Spirit of the Bush cover

Spirit of the Bush

Lee Kernaghan · 2007

61 min · 17 tracks · country music

A heartfelt tribute to rural Australia, blending traditional country sounds with poignant storytelling and rich imagery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Was Only Nineteen (A Walk in the Light Green) — This track stands out for its emotional storytelling about the Vietnam War, capturing the struggles and sacrifices of Australian soldiers through vivid imagery.
  • →
    Spirit of the Bush — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's central theme of connection to the land and celebrates Australian rural life with both nostalgia and pride.
  • →
    Diamantina Drover — This song highlights Kernaghan's knack for narrative songwriting, depicting the life of a drover and evoking the vastness and beauty of Australia's landscapes.
  • →
    When Country Comes — This track reflects Kernaghan’s ability to blend contemporary country sounds with traditional themes, creating an uplifting anthem about community and belonging.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady thematic exploration throughout
  • heartfelt storytelling about landscapes
  • reflective moments for quiet listening
  • warm background for gatherings
  • nostalgic connections to rural life

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2007, Lee Kernaghan was riding the wave of his established career, following the commercial success of his previous album, 'The New Bush.' This release marked his continued commitment to country music, solidifying his status as a leading voice in Australian country while also exploring themes of heritage and identity.
Stylistic neighbors
Kasey Chambers· Adam Harvey· Tania Kernaghan

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Was Only Nineteen (A Walk in the Light Green)

    The moment shifts from recollection to direct address, bringing forth personal memories tied to broader historical events.

    This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by making the listener feel intimately connected to both personal loss and collective memory.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sassafras Gap 2:10
  • 2 I Was Only Nineteen (A Walk in the Light Green) 4:17
  • 3 Three Rivers Hotel 3:26
  • 4 Spirit of the Bush 3:33
  • 5 Diamantina Drover 4:25
  • 6 Bare Essentials 2:56
  • 7 The Way It Is 4:12
  • 8 Spirit of the High Country 5:13
  • 9 Southern Son 4:00
  • 10 Shelter 2:39
  • 11 When Country Comes 3:10
  • 12 A Bushman Can’t Survive 4:31
  • 13 Mate 3:40
  • 14 Tenterfield Saddler 4:02
  • 15 Cunnamulla Feller 3:09
  • 16 Hat Town 3:48
  • 17 Spirit of the Bush Reprise (My Country) 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata