Tell Me Why

by Archie Roach

A powerful memoir of a true Australian stolen child, musical and lyrical genius, and leader. Not many have lived as many lives as Archie Roach – stolen child, seeker, teenage alcoholic, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, and leader – but it took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was. Roach was only two years old when he was forcibly removed from his family. Brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, his world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. In this intimate, moving and often shocking memoir, Archie’s story is an extraordinary odyssey through love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal – and the healing power of music. Overcoming enormous odds to find his story and his people, Archie voices the joy, pain and hope he found on his path through song to become the legendary singer-songwriter and storyteller that he is today – beloved by fans worldwide. Tell Me Why is a stunning account of resilience and the strength of spirit – and of a great love story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Australia, Audiobook, Music, Indigenous

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

Archibald William Roach AM (8 January 1956 – 30 July 2022) was an Aboriginal Australian musician. He was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder and a campaigner for the rights of Indigenous Australians. His wife and musical partner was the singer Ruby Hunter (1955–2010).

Roach first became known for the song "Took the Children Away", which featured on his debut solo album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990. He toured around the globe, headlining and opening shows for Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Patti Smith. His work has been recognised by numerous nominations and awards, including a Deadly Award for a "Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations" in 2013. At the 2020 ARIA Music Awards on 25 November 2020, Roach was inducted into their hall of fame.

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books so far this year, and overall actually. Since I reached the end of this audiobook I have found myself missing listening to Archie tell his story (recorded at his kitchen table, occasionally with the sound of birds chattering in the background) and sing his songs. Archie's life is turned around when he receives a letter from his sister telling him that their mother has died, his father is also dead, but he has many siblings if they ever want to meet up (I am heavily paraphrasing here, and one of the few downsides to audiobooks is that you cannot just flip back to copy out a quote). His life starts spinning out from here, as he realises he was forcibly removed from his family as a toddler. He leaves his foster family and begins a long journey, full of positives -- meeting his siblings, meeting the woman, Ruby Hunter, who will become his wife, the early days of his music -- and negatives -- alcoholism, displacement, homelessness and more difficulties.

I found his frank description of his alcoholism fascinating and horrifying - drinking to the point of having seizures became a common experience for him. When Archie eventually seeks treatment, he recovers and then becomes a counsellor himself. He and Ruby were especially inspiring not just because they overcame their own addiction issues, but because they immediately starting giving back and continued to do so. When Archie finds success as a singer, he is genuinely torn between his music career and his work with his community. I loved the way he talked about music, and creating it. I've been listening to a lot of his songs lately, as well as Ruby's, and have been watching his "Back to Charcoal Lane" series on YouTube, which feels like a nice addition to the book.

This is yet another book that I have listened to on audio (highly recommended by the way, especially because Archie sings parts of his songs, and has a lovely speaking voice as well) but also want to reread in physical form, so I can mark pages that I have quotes I especially loved. Once I have done that I will probably add more to this review! For now though, this will have to do.

https://youtu.be/zqG3cXDRqgA

An extract from the book:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

And an interview:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

Updated 31st July 2022:

I'm not very good at obituaries, especially for people I don't know, but I was saddened to read about Archie Roach's death. I have thought about this book frequently since I finished it, and listen to his music often. He was a brilliant artist and will be missed by many.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/gal...

[Bronwyn Mcloughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So powerful and eloquent and yet so simply told. I kept crying - with shame, with sadness, because we don't understand what other people suffer through our actions, through our government's actions, through our own inaction. I was horrified to realise that children were still being removed from their aboriginal parents when I was alive. I always thought it was something that happened in the unenlightened times before I was born. No. It could be argued that it was undertaken in the mistaken belief that it was in their best interests, gave them a better chance at a happy childhood, a prosperous and useful life. But I think there was certainly an element of, remove the children from the land and the heritage, and white society can assume control and exploit the wealth and control the traditional custodians far more easily. Archie struck it lucky with his third lot of foster parents, but the disruption and abuse of his very early years away from his real parents had a lingering impact on his life. In the shame and dislocation, in the seeking for connection somewhere, hunting down his family, finding comfort in an alcoholic charge, sharing yarns and companionship in the aboriginal ghetto of whatever city/town he happened to be visiting. The need to support family, to overlook dysfunction and welcome family, support family. Roach says that there's an addictive gene there, but I think it's an outcome of a life of dislocations, where no matter how you try, things slap you in the face and beat you down. Feeling good on a charge or a spliff or putting money through the pokies is some kind of continuity, guaranteed for short term relief of the terrors and disappointments lurking on the edges of your life. Insightful story and without vitriol.

[Michael Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a big, big life. Important, moving and charming - Roach knows how to tell a story.

[Dee Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book and let Archie teach you about love, tolerance, spirituality, overcoming addiction, and the equalizer of music.
There is so much about Archie’s story that hurts my heart, and sadly, he is one of too many who have experienced trauma like his. I highly recommend listening to his music while reading - let it rain on your cheeks.
I hope Australia can improve how it treats the traditional land owners, and in Archie’s words, “Where there is love there is hope.”

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five star read of the year. I couldn't put this book down. One of its most interesting aspects for me is the history of Koori activism in Melbourne discussed in this book, public activism as well as all the community work and self organising by Melbourne's Koori community and the role of community radio like 3CR. I also learnt a lot about the history of Aboriginal communities in Victoria and South Australia. The file notes from his file as a ward of the state and old family photographs that Archie has included in the book are also really astounding. The book made me think a lot about trauma, resilience and survival. He's done a tremendous job and will leave behind an important legacy to young indigenous people through his music and writing.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely thought about picking this up when it came out - I first saw Roach perform in 1990 and most recently in 2019, so I am a long-time fan - but another musician bio didn't motivate me. It was only when I saw reviews from friends that raved about it that I started reading. And silly me - I should have remembered that Roach is a storyteller of the first order, and this book grabs you from the first page and won't let you go.
Roach's story is, of course, compelling, and he brings a depth of reflection to his experiences that makes for immersive reading and further reflection. He manages to avoid simplifications, instead showing the good and the bad in situations and experiences, community and addiction, love and suffering.3
A particular pleasure of the book is getting to know Ruby Hunter. My first experience in 1990 with Roach and Hunter was at a music festival, where the buzz around Roach was huge. I rocked up early to see Archie, but it was Ruby, whom I had never heard of, who blew me away. Roach's love for Hunter comes through strongly, but sometimes she is so far on a pedestal I wanted to go back and listen to her own songs.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best memoir audiobooks I've ever listened to. I pretty much couldn't stop listening once I started. Completely enthralling. I'm not into country music but was entranced with each song that Archie introduced each chapter. He knows how to tell his story and how to write a song. His and Ruby's story are important contributions to understanding First Nations peoples lives.
Highly recommended.

[Brona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

My March book club read was Archie Roach’s Tell Me Why. It was a moving, searingly honest account of his life.

Archie Roach is a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, who was born in Victoria in 1956. He shot to fame in Australia in 1990 with his debut single, Took the Children Away. He was taken from his family, along with some of his siblings, when he was only three years of age. This is a first hand account of the damages caused by being part of the Stolen Generation. My book group found it compelling and heart-breaking, yet ultimately hopeful.

"Sometimes you can go years without really changing as a person. Maybe you get a little rounder, a little balder, but inside you’re the same man."

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don’t know who Archie Roach is, this is worth reading for the powerful and important account of the long-lasting, widespread devastation and very human effects of the Stolen Generation.

Quote from a mother following the death of her son (she and her husband adopted a First Nations child after being told he’d been abandoned): “Here we were, me and Bill, thinking we were going to save Louis from the misery of his people and it turns out, we couldn’t save him from the misery of ours.”

[David McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading “Tell Me Why: The Story of my life and my music” by Archie Roach.

I loved reading this book and would recommend it for everyone to read, especially anyone who considers themselves to be Australian. Archie Roach’s story is part of the Australian Story.

“I believe that all of us living in Australia suffer, at least a little, from dispossession and disconnection that I felt in my younger years that drove me mad and to drink” - Archie Roach

“For so long, we have been divided by ‘isms’ - racism, sexism, fundamentalism, individualism - But when we come back to the place of fire, I believe we will discover there’s far more that connects us than separates us. I believe we will one humanity again, that we will find release, healing and true freedom. 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” - Archie Roach

“People ask me if I ever get sick of singing my song, ‘Took the Children Away’. I tell them it’s my healing song. Through songs, I have been able to deal with the pain and trauma in a more positive way. Every time I sing it, I let a little of the hurt and trauma go. I tell them that one day I will be singing it and it will all go . . . And I will be free” - Archie Roach

This year in 2020 Archie Roach is nominated as the Australian of the year after becoming the Victorian of the year. I can’t imagine it going to a more deserving recipient who truly embodies what it means to be an Australian.

A proud First Nations Person who has taken a life time to discover who he truly is.

“This is the story of anyone who has been stolen from family, who has been searching all their life for their identity, their people, culture and country” - Archie Roach

Thanks Archie Roach for providing the songs that make up the sound track that many of us can identify with. Archie has said that you know me best through my music.

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/austral...

I firmly believe that Archie Roach's story embodies and encapsulates this year's Australia Day message of "Respect. Reflect. Celebrate" and that "We are all part of the story"

https://vimeo.com/380856244

www.australiaday.org.au

In doing so Archie Roach has become one of Australia’s most vital story tellers and the voice of Australia

https://www.abc.net.au/doublej/music-...

https://fbwat.ch/1vdkfKadF1gsIFiK

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a judge for the 2020 Indie Book Awards for which this book was nomimated. My review submitted for the awards is below.
I knew little about Archie Roach before reading this autobiography. I knew he was a musician but that's where it ended, I don't think I could even have told you a song title. This book has changed that in the most wonderful way. To say I loved this book is an understatement. Roach writes beautifully and completely drew me in as he spoke of his childhood and the troubles (and later joy) that followed. Part of the stolen generation, Roach led a tumultuous early life, spending time in foster care (one which was terrible and one that gave him a base of love and kindness) until he set out on his own to find his family and to try and learn who he really was. The chapters of Tell Me Why open with lyrics from his songs and I found myself looking up his music and listening to song after song as I continued to read. This experience of reading a truly wonderful book whilst listening to the same artists music gave me a moment in time that I'm not sure I've had reading before.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Tell Me Why’ is a moving masterpiece, a touching narrative; the memoir of the life and music of Archie Roach.

Each chapter is artfully framed with poetic and profound song lyrics. At 63 years of age, Archie Roach has lived a full and at times treacherous journey.

A survivor of the Stolen Generation, Roach speaks of the trauma suffered by so many, the indescribable scars and the deep sense of displacement from culture, family and home.

Roach has battled through alcoholism, hopelessness, loss of family and has come out the other side as a world-renowned musician with a unique way of turning trauma into magical music that is a healing balm to the deepest of places.

Falling in love with his romantic life companion Ruby and creating a family of his own are of the highest achievements to Roach and are beautifully evident throughout his book.

A truly special book, an inspiring story of an intelligent, spiritual and incredible Indigenous Australian.

[Jessica Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the eAudiobook. It was fascinating and insightful, and brought the odd tear to my eye.

[SteveRrread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me Why is a stunning account of resilience and the strength of spirit ... and of a love story.

Its an autobiography and provides insight of the current topic of the Aboriginal history of Australia told by an Aboriginal.

I heard the audio version. This unusual and special audio production features acoustic samplings from the songs featured, throughout the book, and, at the beginning of each chapter. This provided insight and the background of his music. Apart from Archie being a talented musician, he is an articulate member of the Stolen Generation. I quote the Australian: "this is a phenomenal work by one of the most articulate and recognizable members of the Stolen Generations."

[Ellen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has fundamentally changed the way I think about the narration of trauma and loss. Archie Roach casts an unflinching yet tender gaze to a lifetime of searching for an identity, stolen in childhood. For the pain, loss and suffering the man has endured in his lifetime, this story could have easily been poisoned with bitterness and resentment. But it just isn’t. Archie’s tale of surviving the decimation of Aboriginal community and culture, the devastating ramifications that would haunt his life and his triumphant rise in the Australian country / folk music scene is told with remarkable stoicism and grace.

It is an utterly captivating story that is rare in both its candour and restraint. Listen to the audiobook if you can. The musical interludes between chapters will replenish a shattered heart.

[Liisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When we come back to the place of fire, I believe we will discover there’s far more that connects us than separates us.”

Read in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week, Tell Me Why left me in tears—of heartbreak, of shame, and also, strangely, of hope. This deeply moving memoir is an unflinching look at what it means to grow up without your name, your story, your people—and the lifelong journey of reclaiming all three.

A member of the Stolen Generations, Archie Roach is not just a legendary singer-songwriter, but a truth-teller of the highest order. His story is devastating yet redemptive, full of sorrow and strength. The way he chooses to walk the path of reconciliation, rather than retribution, is humbling.

He doesn’t shy away from the trauma, the pain, or the injustice, but what shines through is resilience, love, and the healing power of music. His words have weight. His voice—on the page and in song—will stay with me.

An essential memoir by a national treasure. 🖤💛❤️

[DJ_Keyser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a firm believer that the quality of a society is determined by the health of its artistic and cultural scenes. Storytelling is one of the most fundamental contributors to social cohesion, and art and culture are the mechanisms through which stories reach a wider audience. Archie Roach’s story is an incredible tale of strength, resilience and compassion in the face of extraordinary hardship and injustice. It’s a lesson to us all, and an invitation to not just look inside of ourselves, but to look at each other, to unify with collective strength and celebrate and uphold the richness of our history instead of focussing on our differences and ignoring and downplaying the tragic mistakes of the past. Listening to this on Audio CD, I heard Archie’s story direct from the man himself, and I found it to be a profoundly moving experience. His spirit remains., and we need it.

[Fran Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional well written book. As I listened to the audio version of this book it gave me an insight into the ‘Stolen Children’ in
Australian history. It was great to hear about Archie’s & Ruby’s determination to speak up!

[Ita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life, told in a raw, honest and warm way. Everyone at the book group meeting today thought the same but we still managed to have a great discussion as there are so many issues to talk about. Highly recommend this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend the audio version. Loved the combination of story and music.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Wow. Archie Roach is an amazing person that has thrived despite difficult conditions.

Archie Roach is a part of the Stolen Generation and has had to deal with the ramifications of colonisation. He was homeless for many years and suffered greatly from alcohol addiction. He dealt with the grief of losing his siblings, losing a child, losing parents, and losing his soulmate. He has lived through so much and yet he continues to make a difference and inspire hope.

I am honestly amazed and overjoyed that there was that instant recognition and familial bond whenever Archie met one of his siblings. It was amazing, as was the instant connection with other Aboriginal people he met throughout his life.

My favourite thing about Archie Roach has and always will be how much he loves his wife Ruby Hunter. From the moment they met they had a connection unlike any other and it never wavered throughout their life together. Archie described it as meeting his soulmate and I've never believed soulmates were a real thing until hearing about Archie and Ruby's love. Even knowing that Ruby Hunter had died it was still incredibly sad to hear about her passing and it brought me to tears.

I highly, HIGHLY, recommend picking up the audiobook. Archie narrates it himself and you can hear the birds in the background which makes it a more intimate experience. He also sings some of his songs throughout the book and it's a wonderful experience. Also hearing the pain in his voice when he talks about losing Ruby was heartbreaking.

[Linley Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn’t a single person alive that shouldn’t read this book. Archie Roach is an exquisite vibrant captivating storyteller, as he tells us the story of his life struggling with the multigenerational trauma and identity loss as a direct consequence of the stolen generation in Australia. Archie speaks of his experience with the deep oppression and systemic racism against Aboriginal Australians and the struggles of being caught in the cycle of oppression, discrimination, poverty and addiction. But most of all he speaks of the love of family, country, music and soul, and a love of his people and identity, with a passion for fighting for equality and recognition. A truly incredible story, and one of the best books I have ever read. I can not rate this high enough. Thank you, Archie.

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to collect my thoughts, but this memoir is truly a roller coaster ride. My emotions were all over the place, but it’s definitely a fascinating read, infinitely interesting, and absolutely important to all Australians, and everyone else too. But if you are Australian, don’t delay in reading this. Though it is a story of one man, it still manages to tell the story of this country we call home, with a genuine voice, a voice that’s been through a lot, has seen a lot, survived through a lot. A voice that needs to be heard.

Full review: https://drinkbooks.blog/2020/08/05/bo...

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncle Archie is one of the strongest and most inspiring people I have ever had the fortune of encountering. I was too young to remember the first time I met him, but I was raised on his music. His stories have been the connection to Australia when I was away. There is nothing quite like having the opportunity to read about one of the most iconic people in your history.

[Sinéad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible journey of pain and discovery. I’ve learnt so much about aboriginal culture from this book, I’ve a new found respect for the power of people and land and the damage caused by cruel policies.

Confronting recanting of alcoholism and pain, didn’t make it an easy read, but then perhaps it shouldn’t be.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written autobiography of the life of a first nation's man who was a victim of the stolen generations in Australia. He has such a way with words, which pulls you into his experiences of life, love, loss and more. I cried a lot while reading this

[Zora · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant classic which had me hooked from the first arresting page. So many tears were shed reading this & so many songs played.

[Sophiealka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm SO glad I read this. I think any Australian will find Roach's story utterly gripping & help them to make sense of their own society & experiences

[Mark Coles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of heartbreaking generosity from one of this country's most important voices, and a companion guide to the music that has spoken on behalf of so many who couldn't.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. His story really came alive for me when I listened to his own recounting of his life.