Thursday, July 21, 2011

How Matilda and Banjo got their names

"Waltzing Matilda" is Australia's most widely known bush ballad, a country folk song, and has been referred to as "the unofficial national anthem of Australia".[1]

The title is Australian slang for travelling by foot with one's goods in a "Matilda" (bag) slung over one's back.[2] The song narrates the story of an itinerant worker, or swagman, making a drink of tea at a bush camp and capturing a sheep to eat. When the sheep's owner arrives with three police officers to arrest the worker for the theft, the worker commits suicide by drowning himself in the nearby watering hole, and then goes on to haunt the site.

The original lyrics were written in 1895 by poet and nationalist Banjo Paterson. It was first published as sheet music in 1903. Extensive folklore surrounds the song and the process of its creation, to the extent that the song has its own museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, Queensland.

The song was first recorded in 1926 as performed by John Collinson and Russell Callow.

3 comments:

Vicki said...

thanks for the commet on my blog. it is hot hot hot here in SC. 101 with heat index 110!!! glad I checked out your blog, now I know what a matilda is. learn something new everyday. happy quilting, Vicki

V.A. FORGOTTEN VET ?? said...

Hiya mate, in our travels over here we actually went to the town where he was born. I bet he would have been surprised how polular his song would become.
Hey, if ever I am on FB for a time, I will look out for you for a natter.. At the moment I am prety busy with going into Noosa Private next Monday. I haave another doctors appointment today and following that we are off to one daughter at Buderim. Am trying to get the house up to date with cleaning and washing while visitors come by. Actually, being in hospital for a week should be a good break and rest LOL...
If you don't hear from me after?? then keep an eye on my Facebook page. It is a serious operation for me with my heart. If I don't come out? Please put it onto my blog for others to know...xxxxxx

V.A. FORGOTTEN VET ?? said...

Oh no...Ray was signed in and I went through his Blog...I will send you my phone number. Love Crystal xxxx