Waltzing Matilda

Lazy Harry's rendition of 'Waltzing Matilda' tells the story of a 'jolly swagman,' a term used in Australia to describe a traveling worker or vagrant. The swagman camps by a billabong, a small pond or waterhole, under the shade of a coolibah tree. As he waits for his billy, a small kettle, to boil, he sings the refrain 'Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?' The phrase 'Waltzing Matilda' is a colloquial Australian term that 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, or sheep, comes to drink at the billabong. The swagman seizes the opportunity and captures the sheep, placing it in his tuckerbag, a food bag. This act of theft sets the stage for the arrival of the squatter, a landowner, and three troopers, or policemen, who demand to know the whereabouts of the stolen jumbuck. Faced with capture, the swagman chooses to jump into the billabong, declaring that they will never catch him alive. His spirit is said to haunt the area, eternally singing the refrain 'You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me.'

The song is rich with Australian slang and cultural references, painting a vivid picture of life in the Australian outback. 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. 'Waltzing Matilda' has become an iconic Australian folk song, celebrated for its storytelling and its deep connection to the country's history and identity.