S.O.D. "Waltzing Matilda" by Banjo Paterson

6/13/2016      Lots of history with this one as it is considered the unofficial anthem of Australia.  Paterson wrote the lyrics in 1895 at a sheep and cattle station in Queensland, Australia. He wrote the words while following along with a tune that musician Christina McPherson, who lived at the station, was playing on a zither, or autoharp.  

     The title means traveling on foot with your belongings on your back.  Waltzing is defined as traveling on foot while working as a craftsman and learning from other craftsman.  Matilda is a better term for a swagman's bundle which consists of a bedroll with belongings bundled in it.   The song contains other terms you may want to look up in the glossary.  There was no official copyright untill 1941, when Carl Fisher did so with his company, Carl Fisher Music.  

     It's originality dates back to 1806 of a Celtic folk song called "Thou Bonnie Wood of Craigielea."  There are some very interesting stories concerning the song and it's history.