Folk Song for October 2022: Waltzing Matilda

This is the much-beloved, unofficial anthem of Australia. There it is often sung by large crowds at sporting events and other public gatherings. It's often performed at folk festivals in North America, the UK, and elsewhere around the globe as well. So fun to sing!

Unless you’re from the Land Down Under, you’re likely to need an explanation of the lyrics! 

There are many, many variations of the lyrics, but these verses seem to be fairly standard at this point in the song’s long history, and they align most closely with the classic recording by Australian folk singer Slim Dusty.

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 till 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;

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;

He sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,

"You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me.”

Up rose the squatter, mounted on his thorough-bred;

Up rode 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"

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!”

Lynn's Youtube Playlist for AO Folk Songs 2022-2023

Our helpful intro post is sure to liven up your folk song adventures.

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