"Waltzing Matilda" had a chance of becoming Australia's national anthem in the 1970s/1980s. Back in 1973 then Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam wanted a new national anthem instead of "God Save the Queen" and a competition was held. None of the new entries was considered worthy enough, so the existing songs "Advance Australia Fair", "Waltzing Matilda" and "Song of Australia" were proposed. A 1974 national poll found that "Advance Australia Fair" was the most popular choice. In 1977 the Fraser government held a referendum and attached a national plebiscite to choose the National song. "Advance Australia Fair" won with 43%, "Waltzing Matilda" with 28% and "Song of Australia" with 10%, keeping "God Save the Queen" had 19%. Finally in 1984 the Hawke government adopted "Advance Australia Fair" as the national anthem. For "Waltzing Matilda" to become the Australian national anthem would require an extremely wide-spread ground swell of popular support, intense lobbying of federal members and probably another naitonal plebiscite to confirm its choice. Timing would be important, perhaps during next serious fling at becoming a Republic: some will argue for a new national anthem, not to mention a new flag. Fortunately enough people regard the choice of a song about an itinerant stealing a sheep and drowning rather than be taken into custody as somewhat less dignified as the nation's anthem than the present choice.
Waltzing Matilda is considered the non-official Australian anthem.
Waltzing Matilda is considered an old country Australian folk song and a bush ballad.
Waltzing Matilda is not a person. A Matilda was a swag, or the simple, basic belongings that a swagman carried with him as he roamed the Australian bush or outback, looking for work or a handout. A Matilda usually consisted of nothing more than a blanket, a billy and/or cooking pot, and maybe a spare shirt, if he was lucky. To go "waltzing Matilda" with someone was a colloquialism for joining a swagman on his travels, living free and unencumbered on the bush road.
Banjo Paterson, the Australian poet, journalist, and author, was born on February 17, 1864, and passed away on February 5, 1941. This means he lived for nearly 77 years. Paterson is best known for his iconic works such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River." His contributions to Australian literature have left a lasting legacy.
The Australian national anthem is titled "Advance Australia Fair". It was nearly "Waltzing Matilda". This has become Australia's second, or unofficial anthem.
Waltzing Matilda is considered the non-official Australian anthem.
Yes. Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda.
'Waltzing Matilda' was written by Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson, a significant Australian author and poet of the late 19th and early 20th century.
The words to Waltzing Matilda were written by AB 'Banjo' Paterson.
Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Paterson
The current polymer Australian Ten Dollar note has Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson (balladist & journalist) on the front and Dame Mary Gilmore (poet & human rights campaigner) on the back. The $10 note only has the words "Waltzing Matilda" on it. The text along the bottom of the note are excerpts from "The Man From Snowy River". "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man From Snowy River" are both the work of Banjo Paterson.
Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda is considered an old country Australian folk song and a bush ballad.
Banjo Paterson is featured on the Australian $10 note as a tribute to his significant contributions to Australian literature and culture. He is best known for his iconic poems, such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River," which capture the spirit of the Australian bush and the experiences of its people. The inclusion of Paterson on the note reflects Australia's appreciation for its literary heritage and the role of storytelling in shaping national identity.
the waltz-from the well known Australian song Waltzing Matilda