Politicians reveal song in their heart

Politicians revealed hidden depths when they divulged their favourite songs on a radio show.

Prime Minister Helen Clark played it safe when she selected Poi-E as her top pick for National Radio's "best song ever written" segment.

The song, No. 1 for four weeks in 1984, was produced by Dalvanius Prime and sung by the Patea Maori Club - formed after the freezing works in the Taranaki town shut down.

"I think that song expressed the spirit of the people - they weren't going to be daunted by it," Helen Clark said.

National leader Don Brash opted for I Know Him So Well by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson - a song about the angst of losing one's man.

"Wasn't it good? Wasn't he fine? Isn't it madness he can't be mine?" the song goes.

Dr Brash has had some experience of women wanting him - he's married twice.

He said he chose the song because he loved the music and thought the singers' performance "magnificent".

United Future leader Peter Dunne selected I Am A Rock, by Simon and Garfunkel.

Mr Dunne told the show he liked the song's melody. And while the lyrics could appear negative - "I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island. And a rock feels no pain, and an island never cries" - that wasn't how he read them.

"They are about self-reliance, standing up for yourself and being proud." Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons chose Pink Floyd song Shine On You Crazy Diamond, which was played at the funeral of late co-leader Rod Donald in November.

She found the song "incredibly positive".

"It's saying even when things are really shitty it can still be good ... It's very rich and layered and there's a lot more to it than a lot of popular songs."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters chose the Frank Sinatra signature tune My Way, a selection the show's presenter found difficult to believe was not meant to send a message.

"No," Mr Peters said.

" 'I did it My Way' is about life's not easy, it's not a soft landing most times ... but you've got to get yourself back up and get back in the race."

- NZPA