"Waltzing Matilda" - Australian Folk Song

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‘Waltzing Matilda’ is one of Australia's most famous and beloved songs, often referred to as Australia's ‘unofficial national anthem’. The lyrics were written by poet Benjo Paterson in 1895 and the music was composed by Christine Macpherson. The song tells the story of a swagman tramp who is travelling with Matilda, his shoulder bag, whom he ‘waltzes’ (the expression ‘to waltz Matilda’ means to go on the road with a bag on his shoulder).

The plot of the song revolves around a swagman who steals a lamb to satisfy his hunger and takes refuge at a waterhole. However, he is followed by the owner of the sheep with policemen. Facing arrest, the swagman chooses to jump into the pond and drown, and since then his soul is supposedly haunted near the place.

The song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ has several versions and arrangements, and its popularity has only grown over the years. It has become a symbol of Australian culture and identity, reminding us of the wanderlust, freedom and adventurousness that are part of Australia's national character.

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