Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Kelly & his music

1. Questions about songs and lyrics

1.1 Too Her Door

1.1.1 What is the song Too Her Door all about?
It's about a family who are doing it tough and split up because things aren't going too well. The husband takes off to sort himself out (see The Buttery) and eventually thinks that he's well enough to come back and rejoin the family.

1.1.2 What and where is The Buttery?
The Buttery is located on the north coast of NSW at place called Binna Burra near Byron Bay. It used to be an old butter factory once but has become a detox clinic for adults addicted to alcohol or drugs. More information about this facility can be found on their webpage.

Over the years Paul has alternated his use of The Buttery with "the Murray" and "the north coast", possibly to make it less confusing for certain audiences.

1.1.3 What does Olympic refer to in this song?
Paul says Olympic refers to a bus company that was running at the time but noone else seems to remember it. OPH also have the theory that it could mean the Olympic Tyres on whatever vehicle he was in. Or possibly the Olympic Highway, but that would mean he'd be taking the wrong way home. But then if you didn't hear the word Olympic clearly you could think you heard limpet.

1.2 Everything's Turning To White

1.2.1 Who is Raymond Carver and what connection does he have to the song?
Raymond Carver (1938-1988) was an American short story writer and poet who has published 14 major collections of his work. Raymond wrote a story called So Much Water So Close To Home which inspired Paul's musical interpretation. Find out more about Raymond at Carver Web. This song appears on the album So Much Water So Close To Home.

1.2.2 Isn't the same story told in the film Short Cuts?
Yes, it's the same story as one of those played out in the Robert Altman directed film Short Cuts.

1.2.3 Isn't it also the same story as the movie Jindabyne?
Well, yeah, it's the same again! Paul has also contributed music to the soundtrack.

1.3 Little Kings

1.3.1 Who, specifically, is Paul refering to in this song?

Paul has deliberately not picked names to go with the characters in this song suggesting that the listener should decide for him/herself who the 'Little Kings' were in relation to their environment and experience.

1.4 Cover versions Paul and bands have performed

1.5 Who has covered Paul Kelly songs?

Outlined in Part III of the Discography.