[Editor: A song published in The Sydney Herald, 15 October 1841. This song was based upon a poem by Eliza Hamilton Dunlop, set to music by Isaac Nathan. There are some significant differences between the song and the original poem.] The Aboriginal Mother. “Only one female … [Read more...] about The Aboriginal Mother [song by Eliza Hamilton Dunlop, 15 October 1841]
songs
Keep Australia White! [song by P. F. Collins, circa 1901-1918]
[Editor: A song by P. F. Collins. Published as a single-sided song sheet, ca. 1901-1918.] Australia’s song Keep Australia White! You sons of young Australia, Come listen to my song, I’ll tell you a little story That won’t detain you long: We’ve had good statesmen … [Read more...] about Keep Australia White! [song by P. F. Collins, circa 1901-1918]
The Song of the New-Chum [song, 19 September 1885]
[Editor: A song written about newly-arrived immigrants to Australia. Published in The Capricornian, 19 September 1885.] The Song of the New-Chum. Oh the wide rolling downs of Australia The beautiful land of the South, Where the sun shines with brightest effulgence Far … [Read more...] about The Song of the New-Chum [song, 19 September 1885]
Unfurl the Flag [song, 16 December 1882]
[Editor: A song published in The Herald, 16 December 1882. The words were written by Francis Hart, whilst some music for it was composed by Sir William C. F. Robinson (Governor of South Australia, 1883-1889).] [Unfurl the Flag] The following are the words of the Patriotic … [Read more...] about Unfurl the Flag [song, 16 December 1882]
Song [Of Britain’s Fair Daughters] [song, 15 October 1840]
[Editor: An untitled song, published in the Australasian Chronicle, 15 October 1840.] Song. Of Britain’s fair daughters, whose glory and fame Have added a wreath to her time honoured name — O give me the pride of the vast southern sea, The youngest, the fairest — … [Read more...] about Song [Of Britain’s Fair Daughters] [song, 15 October 1840]
The Girl in the Pines [song, 13 November 1917]
[Editor: A song printed during the First World War. Published in The Forbes Advocate, 13 November 1917.] The Girl in the Pines (Written for “The Forbes Advocate” by “Old Hand.”) On a snow-covered field he was dying, With a comrade supporting his head; On a … [Read more...] about The Girl in the Pines [song, 13 November 1917]
Justices and Old Bailey [song, circa 1780-1812]
[Editor: A broadsheet song about the transportation of convicts to Australia. Published by J. Evans of London, between 1780 and 1812.] Justices and Old Bailey. Evans, Printer, Long lane, London Here’s adieu to your judges and juries, Justices and Old Bailey … [Read more...] about Justices and Old Bailey [song, circa 1780-1812]
Happy Tassy: A Long Way after Little Jack Sheppard [song, 5 September 1896]
[Editor: A sarcastic Tasmanian song (adapted from the popular song “Botany Bay”, from the stage show “Little Jack Sheppard”, 1885). Published in The Clipper, 5 September 1896.] Happy Tassy. A Long Way after Little Jack Sheppard. We’re abiding in prosperous … [Read more...] about Happy Tassy: A Long Way after Little Jack Sheppard [song, 5 September 1896]
Anniversary meeting [including a song by Michael Massey Robinson, 3 February 1825]
[Editor: A report on a celebratory dinner (held on Wednesday 26 January 1825) to commemorate the founding of the colony of New South Wales. Includes the list of toasts, and a song by Michael Massey Robinson. Published in The Australian, 3 February 1825. The song was also … [Read more...] about Anniversary meeting [including a song by Michael Massey Robinson, 3 February 1825]
The Wild Colonial Boy [song, 22 August 1913]
[Editor: An extract from the “On the Wallaby” column, published in The Northern Miner, 22 August 1913.] [The Wild Colonial Boy] We have often been asked, and several friends have asked us recently again, for the words of that one-time — long, long ago — most popular of … [Read more...] about The Wild Colonial Boy [song, 22 August 1913]
The Bold Jack Donohue [song, 29 August 1903]
[Editor: A song about Jack Donohue, the bushranger. Published in the Evening News, 29 August 1903.] The Bold Jack Donohue. To the Editor of the “Evening News.” Sir. — I see by this evening’s “News” your account of Bold Jack Donohoe, the Bushranger. A curious … [Read more...] about The Bold Jack Donohue [song, 29 August 1903]
Australia’s Flag [song by “Kookaburra”, 31 January 1919]
[Editor: A song by “Kookaburra”. Published in The Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 31 January 1919.] Australia’s Flag. Hark, how the dogs of war do bark, The cannons loudly roar, Though many thousands do embark; They’re calling … [Read more...] about Australia’s Flag [song by “Kookaburra”, 31 January 1919]
This Bit of the World Belongs to Us [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, circa 1909]
[Editor: A song by “Dryblower” Murphy about the visit of the American fleet to Australia in 1908. Written for the pantomime “Jack & Jill” (1908), this version was based upon his song “We’ve Got a Big Brother in America” (1908). From the sheet music published circa … [Read more...] about This Bit of the World Belongs to Us [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, circa 1909]
“We’ve Got a Big Brother in America” [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, (written 1908) published circa 1924]
[Editor: A song by “Dryblower” Murphy about the visit of the American fleet to Australia in 1908. From the sheet music published circa 1924.] “We’ve Got a Big Brother in America” Written and Composed by “Dryblower” Murphy. Ship O’ war from Yankee land, anchor’d in the … [Read more...] about “We’ve Got a Big Brother in America” [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, (written 1908) published circa 1924]
The Convicts’ Departure [song, 1790]
[Editor: Published in The Political Songster, by John Freeth, 1790.] The Convicts’ Departure. Tune --- Early one morn a jolly brisk Tar. What if the parting day is at hand, Never at fate be railing, Though from a rich and plentiful land, We must be quickly … [Read more...] about The Convicts’ Departure [song, 1790]
Botany Bay: A New Song [song, November 1786]
[Editor: Published in The Country Magazine, November 1786.] For the Country Magazine Botany Bay. A New Song. Let us drink a good health to our schemers above, Who at length have contriv’d from this land to remove Thieves, robbers, and villains, and send them … [Read more...] about Botany Bay: A New Song [song, November 1786]
Song of the Stockman [song, 28 June 1884]
[Editor: This song was part of a story by Grosvenor Bunster, entitled “A Terrible Legacy: A Story of English and Australian Life”; in the narrative, the song is sung by Tom Grist, who attributes it to a tramp named “Frank the Poet”. Published in The Riverine Grazier, 28 June … [Read more...] about Song of the Stockman [song, 28 June 1884]
A Ballad for the Brutal [song, 22 February 1882]
[Editor: A song published in The South Bourke & Mornington Journal, 22 February 1882.] A Ballad for the Brutal. The crimes of larrikins are found So much increased of late, Accompanied by violence Alarming to the State; And the practice of assaulting Has grown to … [Read more...] about A Ballad for the Brutal [song, 22 February 1882]
[A Very Sad Account of Van Dieman’s Land (the “Lament” of Sarah Collins); and The London ’Prentice-Boy] [two songs, April 1839]
[Editor: Two songs regarding two British convicts who had been transported to Australia. The first song was said to have been written by Sarah Collins, a convict in Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania); the second song is the tale of an English apprentice boy who was led into committing … [Read more...] about [A Very Sad Account of Van Dieman’s Land (the “Lament” of Sarah Collins); and The London ’Prentice-Boy] [two songs, April 1839]
I’m Going Back Again to Yarrawonga [song by Neil McBeath, ca.1919]
[Editor: This song, written by Neil McBeath, would appear to be the source for the well-know Australian phrase “I’ll linger longer in Yarrawonga”. Published about 1919.] I’m Going Back Again to Yarrawonga Song Written, Composed & Sung in France Corp. Neil … [Read more...] about I’m Going Back Again to Yarrawonga [song by Neil McBeath, ca.1919]
The Bare Belled Ewe [song, 5 December 1891 (“Click Go the Shears”)]
[Editor: This is the earliest known printed version of “Click Go the Shears”. Published in The Bacchus Marsh Express, 5 December 1891.] The Bare Belled Ewe. (Tune — “Ring the bell, watchman.”) Oh, down at the catching pen an old shearer stands, Grasping his shears in … [Read more...] about The Bare Belled Ewe [song, 5 December 1891 (“Click Go the Shears”)]
Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
[Updated 31 January 2022, with videos.] Under the Southern Cross I stand, A sprig of wattle in my hand, A native of my native land, Australia, you f***ing beauty! This poem is one used by the Australian cricket team as their “victory song”; to be recited by the team … [Read more...] about Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
Badger, My Gray [song, 13 October 1894]
[Editor: A song published in The Queenslander, 13 October 1894.] Badger, My Gray. (Supplied by R.C.L., Forest Vale.) The coachman may boast of the speed of his mail, The conductor may talk of his steam and his rail, But for travelling long journeys on day after … [Read more...] about Badger, My Gray [song, 13 October 1894]
A Patriotic Song [song by Agnes L. Storrie]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes L. Storrie was published in Poems, 1909.] A Patriotic Song. Australia! heiress of the years, Set in thy circling ocean, Dear native land ! by this right hand I pledge thee my devotion. Here is mine arm for thy defence, True as the cross … [Read more...] about A Patriotic Song [song by Agnes L. Storrie]
A Song [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes L. Storrie was published in Poems, 1909.] A Song. There is no day When thou’rt away, No hour of these so fraught with pain. So full of gloom, But learns to bloom, Remembering thou wilt come again. Oh! had’st thou heard How every … [Read more...] about A Song [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]