Waltzing Matilda: A Song about Oportunistic Sheep Rustling, Drowning in Bilabongs, a Jolly Swagman's Ghost, and the Implied Dangers of Drop Bears
Humor / Music
"Waltzing Matilda" holds a cherished place in the hearts of Australians, often regarded as the country's unofficial anthem. Many Australians prefer it over the official national anthem, "Advance Australia Fair." This song encapsulates a pivotal moment in Australian history, a time when the land was still largely untamed, bushrangers were as infamous as the outlaws of the American Wild West, and drifters roamed the countryside in search of work.
Origins and Cultural Significance
The lyrics of "Waltzing Matilda" were penned by the Australian poet Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson in 1895. The melody, to which the lyrics are set, was composed by Christina Macpherson. Macpherson played a piece from memory, a tune she had heard years earlier but could not distinctly recall. Banjo saw potential in the melody, and together, they created "Waltzing Matilda." It is now believed that the tune was based on the Scottish folk song "Thou Bonnie Wood of Craigielea."
Understanding the Slang
The song's heavy use of old-fashioned Australian slang can make it difficult to understand for anyone outside of Australia, and even for many modern Australians. Despite this, the story told in "Waltzing Matilda" is relatively simple and straightforward.
Jolly Swagman: A swagman was a traveling laborer who carried his belongings in a swag (a bundle or pack). In the song, the "jolly swagman" sets up camp next to a billabong.
Billabong: A billabong is a large pond or a lake. The swagman camps by the billabong, waiting for his billy (a small pot used to boil water) to boil so he can make tea.
Jumbuck: A jumbuck is a sheep. When a sheep happens by, the swagman catches it, intending to make a meal out of it.
Squatter and Troopers: The squatter, who owns the land and the sheep, arrives with three troopers (police officers). They catch the swagman in the act of stealing the sheep.
Swagman’s Fate: Realizing he faces severe punishment, the swagman declares they will never take him alive. He jumps into the billabong and drowns. Legend has it that his ghost still haunts the billabong, singing "you'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."
Decoding "Waltzing Matilda"
The song's title and chorus contain the phrase "waltzing Matilda," which can be confusing. "Matilda" was an affectionate nickname for a swag, the pack in which swagmen carried their belongings. The origins of this nickname are uncertain, ranging from it being the name of a swagman's wife to it simply being a common female name among swagmen.
The term "waltz," despite its association with the dance, here means to walk. It is thought to be derived from the German phrase "auf der Walz," which refers to the tradition of journeymen craftsmen traveling after completing their apprenticeships. Thus, "waltzing Matilda" means traveling with one's swag slung over the shoulder, in search of work.
A Window into Australian History
"Waltzing Matilda" is more than just a song; it is a window into a unique period in Australian history. It reflects the lifestyle and struggles of the swagmen, the vast and untamed landscape, and the sense of adventure and independence that characterized the Australian bush. This song, with its simple yet poignant story, continues to resonate with Australians and serves as a reminder of the nation's cultural heritage.
WALTZING MATILDA (by Slim Dusty) V1: Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade of a coolibah tree, He sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me Chorus: Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me He sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled, you'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me V2: Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee, he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag, you'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me Chorus: Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda you'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag, You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me V3: Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred, Up rode the troopers, one, two, three, With the jolly jumbuck that you've got in your tucker bag? You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me. Chorus: Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me With the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag? You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, you scoundrel with me. V4: Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong, You'll never take me alive, said he, And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong, you'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me. Chorus: Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong, You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me. REPEAT CHORUS End: You’ll come a Waltzing Matilda with me.