‘May it carry her safely’: The Seekers pay tribute to Judith Durham with unreleased song at state funeral

Beloved Australian singer of The Seekers, Judith Durham, has been honoured with a touching tribute at her state funeral on September 6, by the late music legend’s fellow band members with an unreleased song.

The song, Carry Me, featuring Durham’s vocals and written by one of the founding members of the folk-pop band, Bruce Woodley, was created for those seeking inner peace and offered as a gift to celebrate the late singer’s life.

A brand new song ‘Carry Me’ from The Seekers to close tonight’s Judith Durham State Memorial. Her voice, so angelic, a beautiful tribute. Our national treasure. Rest In Peace Judith. pic.twitter.com/eSydBZ3Zog

— Brian Peel (@Brian_Peel) September 6, 2022

“This song is now our collective gift to share with you tonight as we celebrate Judith’s magnificent gift to us all,” said the band’s double bass player Athol Guy.

“May it carry her safely on the rest of her journey.”

The beautiful song brought a tear to the eyes of many as Durham’s vocals rang out, singing the touching lyrics.

“You’re on your journey home, your words of wisdom come to me / Through all the years of doubt, the rhymes and harmony / All the secrets of the heart, I will miss your company,” Durham sang.

“You carry me / Carry me / On wings so high I will be set free / And your love will carry me.”

The lyrics included the touching line “We will meet again someday / We’ll meet again, I know it in my heart”, bringing comfort to those in mourning.

Durham’s moving service included tributes from musical legends such David Campbell, The Wiggles, Dami Im, and Deborah Cheetham.

Farewell #judithdurham
All bound for morningtown
10Q 10Q pic.twitter.com/r7bl0Jv1Sw

— Dobbo (@Dobboinaus) September 6, 2022

Beautiful & moving rendition of The Carnival Is Over by @DavidCampbell73 – trying to hold the tears back but failing ????#judithdurham

— nils285 (@nils285) September 6, 2022

Recorded tributes from other entertainment legends like Kate Ceberano, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Joanna Lumley and Rick Springfield, were also played at the memorial.

The late singer’s nephew Tony Sheehan gave the Georgy Girl’s eulogy, providing fans with stories from the singer’s life.

“Judith faced death as she faced everything: with calm and strength,” he said.

“Divine singer, voice of a generation and faultlessly generous soul, we will miss you, but we are so proud of you.”

Durham died while in palliative care on Friday, August 5, after suffering complications from chronic lung disease.

The musical icon’s management released a statement on Saturday, August 6 announcing the iconic singer’s passing.

“After a brief stay in the Alfred Hospital, Judith was admitted to Palliative Care on Friday 5 August, where she passed away peacefully that evening,” her management said.

Listen to The Seekers’ new song released in remembrance of Durham here.