operating interstate coach lines in December 1980 before being taken over by Greyhound Australia in 2004. "Silver Top" refers to the Silver Top Taxi Service, formed in 1936 in Sydney, NSW and still operating as of 2019 in both Sydney and Melbourne.

One of Australia's best story tellers. Maybe the world's.

This song helped me grow as a man for my son and my wife! Thank U Paul!

One of the best songs ever written by anyone.

One of the best storytellers ever.

He is a poet that's why he so brilliant

Haven't heard this in 20+ years. My sister studied in Australia (from the US) around the time this came out, and introduced me to PK. This was the only album of his that I ever got, but this song in particular still gives me chills. After all these years, I really don't hear of him in the US, but I hope this amazing songwriter has had a great career without us.

We studied Paul Kelly in high school in English Literature. He is such a formidable storyteller that his lyrics read like poetry. This song in particular is incredibly poignant. It is not just about one family - it is about an entire culture that's in crisis. Those final lyrics out, "he was shaking in his seat, riding through the streets", the anxiety and dread is so palpable.

Always been a fan of Paul Kelly. At the age of (almost) 70 I believe he is even better than I thought. We are so blessed to have such song-smiths in this country. In my top ten of favourite Aussie songs.

Everyone sleeping on paul kelly he should be way more famous The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived

“Could he make a picture - and get them all to fit” one of our greatest songwriters. Thanks for the channel.

Spent some time in Australia in the late 90's and early 2000's. Paul Kelly's music was a massive formative part of my love affair with Australia.

I first heard this song while working and listening to an Australian radio station to mix it up & I stopped in my tracks when it came on. I had to find out who it was. This was a month ago. Yeah. Huge fan now. Better late than never. I can't believe he doesn't get airplay in the US.

Definitely Paul Kelly's greatest song. And up there with "Reckless" and "Great Southern Land" as one of Australia's best songs. Anyone who can relate this to song just hasn't lived any real life.

What a legend. Something about his songs that relate to real-life situations. Australia is so lucky to have a son like Paul Kelly.

Paul Kelly never gets old still listening to his songs 2020

I remember hearing this for the first time in my best friends loungeroom watching Rage on channel 2...i was 10 and we were getting ready to go to expo 88 for the day...ahhh..

Seen this bloke heaps of times he's a legend. Great tunes 🎻🪕🎸🎺🎺🎷🎤🥁

I'm 28 and absolutely love this song with all my heart.. true Australian talent much love

This is the first ever 45 I bought back in the day with my pocket money. Walked to the record store and the lady behind the counter wrapped it up nicely for me cause she knew I was running straight home to play it. Memories or what??? PK is a legend simple as that.

🖤💛❤️ I hope Paul reads this thank you for your music it has helped me though some hard times I appreciate everything you have done for Australian god bless you stay deadly my brother

This makes me feel like walking down the pub and having a beer 🍻

The vulnerable truth of an alcoholic that tried to make good on their errors of judgement.. A worthy story and very worthy song and talent.

Absolute masterclass in story telling, the first few lines tell you so much about who these people are and what they've been through.

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived One of the best songs ever written by anyone. One of the best songs ever written by anyone.

the fact this song is about my great aunt makes me even happier.

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived Ohhhhhhhh, I can't even say how much I love this song. Makes me so emotional to hear it again!

I think PK is destined to only be appreciated by Australians. The world doesn't know what they're missing

It's even more impressive when you consider he was captain of the Sydney Swans when he wrote this.

You can have your Bob Dylan ,I'm an Aussie and I'll cop this blokes songs over the so called messiah any day of the week. Brilliant songwriter !

I cry when I hear this song, but I absolutely love every part. You can't write shit like this unless you've felt real hectic shit. Love it Paul, one of the great heartbreak anthems digga

She said, "Shove it, Jack, I'm walking out your fucking door"

Thank you to my dad who showed me this song when I was 5. I’m now 16 and it’s still one of my favourites

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived Everyone sleeping on paul kelly he should be way more famous

Like others have said here. Best example of songwriting I have ever heard. And... the greatest description of Australian working class life. So many of us have experienced something similar. Or something similar happened with our parents. And us kids were dragged along with it. This song brings up so many bittersweet emotions. Few songs can emotionally move you, like this song.

Masterpieces never tire or age. Beautiful.

Yes, it brings tears of happiness to my eyes, every time. Tears of sadness for those that lost .

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived One of the best songs ever written by anyone.

One of the best songs ever written by anyone. When people ask me how I’m feelin.. I lie .. out of courtesy

I was just a kid travelling around the world in the late 80´s. When in Australia this Paul Kelly guy hit me lika a bomb. Great songs,... what a storyteller. Thank you Paul!

Thank you Paul and thank Memphis moo without her positive kind caring soul I wouldn’t be able to stand here where I am today... when people have no idea the impact you’ve left on life.... sometimes it’s people who have no idea have the greatest influence... Memphis got me through my grade 5 class and further... after than Paul has been an idol

LEGEND.

Do yourself a favour : Paul Kelly live 1992 album. Absolutely amazing, life changing. The man is worth his weight in gold.

I have ALWAYS Loved this song. It has recently been elevated! So So FKN Good! The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived One of the best songs ever written by anyone.

This song reminds me of my kids father he passed on now love this song🙏💕

A demonstration of amazing song writing and performance.

It's funny how I'd grow up and make music and people would get me confused with this bloke Never disappointed, always a great thing to hear this man sing. One of the best songs ever written by anyone.

Everything about this is awesome.

Ohhhhhhhh, I can't even say how much I love this song. Makes me so emotional to hear it again!

The intro still gives me chills

1987, seems like only yesterday, but at the same time so long ago. I was only 10 and as I have been listening to Aussie songs from Aussie Bands on my You Tube mix, it gives me a sense of melancholy. So many bands, and I only really starting to appreciate them more and more now.

made it to #14 should of been #1 Paul Kelly... this is the perfect song... made it to #14 should of been #1 the best

My favourite Paul Kelly song but all his songs are good Love you Paul ❤

One of the best songs ever written by anyone. Paul Kelly never gets old still listening to his songs 2020

This song has relevance today - perhaps more than ever...

Never disappointed, always a great thing to hear this man sing.

A demonstration of amazing song writing and performance. the best

Proper tune Mr Kelly, so good I'm gonna walk it on again!

The Best Songwriter in Australia. The End

One of the saddest yet best written 'ballads' in Australian history..

Don’t know what it is about this song but there’s an earlier version of a live concert. I saw it when i came back from living overseas and to me - the band, the sunlight, the drummer, the little onstage dance made me really feel i was back home and wondering why I’d ever left. Oh yeah, and then there was Paul Kelly...... ..

That song stuck me in the heart like a knife!

I always feel like their should be a second part to this track...............good or bad, doesn't matter. The one track leaves you hanging.

I keep finding gems like this from PK what a great writer and performer Love it!

Beautiful song! One of my all time favorites.

This song always hits me right in the feels.

Paul Kelly is brilliant.luv his music and the man he is

The Real Kelly Gang

True stories in all of Paul's music. Legendary Writer and Singer.

He deserves to be Australian of the Century...not just the year...this man is a brilliant artist...😊

Paul Kelly... this is the perfect song... made it to #14 should of been #1 the best Paul Kelly... this is the perfect song...

👍❤️🙋🇭🇷 All power to you, Paul!

One of the most perfect songs I've ever heard

He has always been someone i wanted to sit down with, have a beer or wine, and just hear what he has to say. Interesting mind i think. Lots of questions i want to ask him.

Outstanding story line, But even more outstanding lyrics!

Paul Kelly... this is the perfect song... made it to #14 should of been #1

Paul Kelly is an Australian treasure.

First saw him around 87 when he opened up for crowded house Listening to him ever since

Seen PK many times and met him along with Bob Dylan on the same night; incredible!!

The GREATEST Aussie song writer to have ever lived made it to #14 should of been #1

This song makes me think of mum and dad 💖💝

Love this song... Sadly alcohol destroys so many families. This song is truth

Didn't think much of this song as a kid but it ages like fine wine really hits the spot now. Better writing than I could appreciate when it was released.

Paul Kelly... this is the perfect song...

Paul Kelly..... What a classic.....

The best song - our toddlers used to sing "two headed dogs" Hi mum A great aussie story teller..on ya paul

Such an iconic song with awesome riffs; a true classic. Good to hear the original with 'Olympic' in it!

A demonstration of amazing song writing and performance. the best Grooovy song.Magic. love this song to bits!!!! Aussies best!!

This song by Paul Kelly takes me back to the time when I lived in Western Australia with my friends for six months in 1987/1988. They were a married couple, he Austrian, she Australian. We lived in Perth, Doubleview. He had experimented with various drugs in his youth, apparently damaging something in his brain. Since then he had struggled with severe depression and anxiety. "I'm afraid of getting this terrible anxiety again, it's a vicious circle and no drug has been able to help me so far. That's why I drink - it can alleviate it a bit." he said to me at the time. He went to treatment several times, unfortunately without lasting success. The marriage broke up and he returned to Austria. I visited him regularly and we played guitar together, as we did years ago in the Fremantle markets for a few dollars. Last year he died of a liver infarction. He battled alcohol addiction, was sober on and off for a few months, but always fell back into addiction. He was a real friend. May you be better now, wherever you are!

A novel to music in 3 minutes. Pure genius.

such a beautiful song....makes me cry (with joy) everytime :)

Still relevant forty years later, God bless you Paul

Sad when it's a reflection of people's lives.