[Editor: Some letters to a newspaper, both for and against the playing of “Advance Australia Fair” in movie theatres and on the radio. Published in The Argus (Melbourne), 8 December 1943.] That promoted song Sir: I have read with mixed feelings letters of criticism … [Read more...] about That promoted song [re. “Advance Australia Fair”, 8 December 1943]
Advance Australia Fair
Advance Australia Fair: How the song became the Australian national anthem
The story of how “Advance Australia Fair” became Australia’s national anthem takes place over the span of 106 years, from 1878 to 1984. First written as a patriotic song in the late nineteenth century, it grew in popularity over the years; although not without its … [Read more...] about Advance Australia Fair: How the song became the Australian national anthem
Advance Australia fair [Australia’s national anthem, 1984]
[Editor: This two-verse version of “Advance Australia Fair” was officially declared to be the Australian national anthem on 19 April 1984.] “Advance Australia Fair” Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our … [Read more...] about Advance Australia fair [Australia’s national anthem, 1984]
No Australian anthem, says musician [27 January 1943]
No Australian anthem, says musician “There is no Australian national anthem,” said Mr George Limb, of Hobart, referring yesterday to recent discussion of the suitability of “Advance, Australia Fair” as an anthem. Mr Limb, who is the Tasmanian representative on the … [Read more...] about No Australian anthem, says musician [27 January 1943]
Advance, Australia Fair [The Worker, 24 March 1942]
[Editor: As The Worker was traditionally a pro-republic paper, it is somewhat of a surprise to see “Advance Australia Fair” published in its pages, as the second verse is viewed by many as pro-British; although, it could be noted that the fourth verse, which might be regarded as … [Read more...] about Advance, Australia Fair [The Worker, 24 March 1942]
Advance Australia Fair [song, circa World War One version, 1915?]
[Editor: By the time of the First World War, “Advance Australia Fair” had gone through several changes. In the fourth verse, the sixth and eighth lines were replaced with “Beyond wide oceans roll” and “Still keep a British soul”; whilst the third verse was replaced with an … [Read more...] about Advance Australia Fair [song, circa World War One version, 1915?]
Patriotic Song, “Advance Australia Fair.” [turn of the century version, 26 September 1906]
[Editor: This text of “Advance Australia Fair” differs from the 1878 version; in the third verse the fifth and sixth lines have been changed to “From England, Scotia, Erin’s isle” and “Who come our lot to share”; whilst in the fourth verse, the sixth and eighth lines were changed … [Read more...] about Patriotic Song, “Advance Australia Fair.” [turn of the century version, 26 September 1906]
New music, [an advertisement for a new version of “Advance Australia Fair”, 1897]
[Editor: This 1897 advertisement offers a new version of “Advance Australia Fair”] New music. Messrs. W. H. Paling and Company send us a parcel of music containing a revised and improved edition of “Advance Australia Fair,” described as a “patriotic song,” written and … [Read more...] about New music, [an advertisement for a new version of “Advance Australia Fair”, 1897]
Advance Australia Fair [song, 1878, from the sheet music of 1879]
[Editor: This is the original version of “Advance Australia Fair” as written by Peter McCormick, using the pseudonym “Amicus” (Latin for “friend”); taken from the sheet music held by the National Library of Australia.] 2nd Edition. Respectfully dedicated to the sons and … [Read more...] about Advance Australia Fair [song, 1878, from the sheet music of 1879]