Meaning of "Rip Rip Woodchip" by John Williamson

"Rip Rip Woodchip" by John Williamson is a song that addresses the destruction of the Australian bush due to logging and the conversion of trees into woodchip for paper. The lyrics convey the narrator's emotional connection to the bush, referring to it as sacred and emphasizing the importance of preserving ancient life. The repeated phrase "Rip rip woodchip" serves as a chant against the process of turning trees into paper and throwing it away, symbolizing the disregard for nature's value.

The song reflects a concern for the future, with the narrator questioning what they can do to protect the environment. They express a sense of urgency, urging the need to draw the line and take action without delay. The line "Over the hill they go, killing another mountain" highlights the destructive nature of the logging industry, as mountains and scenery are wiped out to meet quotas. The use of the simile "One big swipe like a shearer's blow" conveys the speed and force with which the destruction occurs.

The lyrics also pay homage to the past and the traditional methods of timber harvesting employed by axemen. The narrator remembers the respect those axemen had for the bush, carefully bringing down trees and using specific timber types like blackbutt, tallowood, and cedar. They contrast this with the current state of affairs, where the focus is on quick and mass production.

The identification with the bush and the koala symbolizes the deep connection the narrator feels to the environment. They see themselves as part of the natural world and emphasize the unity between humans and nature. Referencing Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, iconic Australian poets associated with the bush, further reinforces the sense of pride and heritage tied to the land.

Overall, "Rip Rip Woodchip" conveys a message of environmental activism and the need to protect the bush from destruction. The lyrics criticize the logging industry's disregard for the environment and advocate for a more sustainable and respectful approach towards nature.