Prologue -- pt. 1. Took the children away -- pt. 2. One for each person and one for the pot -- pt. 3. I'm so lonesome I could cry -- pt. 4. Tell me why -- pt. 5. F Troop -- pt. 6. Rally round the drum -- pt. 7. Nopun Kurongk (Go to the river) -- pt. 8. A child was born here -- pt. 9. Just a closer walk with thee -- pt. 10. Open up your eyes -- pt. 11. Down city streets -- pt. 12. Little by little -- pt. 13. The jetty song -- pt. 14. Small child -- pt. 15. Lighthouse (song for two mothers) -- pt. 16. Let love rule -- pt. 17. Always be here -- pt. 18. Place of fire -- CODA -- Discography -- A special acknowledgment -- Acknowledgments.

A powerful memoir of a true Australian legend: stolen child, musical and lyrical genius, and leader. No one has lived as many lives as Archie Roach - stolen child, seeker, teenage alcoholic, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, and leader - but it took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was. Roach was only two years old when he was forcibly removed from his family. Brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, his world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. In this intimate, moving and often shocking memoir, Archie's story is an extraordinary odyssey through love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal - and the healing power of music. Overcoming enormous odds to find his story and his people, Archie voices the joy, pain and hope he found on his path through song to become the legendary singer-songwriter and storyteller that he is today - beloved by fans worldwide. Tell Me Why is a stunning account of resilience and the strength of spirit - and of a great love story.

Winner 2020 Indie Book of the Year Award for Non-fiction.
Winner 2021 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Indigenous Writing.