Song of the Sun-Downer. O there’s dust on the road and there’s dust on me back And the glare o’ the sun makes me reel in me track, But I work when I may and I beg when I must, To keep me poor body from turning to dust, — Singing tweedle-dum, tweedle-dum, tweedle-dum di, O … [Read more...] about Song of the Sun-Downer [song, 1902]
song
The Son of a Jackaroo [song, 1902]
[Editor: This was written in the vernacular style of the day, including a particular style of emphasis in the spelling of some words, including: aout, araound, raound, and taown.] The Son of a Jackaroo. ’E’s a lazy sort o’ feller an ’e loafs araound all day, ’Sif th’ … [Read more...] about The Son of a Jackaroo [song, 1902]
My Jennie of Katoomba [song, 1902]
My Jennie of Katoomba. O my rosy laughing Jennie, will you hie away with me ? I’ve a station in the gum-bush where the grass will touch your knee ; I’ve a thousand sheep a-bleeting, I’ve a cosy hut for you ; It is lonely in the gum-bush and there’s room enough for two … [Read more...] about My Jennie of Katoomba [song, 1902]
South Australia [song, 1902 version]
[Editor: This version of the song “South Australia” was published in A Wanderer’s Songs of the Sea (1902), a book of songs collected by an American, Charles Keeler, in his travels around the Pacific Ocean.] South Australia. Our bark for South Australia sails And on we … [Read more...] about South Australia [song, 1902 version]
Click Go the Shears [folk music, lyrics; traditional Australian song, 1890s]
[Editor: “Click Go the Shears” is one of the most famous and iconic folk songs of Australia. With its Australian theme and wide popularity, it has become part of Australia’s folk music tradition. Click here to see some videos of this song being played. As is common with folk … [Read more...] about Click Go the Shears [folk music, lyrics; traditional Australian song, 1890s]
The Song of Australia [21 October 1859]
[Editor: This song by Caroline Carleton was the winner of the 1859 “Song of Australia” competition to find an Australian patriotic song.] The prize song. As we have already stated, the honor of writing the Prize Song belongs to Mrs. Carleton, of West-terrace ; and we now, … [Read more...] about The Song of Australia [21 October 1859]
We are the Youth of Australia [song, 16 January 1930]
We are the Youth of Australia (Copyright.) We are the Youth of Australia! Youth of a glorious land! Young in a country that’s youthful, Shoulder to shoulder we stand. We are the Youth of Australia! Eager and happy and free. Forward we march in her service, Onward … [Read more...] about We are the Youth of Australia [song, 16 January 1930]
Waltzing Matilda [song, 14 December 1901]
[Editor: An early printing of the song “Waltzing Matilda” (written by Andrew Barton (“Banjo”) Paterson). Published in The Capricornian, 14 December 1901. Click here to see some videos of this song being played.] A Popular Bush Song. A bush poem entitled “Waltzing Matilda” … [Read more...] about Waltzing Matilda [song, 14 December 1901]
Lions v. Kangaroos. [song, 1 August 1896]
[Editor: A song about the cricket matches played between England and Australia. Published in The Queenslander, 1 August 1896.] Lions v. Kangaroos. Air, “Ten Thousand Miles Away.” Singing oh! for a fine and manly sport, for cricket is my theme, Singing oh! for Captain … [Read more...] about Lions v. Kangaroos. [song, 1 August 1896]
Aboriginal songs and words [16 May 1896]
[Editor: A letter published in the The Australian Town and Country Journal which included two Aboriginal songs; these songs were also published in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905).] Aboriginal songs and words (By S. M. Mowle.) I am in accord with … [Read more...] about Aboriginal songs and words [16 May 1896]
True Bushmen [song, 22 September 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in The Queenslander (22 September 1894). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), under the title of “The Bushman”, with some variations.] True Bushmen. (Supplied by R.C.L., Mitchell.) Air. — “The … [Read more...] about True Bushmen [song, 22 September 1894]
The Dying Stockman [Harrison/strapping version] [song, 4 August 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in the “Flotsam and Jetsam” column of The Queenslander (4 August 1894). Two different versions of the same song were included on the same page; this is the version supplied by F. Harrison, which uses the phrase “strapping young stockman” (the … [Read more...] about The Dying Stockman [Harrison/strapping version] [song, 4 August 1894]
The Dying Stockman [Doyle/stalwart version] [song, 4 August 1894]
[Editor: This song was published in the “Flotsam and Jetsam” column of The Queenslander (4 August 1894). Two different versions of the same song were included on the same page; this is the version supplied by G. Doyle, which uses the phrase “stalwart young stockman” (the other … [Read more...] about The Dying Stockman [Doyle/stalwart version] [song, 4 August 1894]
The Old Bullock Dray [song, 14 March 1890]
[Editor: This song was published in The North Melbourne Advertiser (14 March 1890). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), with some variations.] The Old Bullock Dray Oh, the shearing is all over and the wool is coming down, And I … [Read more...] about The Old Bullock Dray [song, 14 March 1890]
Botany Bay [song, 1885]
[Editor: This is the text of the song from the stage show “Little Jack Sheppard”, which played in London in 1885 and in Melbourne in 1886, which went on to become a popular song in Australia. Published in Selection of Words and Music from Little Jack Sheppard: Burlesque Drama in … [Read more...] about Botany Bay [song, 1885]
The Squatter’s Farewell [song, 1 November 1884]
[Editor: This song was published in The Queenslander, 1 November 1884. It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), under the title of “The Broken-Down Squatter”, with some variations.] The Squatter’s Farewell. A.D. 1885. Come, … [Read more...] about The Squatter’s Farewell [song, 1 November 1884]
When the Pigs Fly [song, 3 July 1880]
[Editor: A song of humourous intent, directed against the idea of women being given the right to vote. Published in The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 3 July 1880.] When the Pigs Fly Some folks they want cremation, and are very much … [Read more...] about When the Pigs Fly [song, 3 July 1880]
Australian Hymn [song by the Rev. John Dunmore Lang, 1826 (republished 1835)]
[Editor: Written by John Dunmore Lang, this was published in the The Colonist (4 June 1835). Previously published in Lang’s book, Aurora Australis; or Specimens of Sacred Poetry, for the Colonists of Australia (1826) under the title “Australian Hymn: For the Native Youth of the … [Read more...] about Australian Hymn [song by the Rev. John Dunmore Lang, 1826 (republished 1835)]
Hawking [song, 4 October 1873]
[Editor: This song was published in The Queenslander (4 October 1873). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), with some variations.] Hawking. Air — “Bow, wow, wow.” Now shut your months, you loafers all, You vex me with your … [Read more...] about Hawking [song, 4 October 1873]
The Stockman’s Song [song, 3 June 1863]
[Editor: This song was published in The Empire (3 June 1863). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), under the title of “The Australian Stockman”, with minor variations.] The Stockman’s Song The sun peers o’er the wooded ridge, … [Read more...] about The Stockman’s Song [song, 3 June 1863]
A Song of Australia [song, 3 September 1862]
[Editor: A patriotic song. Published in The Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 3 September 1862.] “A Song of Australia.” Si canimus sylvas, sylvae, sint, consule dignae (Virgil.) Oh! the land of Australia the happy and free, The land of Australia for ever for … [Read more...] about A Song of Australia [song, 3 September 1862]
The Squatter’s Dirge to his Ladye Love [song, 11 December 1860]
[Editor: This song is taken from a long letter to the The Sydney Morning Herald of 11 December 1860, in which the writer makes the point that the squatter’s life is not an easy one; the tune is a parody of the then popular song “Come, dwell with me”; some extracts from the letter … [Read more...] about The Squatter’s Dirge to his Ladye Love [song, 11 December 1860]
Billy Barlow in Australia [song, 2 September 1843]
[Editor: This song was published in The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (2 September 1843). It was also included in Banjo Paterson’s collection, The Old Bush Songs (1905), with minor variations.] Billy Barlow in Australia When I was at home I was down … [Read more...] about Billy Barlow in Australia [song, 2 September 1843]
[Australia’s Birth-day] [song, 3 February 1827]
[Editor: A song written in 1827, to the tune of “Patrick’s Day”, for the celebration of the founding of New South Wales. Published in The Monitor, 3 February 1827.] [Australia’s Birth-day] The following Paraphrase on one of Moore’s National Melodies, arranged expressly … [Read more...] about [Australia’s Birth-day] [song, 3 February 1827]
Song, for the Commemoration Dinner, January 26, 1820 [song by Michael Massey Robinson, 5 February 1820]
[Editor: A song, by Michael Massey Robinson, written for the anniversary of the founding of the colony of New South Wales. Published in The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 5 February 1820.] [Song, for the Commemoration Dinner, January 26, 1820] We regret, … [Read more...] about Song, for the Commemoration Dinner, January 26, 1820 [song by Michael Massey Robinson, 5 February 1820]