Waltzing Matilda

“Waltzing Matilda” is a quintessential Australian folk song, brought to life by the Irish Rovers. The song tells the story of a 'swagman,' a traveling worker, who camps by a billabong (a waterhole) under the shade of a coolibah tree. The swagman sings joyfully as he waits for his billy (a tin can used for boiling water) to boil, inviting someone to 'Waltzing Matilda' with him. In Australian slang, 'Waltzing Matilda' means to travel with one's belongings wrapped in a blanket or cloth, known as a 'Matilda.'

The narrative takes a turn when a 'jumbuck' (sheep) comes to drink at the billabong. The swagman seizes the opportunity and captures the sheep, placing it in his 'tucker bag' (food bag). This act of theft sets the stage for the arrival of a 'squatter' (landowner) and three troopers (policemen) who confront the swagman. When asked about the stolen sheep, the swagman defiantly jumps into the billabong, declaring that they will never take him alive. The song concludes with the haunting image of the swagman's ghost, forever singing by the billabong.

The song is rich with Australian vernacular and paints a vivid picture of the country's rural life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It touches on themes of freedom, defiance, and the harsh realities faced by itinerant workers. The swagman's tragic end and his ghostly presence serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles and resilience of those who lived on the fringes of society. The recurring refrain, 'You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me,' adds a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic tone to the song, making it a timeless piece of Australian folklore.