The 1991 song Treaty by Yothu Yindi came out while I was working in the Territory. It is one of my favourite songs, and the video clip and dancing is a bonus.

Well I heard it on the radio
And I saw it on the television
Back in 1988, all those talking politicians

Words are easy, words are cheap
Much cheaper than our priceless land
But promises can disappear
Just like writing in the sand

Treaty yeah treaty now treaty yeah treaty now

Nhima djat’pangarri nhima walangwalang
Nhe djat’payatpa nhima gaya nhe
Matjini … Yakarray
Nhe djat’pa nhe walang gumurrt jararrk gutjuk

This land was never given up
This land was never bought and sold
The planting of the union jack
Never changed our law at all
Now two river run their course
Separated for so long
I’m dreaming of a brighter day
When the waters will be one

Treaty yeah treaty now treaty yeah treaty now

Nhema gayakaya nhe gayanhe
Nhe gayanhe matjini walangwalang nheya
Nhimadjatpanhe walang
Gumurrtjararrk yawirriny
Nhe gaya nhe matjini
Gaya gaya nhe gaya nhe
Matjini walangwalang
Nhema djat’pa nhe walang
Nhe gumurrtjarrk nhe ya

Promises disappear – priceless land – destiny
Well i heard it on the radio
And i saw it on the television
But promises can be broken
Just like writing in the sand

Treaty yeah treaty now treaty yeah treaty now
Treaty yeah treaty now treaty yeah treaty now
Treaty yeah treaty ma treaty yeah treaty ma
Treaty yeah treaty ma treaty yeah treaty ma