Versions

Version	Length	Source	Availability
Studio	4:41	Mark Seymour Undertow album.	Moderately common. Available new in CD and digital form.
Live	5:03	Mark Seymour Roll Back The Stone album.	Moderately common. Available new in CD and digital form.

Recommended Version.

Commentary

From Mark’s track by track guide to Undertow:

Dreaming of Gurus, false gods, cults and peddlers of fear. Some people will say anything to win friends. The search for comfort, happiness and escape.

Lyrics

People please indulge me
A story I must tell
For I’m fresh back from the famine
I’ve seen the rings of hell
Like a zombie on the highway
I was drowning in the rain
I went looking for redemption
On the streets of Castlemaine

Well the last thing I remember
I was scratching like a dog
Voices in the dead of night
Howling in the fog
I saw a tall lonely figure
He was calling out my name
“Do you come here seeking refuge boy,
on the streets of Castlemaine?”

I said “Man I do not know you
Are you friend or foe?”
He said “Our paths have crossed before
Many lives ago.
I am guru of this village, the keeper of the flame
For those in need of comfort
On the streets of Castlemaine!”

I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I went looking for religion

I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I was only seeking refuge

There was every kind of guru
And every kind of priest
Every kind of holy man,
living and deceased
So I joined the congregation
I dragged my ball and chain
I served my time out faithfully
On the streets of Castlemaine

Well I joined the walking wounded
The blinded and the meek
I saw them take their sacraments
Naked in the creek
And the guru on the hilltop
With his finger of blame
He was preaching fire and brimstone
On the streets of Castlemaine

I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I was looking for religion

I’m so free!
I’m so free!

Oh they branded me a hypocrite
A liar and a thief
And though earned my ticket of leave
There was no relief
From the bitterness and rancour
The hour I did complain
They sent me howling down the highway
From the streets
The streets of Castlemaine

I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I’m so free!
I’m so free!