They Took the Children Away by Archie Roche Analysis Essay Example

Took the children away was written and performed by Archie Roach. Archie roach was a part of the stolen generation, he was taken from his family at a young age. This was an official government policy that allowed children to be removed from their parents without consent. Even though some of the families found their children, most of them are still looking and may never see them again. This is a very emotional song and has a strong message, The tempo is slow and sad which fits the mood.

The historical context of this song is that in the early 1900, Aboriginals and Torres Strait islanders were taken from their families at a young age. This was enforced by the government that was put in place to stop the Aboriginal blood lines and the culture of these people. They would put the Aboriginals in missions, to learn their way of life as said in the song “they told us to read and wright and pray.”. 

I think that the song is very effective, and easy to understand what the message is about. I think this song is still relevant because of the racism that is still happening today, it is also a very big part of Australian history, and we can’t ignore it. What makes it more effective is Archie roach and his firsthand account of the horror's that were happening to him and his people. it is a very sad and emotional song and I think that the song really works well with the tempo and rhythm.

This song is about the awful things that happened to the aboriginal people and how their children were taken from their families. It was a very sad time for the Aboriginals, this song portrays the message of the stolen generation and tells us easily about how or what happened during the event. I think that it is a very good and influential song.