Standing on the Shoulders

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had music that reflected contemporary military service, as well as commemorating what happened in the past?”. This was the topic of conversation on Anzac Day 2023 in Newcastle, NSW, that sowed the seed for creating music that honours historical service while being relevant to currently serving ADF members and their families.

Standing on the Shoulders was written in a flurry of inspiration after Anzac Day 2023, with the words and music seeming to flow straight onto the page. I aimed to write a non-religious piece that sits alongside and complements the familiar hymns and beautiful, solemn words of the Ode of Remembrance; the verses and prayers that form the core of commemorative services.

Musical elements of the Last Post bugle call and phrases from the Ode are included to reflect the history of commemoration; the lyrics place the singers as active participants in the remembering. I avoid cliches and references to specific conflicts, locations, times, or types of service, and instead use the broad wording ‘every field of battle’. When we sing these lyrics, our reflections encompass both historical service and present-day sacrifice.

I am aware that the impact of military service is not limited to loss of life, and that this is not well-represented in the music we sing. Sometimes, hard topics are easier to sing than to talk about, such as topics that cause ongoing pain for past and current serving members and their families. Standing on the Shoulders brings complex issues to the forefront of discourse, alluding to those who return home having suffered because of their service through physical, mental or emotional injuries, or facing society’s prejudices.

The final verse sings of 'standing at the shoulders’ of those who currently serve, showing that we stand alongside them, support them and are grateful for their service. For many of us in the AMWChoir, this part of the song carries significant emotional weight and connection, as we sing about our loved ones or our fellow singers who themselves are serving members.

Standing on the Shoulders was launched in Newcastle on Anzac Day 2024, alongside the Australian Army Band Newcastle. The AMWChoir has performed it in numerous locations around the country, including the Lest We Forget Tribute Concert at the Sydney Opera House, ADF Russell Offices, Australian Parliament House, and the Australian War Memorial. 

Offering this personal creation to the world has been a daunting and emotional journey; I feel honoured that AMWChoir singers and the Defence community have embraced the song and continue to be amazed that it is spreading further than I ever imagined!

My sincere thanks go to Captain Graeme Reynolds and Captain Brendan Moore (former music directors for the Australian Army Band Newcastle), and Cath Parsons OAM (AMWChoir National Artistic Director), for their support, advice and encouragement. I am grateful for the ongoing energy and enthusiasm of AMWChoir singers who give voice to my work.

Laura Edwards

National Choir Director

Australian Military Wives Choir

Image Credit: Kylam P for AMWChoir