[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]
song
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]
Poetic talent of the Aborigines of Australia [songs, 3 March 1848]
[Editor: An article which includes some songs of the Australian Aborigines. Published in The Geelong Advertiser, 3 March 1848.] Poetic talent of the Aborigines of Australia. As I have, after some years’ inauguration, acquired sufficient knowledge of some of the dialects … [Read more...] about Poetic talent of the Aborigines of Australia [songs, 3 March 1848]
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]
Advance, Australia [song by Walker and McBurney, circa 1883]
[Editor: A patriotic song; words written by J. Eccleston Walker, music composed by Samuel D. McBurney. Published in The Empire Songster (1900).] Advance, Australia. (By permission of Dr. McBurney, Melbourne) J. Eccleston Walker S.D. McBurney, Mus. D. Rise, … [Read more...] about Advance, Australia [song by Walker and McBurney, circa 1883]
The Tasmanian National Anthem [song by F. A. Packer, circa 1879-1890]
[Editor: A national anthem for the colony of Tasmania (published circa 1879-1890), by Frederick Augustus Gow Packer (1839-1902).] The Tasmanian National Anthem, by F. A. Packer. Tasmanian National Anthem. F. A. Packer. 1. All hail the land we love so … [Read more...] about The Tasmanian National Anthem [song by F. A. Packer, circa 1879-1890]
Australia, or Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand [song, 1890s]
[Editor: A patriotic song, written by the Rev. Thomas Hilhouse Taylor (1861-1925). Words taken from the sheet music (published circa 1890-1899). The chorus was later incorporated into the Australian cricket team’s victory song, “Under the Southern Cross I Stand”.] Sung with … [Read more...] about Australia, or Heart to Heart and Hand to Hand [song, 1890s]
Songs for the Miners. No. IV. [song, 30 May 1851]
[Editor: One of a series of “Songs for the Miners” published in The Empire, 1851.] Songs for the Miners. No. IV. [Our late Devil was overheard singing the following song the last thing before he started for the Diggings.] Believe me, if all those enticing long yams, … [Read more...] about Songs for the Miners. No. IV. [song, 30 May 1851]
Songs for the Miners. No. 3. [song, 26 May 1851]
[Editor: One of a series of “Songs for the Miners” published in The Empire, 1851.] Songs for the Miners. No. 3. The Baker’s Boy* to the mines is gone, In the diggers’ ranks you’ll find him ; His master’s shovel he has girded on, And the flour-sieve slung behind … [Read more...] about Songs for the Miners. No. 3. [song, 26 May 1851]
Songs for the Miners. No. 2. [song, 24 May 1851]
[Editor: One of a series of “Songs for the Miners” published in The Empire, 1851.] Songs for the Miners. No. 2. Softly as falls the bell-bird’s song, Our shovels we ply and our hopes grow strong ; Soon as the loaves in store looks small, For Bathurst we’ll start … [Read more...] about Songs for the Miners. No. 2. [song, 24 May 1851]
Songs for the Miners. No. I. [song, 22 May 1851]
[Editor: One of a series of “Songs for the Miners” published in The Empire, 1851.] Songs for the Miners. No. I. Away, away to the Bathurst ground, Where the “dust” is brightly shining : Away, away to the “Diggins” found, Where the boys are busily mining. And Midas, … [Read more...] about Songs for the Miners. No. I. [song, 22 May 1851]
Unity is Strength ! [song, 6 June 1898]
[Editor: A song written to promote the federation of the Australian colonies.] A federal song. By request we publish the following Federal Song, sung at the demonstration in Sale on Tuesday night by the united choir:— Unity is Strength ! Air, “Men of … [Read more...] about Unity is Strength ! [song, 6 June 1898]
On the Far Barcoo [song, 24 June 1932]
[Editor: This song is from Bill Bowyang’s column, “On the Track”, in the The Townsville Daily Bulletin, 1932.] Old Bush Verse. Several readers have asked for the words of an old bush song entitled “On the Far Barcoo,” and now that I have received the words I reprint them … [Read more...] about On the Far Barcoo [song, 24 June 1932]
God Bless Australia [song, 5 October 1929]
God Bless Australia! Air: “God Save the King!” By William J. MacDonald. God bless Australia grand! God bless our native land, Our land we love! Free may she ever be, And all united we, Our Flag of Liberty Floating above! Be she a happy land; Foes, if they come, … [Read more...] about God Bless Australia [song, 5 October 1929]