Annotations written by Loki Carbis, 2009; revised in 2014 & 2025.
The assistance and advice of Casey Bennetto in the creation of these annotations is gratefully acknowledged.
This page is intended for informational purposes only.
Gareth Evans: It’s always the same, whenever she walks by
My face is aflame, and my mouth goes dry
My pulse is racing, and my heart goes pit-a-pat
And I yearn for Cheryl Kernot, Democrat1Senator Cheryl Kernot was the leader of the Australian Democrats from 1993 through to 1997, when she abruptly defected to the ALP. Her affair with Gareth Evans, which began during the Keating years, did not come to the public’s knowledge until well after the downfall of the Keating government, but is widely believed to have affected Evans’ judgement while he served in the Keating government.
Cheryl Kernot: Ever since I was young, just a little girl
I’ve been wanting someone to show me the world.
And he’s done everything and he’s been everywhere
He’s Gareth Evans, my Foreign Affair2Senator Gareth Evans was indeed Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Keating government, in addition to being the head of the ALP in the upper house.
Gareth Evans: My heart’s in peril, Cheryl
Surely I will fall
Cheryl Kernot: Heavens, Mister Evans
How I tremble at your call
Gareth & Cheryl: But we owe it to our parties to try to break that spell
Cheryl Kernot: And also, aren’t you married?
Gareth Evans: Yes I am – that as well!3Both Evans and Kernot were married, although Kernot has since divorced.
You get under my skin like no woman before
And by the bear on my chin I swear: I want more!
You’re an innocent soul, idealistic and free
But baby, baby, won’t you give your preference to me?
Cheryl Kernot:: So seductive and strong – you’re a party machine
Though I know that it’s wrong, I’m a little too green4The Australian Democrats were traditionally a left wing party, especially in environmental matters
Gareth Evans: You’re such a lady of light!
Cheryl Kernot: Such a powerful brute!5How much of a brute Evans may have been is unclear; however, Gareth Evans is known to have been the first person to say “fuck” in the Senate. (Or at least, the first to be recorded saying “fuck” in Hansard.)
Gareth & Cheryl: Such a thrill to nibble on forbidden fruit!
Gareth Evans: My heart’s in peril, Cheryl
Lovin’ you so much
Cheryl Kernot: Heavens, Mister Evans
How I tingle at your touch
Gareth & Cheryl: We’re equally enamoured, but differently aligned
Gareth Evans: And also, aren’t you married?
Cheryl Kernot: Yes I am
Gareth Evans: As am I!
Gareth & Cheryl: Never mind!
Why – i – yi – i -yi – i – yi?6The relationship between Kernot and Evans ended in 1999, the same year that Evans left Parliament. Kernot would hold her seat of Dickson until 2001, when she was ousted by the Liberal Party’s Peter Dutton.
Gareth Evans: Oh Cheryl…
Cheryl Kernot: Gareth…7The bespectacled blonde woman seen laughing in the audience at various points during this song on the DVD version is the actual Cheryl Kernot.
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