Historical Revisionism

Keating! The Musical

All lyrics written and copyrighted by Casey Bennetto, 2004.

Annotations written by Loki Carbis, 2009. The assistance and advice of Casey Bennetto in the creation of these annotations is gratefully acknowledged.
This page is intended for informational purposes only.

The 1996 Federal Election was held on March 2. Keating’s ALP government was swept from power, losing 31 seats. At no point was the result in much doubt.Scrutineer: The ’96 election is still hanging by a thread
And the last of the electorates is gonna bring it to a head
In each performance of “Keating!”, the location of the booth is that of the theatre in which that night’s show is running.
One tiny booth in Surry Hills has not returned its choice
Is it Keating, is it Howard? Let your verdict find its voice.

Band: (whisper) Keating, Keating, Keating!
Scrutineer: The same name just keeps repeating
Band: (louder) Keating, Keating, Keating!
Keating: I can feel my heart start beating
Band: (louder still) Keating, Keating, Keating!
Howard: No way! That’s wrong! That’s cheating!
Band: (Loudest) Keating, Keating, Keating, Keating, Keating, Keating, Keating!

Keating: I thought no victory could be sweeter
I thought no day could dawn so bright
I thank my lovely wife Annita
She’s been out the back all night

Don’t need no glorious procession
Don’t need no streamers to be tossed
I just want to hear this man’s concession
Historically, John Howard never apologizes for anything, something that caused him some embarrassment in 2008 when he made remarks that could be construed as an apology.Howard: Well I’m sorry … that I lost.

Keating: And I’m the boss,

‘Cos I am, I am the ruler of the land
They tell me I’m the man
Band: who da man?
Keating: who da man?
Band: you da man!
Keating: – yes I am.
I am the ruler of the land
They tell me I’m the man
Band: who da man?
Keating: who da man?
Band: you da man!
Keating: I am, I am, I am!
All: KEATING!
[PARTY POPPERS!]

Previous Song The Light on the Hill
Keating Annotations Home | Primary Sources