If But Maybe – lyrics
Verse 1
You may not have noticed but
we’ve been around for a very long time.
You might have passed me on the streets
but you never took the time 
to hold a conversation or even share a laugh.
Instead you walk around as if I was surrounded by broken glass.
Yet, when I want to talk to you, you get scared and want to hide.
Then when you want to talk to me 
you think I’m rude ‘cause I avoid your eyes.
But did you know that in my culture 
to stare in your eyes is disrespect?
Just in case there is a next time, you’d know what to expect.
I mean I’ve learned to read your books and speak English everyday.
What’s the bet that if I asked you to speak my language 
you wouldn’t know what to say…

Chorus
Make no assumptions.
Make no assumptions.
Make no assumptions.
Make no assumptions about me.

Verse 2
I find comfort in the bottle, for it takes away the pain.
Then when I’m sober and the memories come back
I start all over again.
But don’t judge my people because of the things I do.
There are plenty of Aboriginal people out there 
Who has jobs just like you. 
But I do need your help ‘cause my health is getting bad 
you know, from all those diseases
the Whiteman brought to our Land.
Aboriginal health is the worst in the world 
and that’s statistically proven. 
Why are you sponsoring children overseas
when you could sponsor Aboriginal children?
My heart goes out the foreign people.
Their feelings I don’t mean to hurt but don’t you think Australia needs 
to take care of their own back yards first…

Verse 3
‘Ahh ,they dwell too much on the past’ 
you might hear them say 
but that’s where our culture and language was lost 
which we yearn for today. 
All we have is each other – one big happy family – 
learning from each other and trying to be free.
They say you can’t choose your family
but you can choose your friends.
I’d rather choose my family cause they’re with me till the end.
Our bond is so strong that it cannot be broken
as we sit around the campfire 
listening to stories that are spoken 
respecting our Elders and the stories of the Dreamtime.
Why don’t you come and listen? You can come round anytime.

Verse 4
So make no assumptions about me is the message that I’m conveying
if you took the time to listen to the words that I’ve been saying.
Don’t patronise me and tell me what to say or do.
Just because you’ve got authority don’t treat me like a fool.
Remember I am only human and there are real feelings I have inside.
There’s a better life for me and my culture which has been denied.

Lyrics by - Natasha Taylor (Wodjiann Quimerra)
Music by Koori Program Unit (KPU) Band
© Kangan Batman, Koori Programs 20th May 2004