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Writer's pictureTony Parker NESC

Exploring the song "Isolation" on Sub-Antarctic Campbell Island: A Musical Journey


Behind The Song "Isolation"

- from Campbell Island the Weather Station Years

Isolation - Campbell Island
Isolation - Campbell Island

Hi everyone,


The "Isolation" is something everyone who has spent time on the Sub-Antarctic Campbell Island talks about. Back in the 1980s, there was no internet or satellite TV. Once you were dropped off on the island, you were truly alone in one of the most inhospitable environments of the sub-Antarctic, with the relentless wind always howling.


The Solitude (Swampy's Reflection)

Listen below to Swampy Crompton talk about the isolation, a seasoned veteran of years spent on Campbell Island.



Seeking Advice

When I first thought about writing this song, my instinct was to create a slow, meaningful, and lonely ballad. I wanted to capture what it truly means to be isolated. I had been reading "Ocean Notorious" by New Zealand author Matt Vance, who had often sailed to Campbell Island. His love for the isolation intrigued me, so I called him to learn more about his experiences.

"Ocean Notorious" by New Zealand author Matt Vance
"Ocean Notorious" by New Zealand author Matt Vance

I was surprised by his stories of inspiration and fascination, which he cherished and always looked forward to experiencing again.


From a sad ballad to a Rocked-Up Song:

Inspired by Matt's positive take on isolation, I decided to go in a different direction with this song. Instead of a ballad, I wrote a rocked-up tune focusing on the repetitive yet captivating nature of isolation on Campbell Island. Day names like Saturday and Monday have little meaning as each day is the same; time kind of stands still....


Every day is the same,

In isolation

In separation

Perfect location

No population

Fascination

Exploration

Obligation

Weather station


Thanks for joining me on this musical journey.

Full lyrics are below.


Stay tuned for more insights and stories!


Thanks

Tony


 

Full Lyrics:


Isolation:

Every day, every day is the same 

Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Friday. 

It’s all just the same. 

In isolation 

In separation 

This destination 

It’s isolation 

Every day, I feel so far away 

No one hears me, I'm all alone 

Like an ocean wave 

In isolation 

In separation 

This fascination 

It’s isolation 

There’s no cars 

No TV

There’s no bars 

Only me 

 

In isolation 

In separation 

Perfect location 

No population 

Fascination 

Exploration 

Obligation 

Weather station 

There’s no cars 

No TV

There’s no bars 

Only me 

In isolation 

In isolation 

In isolation 

Words: Tony Parker 

Music: Tony Parker 

Production:  Tony Parker NESC & Peter Fisher

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