The other song (of two!) I am trying to learn - or, that is, re-learn - is a long-time favorite of mine, the often considered the "unofficial National Anthem" of Australia, "Waltzing Matilda". Many people I have spoken to over the years consider this to be some kind of "nonsense" song - but perhaps only because many of the words are so unfamiliar.
It is a bit easier than "Clock", as it doesn't have so many rapid chord changes. It is also, in a way, similar to "Clock" in that it has fast, rollicking beat, and a cheerful tune - but, like "Clock", also tells a tragic story. In doing research on the song, I found that it was (interestingly!) originally composed and played on the zither (my Autoharp is a chorded zither).
It was also was written at about the same time as "Clock" - late 1800's.
I will post the lyrics in a minute, but thought it might be a good idea to post a few "word translations" first, so the song can be better understood.
Swagman: an itinerant hobo; a homeless person
Swag: one's possessions
Matilda: a backpack used to carry one's possessions
Waltzing: Australian slang term meaning to travel around on foot
Billabong: Small body of water, like a pond or an isolated bend in a river
Coolibah tree: a type of eucalyptus tree that grows near water
Jumbuck: a small sheep or lamb
Tucker: food
Tucker bag: food bag
Squatter: Australian slang for rancher or landowner
Trooper: police
LOL! Lots to absorb here.
The haunting melody of this song was used to very great affect in the 1959 disaster film, "On the Beach" starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire and Anthony Perkins. The film was nominated for "Best Picture" for the 1960 Academy Awards, Fred Astaire was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
This film seems a bit dated now, but as a teenager it was, for me, a bit of a punch in the gut. I have never forgotten it. The book was - and is - very moving as well.
Lyrics by Banjo Patterson, considered by many to be the poet laureate of Australia.
Waltzing Matilda
By A. B. "Banjo" Patterson
Once a jolly swagman, sat beside a billabong
Under the shade of a coolibah tree
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
Who'll come a waltzing matilda with me?
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
Who'll come a waltzing matilda with me?
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
Who'll come a waltzing Matilda with me?
Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag
You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me!
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Up rode the squatter mounted on his thoroughbred
Down come the troopers, one, two, three
Whose that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me!
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Whose that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me!
Up jumped the swagman, sprang into the billabong
"You'll never catch me alive!", said he
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
