Performances
Purchases
The International Home of 'Waltzing Matilda'
'The Creation of Waltzing Matilda' is recognised as the most referenced and academic article ever written on the subject... 'Waltzing Matilda'.
Over the last one hundred years many people have alluded to Banjo Paterson’s love affair with Christina Macpherson at the time ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was written. But this was not the only factor in the creation of Australia’s unofficial national anthem, which was also a product of violent conflict during the 1894 shearers’ strike.
Have you ever wondered why we sing 'Waltzing Matilda'?
Do you know what the phrase 'Waltzing Matilda' really means?
Why did Banjo Paterson write this love song?
Did the swagman really drown in the billa-bong or was he shot by the squatter or one of the three policeman?
Waltzing Matilda has found its' way from the remote Western Queensland plains to every corner of the earth, and the swagman (or Jolly Swagman as he is now known) has become a symbol of Australian identity. Yet sadly today, over one hundred years after Waltzing Matilda was written, very few Australians know the true story behind the song, let alone the meaning of Waltzing Matilda.
The Waltzing Matilda Tunes
There are a number of recognised versions of the tune available. The links below allow download of each version.