Archie Roach: Place of Fire

This song 'Place of Fire' comes from the companion album for Archie Roach's autobiography, Tell Me Why, released in 2019.

The song's laid-back feel and Archie's soulful vocal delivery echoes where he is at in both his life and career. The recording itself has a sense of clarity, warmth and intimacy – almost as if you are sitting around the fire with Archie.

The album is produced by Paul Grabowsky, who worked with Archie and Ruby on Ruby (2005). Grabowsky's jazz influence combines beautifully with undertones of the religious music Archie grew up listening to. 

Archie remarks in Tell Me Why that as he ages he is becoming more interested in the universal experience of being human, rather than the details of his own personal story. This sentiment is echoed in the song's lyrics which reference a collective Dreaming and ancient memory.

In the book he writes: 'The "place of fire" is a place of love and connection. We'll all be there – I'll be there to welcome you back, wrap my arms around you and say "I've missed you. Welcome home."'

The cover image photograph is by Adrian Cook.

Notes by Beth Taylor and Adam Blackshaw