[Editor: This song is an sea shanty, believed to be of British origin. 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 songs which have been … [Read more...] about South Australia (also known as “Bound for South Australia”) [folk music, lyrics]
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Australasia Mourns Her Honored Dead [poem by Pat Matthews, ca. 1916]
[Editor: A poem commemorating the anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. It was published on a single sheet of paper (a leaflet, or handbill), undated, but believed to have been published for the first Anzac Day (1916).] In Memoriam. Australasia Mourns her Honored … [Read more...] about Australasia Mourns Her Honored Dead [poem by Pat Matthews, ca. 1916]
The Babington letter [by Ned Kelly, 1870]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1870 and sent to Sergeant James Babington (of the Kyneton police).] [Background: This was written at a time, following Ned Kelly’s release from police custody, when many people in his area thought that Ned had informed on … [Read more...] about The Babington letter [by Ned Kelly, 1870]
The Parkes letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1879 and sent to Sir Henry Parkes (Premier of New South Wales). In the Parkes letter, Ned Kelly states that he is in Bathurst. It is possible that this was written to aggravate Henry Parkes in retaliation for him offering a … [Read more...] about The Parkes letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1879, intended for publication in Victorian newspapers.] [Background: The Jerilderie Letter, dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne, has been described as Ned Kelly’s “manifesto”, and gives a detailed account of Ned’s relations … [Read more...] about The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
Ned Kelly was a Gentleman [poem, 1940s]
[Editor: A poem regarding Ned Kelly. Believed to have been written during the Second World War, when Australia was at war with the Japanese (1941-1945); possibly composed around the time of the battle of Milne Bay (August-September 1942).] Ned Kelly was a Gentleman Ned … [Read more...] about Ned Kelly was a Gentleman [poem, 1940s]
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]
This Southern Land of Ours [poem by Charles Harpur, ca. 1863]
[Editor: A poem by Charles Harpur.] This Southern Land of Ours With alien hearts to frame our laws And cheat us as of old, In vain our soil is rich, in vain ’Tis seamed with virgin gold: But the present only yields us nought, The future only lours Till we dare to be … [Read more...] about This Southern Land of Ours [poem by Charles Harpur, ca. 1863]
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]