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Waltzing MatildaAustralia's inofficial national anthemWaltzing Matilda is certainly Australia's most popular folk song, an example of Australian folklore. Andrew Barton "Banjo" Patterson, journalist, author and bush poet, wrote the lyrics during a visit on Dagworth station near Winton, Qld., while the tune is connected to Christina Macpherson. 
Why is the song so popular? Waltzing Matilda captures the Aussies sense of freedom and independence. The story is about a travelling worker (swagman) who camped by a billabong, and stole a sheep to have a meal with his billy tea. When the owner of the jumbock arrived with the police at the scene, the swagman rather drowned himself than going to prison. Waltzing Matilda has never been Australia's national anthem, but it is sung on many public occasions. It is Australian culture! Waltzing Matilda A. B. (Banjo) Patterson - 1895
Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade of a coolibah tree, And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled "Who'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me?" (Refrain) Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda Who'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled, "Who'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me?" Along came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee, And he sang as he stowed that jumbuck in his tucker bag, "You'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me". Refrain Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred, Down came the troopers, one, two, three, "Whose is that jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?" "You'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me". Refrain Up jumped the swagman, leapt into the billabong, "You'll never catch me alive," said he, And his ghost may be heard as you pass by the billabong, "Who'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me". Refrain Listen to John Williamson's rugby version of Waltzing Matilda John Williamson led 100.000 voices in stadium Australia to sing the anthem at the Rugby Union "Bledisloe Cup" game. Turn on the volume, and let this song send shivers down your spine :). Want to listen to typical Aussie music? Browse the Outback guide's Australian souvenirs stores for Australian bush and country music, rock music and more. |
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