Against the Wind was the first Australian Television Mini Series to be done back in the 1970's and it took only six months to produce. It covered the period between 1798 and 1812. Story is based around an Irish lass named Mary Mulvane, who was tried for involvement in rebellions against the British. Mary when caught was therefore sentenced to be shipped to the Penal Colony of New South Wales. The series follows her path from the horrifying ship voyage to the Colony where after serving her sentence she marries another ex-convict Johnathon Garrett and they became free prosperous settlers.
Footnote: Once a convict served their sentence in the Penal Colony they were given the choice of the above or return passage to the home country - many chose to stay in Australia.
Jon English and Mario Milo wrote all the incidental music for the series, while Jon wrote the theme song Six Ribbons which went on to become a No.1 hit in more than six countries. The album for the series sold more than a million copies world wide.
Jon English became one of the few performers in Australia to win a Logie (Australian TV award) for Best Actor and a TV Week/Countdown Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in the one year.
SIX RIBBONS
(Words and music by Jon English)
If I where a minstrel
I'd sing you six love songs to tell the whole world of the love that we share
If I where a merchant
I'd bring you six diamonds with six blood red roses for my love to wear
But I am a simple man a poor common farmer
So take my six ribbons to tie back your hair
Yellow and brown, blue as the sky, red as my blood, green as your eye.
If I were a nobleman
I'd bring you six palaces with six hundred servants for comforting care
But I am a simple man a poor common farmer
So take my six ribbons to tie back your hair
If I where a minstrel
I'd sing you six love songs to tell the whole world of the love that we share
so be not afraid, my love,
You're never alone, love while you wear my ribbons tie'n back your hair
Once I was a simple man a poor common farmer I gave you six ribbons to tie back your hair
Tooralee, tooralie
All I can share is only six ribbons to tie back your hair
Tooralee, tooralie
All I can share is only six ribbons to tie back your hair
(below is the music to this song)
