Banjo Paterson, an Australian poet and songwriter, is celebrated for his vivid portrayals of rural life.
With a connection to the land, Paterson’s simple yet powerful storytelling continues to resonate with audiences, making him one of Australia’s most cherished literary figures.
His writing often reflects the challenges faced by those living in the Australian wilderness
About the Song
Waltzing Matilda tells the story of a man who steals a sheep and is pursued by police.
As he escapes, he decides to end his life rather than face capture. The song is known for its catchy tune and reflection of Australia’s history, particularly the tough times faced by early settlers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1895 |
| Writer | Banjo Paterson |
Lyrics of Waltzing Matilda
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
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”
And he sang as he watched and waited ’til his billy boiled,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Down came a jumbuck to drink at that billabong,
Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee,
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three,
“Where’s that jolly jumbuck you’ve got in your tucker bag?”
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”
“Where’s that jolly jumbuck you’ve got in your tucker bag?”,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong,
“You’ll never catch me alive”, said he,
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me”
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,
“You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.”
“Oh, You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.”
Similar Songs Like Waltzing Matilda
Many songs often tell stories of Australian life, combining adventure and history. Here are some similar songs to Waltzing Matilda that share the same essence of Australian storytelling.
- The Man from Snowy River: This song recounts the daring chase of a wild horse through the Snowy Mountains, showcasing Australian bravery and skill.
- Clancy of the Overflow: In this song, a city man dreams of the simpler, freer life of a stockman, longing for a life in nature.
- The Drover’s Dream: A dream journey of a drover’s life is captured, full of encounters with wild animals and the vast, open outback.
Similar Songwriters Like Banjo Paterson
There are other songwriters share a similar storytelling style like Banjo Paterson:
- Henry Lawson
Genre: Australian folk, poetry
Top albums: The Songs of Henry Lawson (1992), The Henry Lawson Collection (1993) - Jim Morrison
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Top albums: The Doors (1967), Strange Days (1967) - Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk, rock, country
Top albums: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963), Blonde on Blonde (1966) - John Williamson
Genre: Country, Australian folk
Top albums: The Big Red (1985), True Blue (1982) - Townes Van Zandt
Genre: Country, folk
Top albums: Our Mother the Mountain (1969), Townes Van Zandt (1969)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired Banjo Paterson to Write Waltzing Matilda?
Banjo Paterson was inspired by a story of a swagman who had been accused of sheep rustling, reflecting Australia’s rural life and the struggles of the working class.
What does the Term Waltzing Mean in Waltzing Matilda?
In this context, waltzing refers to carrying a swag (a bundle of belongings) over the shoulder while walking, a common practice for travelers in Australia.
Who are the Main Characters in Waltzing Matilda?
The main characters are the swagman, a jumbuck (sheep), a trooper (police officer), and the cook at the camp.
