Wallabies fans: bring back Waltzing Matilda
Roar Rookie By Irene Watt, 7 Jun 2012 Irene Watt is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Union, Super Rugby, wallabies, waltzing matilda
Related coverage
In the past 18 hours or so I have been pondering a lot about my beloved Wallabies and how we have gotten to where we are in 2012.
No, I’m not going to talk about the Scotland game, as I’ve already vented. Instead, I’m going to talk about what I think is missing from today’s game.
It’s a vital part of Australian rugby history. Something that stirred the spirit of not only the spectator but also the players on the field. Something that annoyed our opposition and created a challenge (albeit not as good) to the Haka.
Yes I’m talking about Australia’s unofficial anthem, Waltzing Matilda!
For a long as I can remember, Waltzing Matilda was played at every Wallabies match. For years, this was part of the Australian rugby psyche and created a great atmosphere at the game.
Whether you love or hate the song, it resonates with Australians and does affect what happens on the field.
Former captain and Wallabies legend John Eales famously remarked on how it affected a vital Bledisloe Cup match in 1998. Australian supporters in the Christchurch crowd broke out into a spontaneous rendition of Waltzing Matilda with just 20 minutes to go in the match.
“It was a special moment. The crowd just suddenly started singing Waltzing Matilda. We just identified with it,” Eales said.
Australia won the match and brought home the cup for the first time in four years.
So what happened and why aren’t we singing it anymore?
The IRB controversially banned the song from being played during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, much to the outrage of all Australians, including the Prime Minister at the time.
Sure we showed the IRB you couldn’t tell us Aussies what to do by singing the song at every opportunity during the tournament but since then it has faded away to a distant memory.
Some might say “so what?”
Well I truly believe this is something we need to rectify immediately.
Never before have our boys in Green and Gold needed our support than they do now! We have an opportunity to bring back Waltzing Matilda and what better place to do it than against Wales at Suncorp Stadium, the venue where we beat the All Blacks last year to win our first Tri-Nations in 10 years.
I’m putting the call out and asking the ARU to play Waltzing Matilda over the loud speakers after the anthems have been sung.
I’m asking that everyone who attends the game on Saturday night gets behind the team and sings Waltzing Matilda like you did when you were a kid and loved it.
I’m asking you to get behind the One Team motto and re-ignite our Wallabies tradition!
Roarers, are you with me?
- Explore:
- Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Union, Super Rugby, wallabies, waltzing matilda
June 7th 2012 @ 2:27am
Johnno said | June 7th 2012 @ 2:27am | Report comment
Great article Irene loved it, a beautiful and really good and timely article, but some points to point out.
-Waltzing matilda is a classic Australian song yes, but we have to be aware of issues like this is 2012 a new millenium, a world of globalization, a world of multiculturalism, maybe a world of nanny state or political correctness.
-But in 2012 we have to be I don’t know if the word is or term is pandering to minority groups, or espousing a more unified attitude or spirit to minority groups, but Wallzting matilda might be historic but waltzing matilda could also offend many modern day Australians, who are out of touch with old Australians, and can’t relate to old Australians or the way old Australia was , and may feel either left out or see waltzing matilda as a slightly xenophobic song, or too distant in relating and not being able too as a song relate to modern Australia.
-Slim Dusty and John Williamson sung this song yes , but slim dusty has passed away now, and John Williamson is not well known by as many young Australians as he once was.
-So one can call it political correctness or , trying to please the UN ,globalization, or or new world , or a new digital media tech savvy internet Australia, or the Asian century as has been said , but Australia is part of the asia pacific and we must recognize that , and we are part of this global world and as a nation sport and politics are linked.
-And to show that we must reflect a global attitude in our music and national songs. South africa changed there national song and flag for the better. Waltzing matilda is not our national anthem but if you listen to the lyrics.
-Lyrics of the song some of the lryics
Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong,
Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
And he sang as he watched and waited ’til his billy boiled.
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 watched and waited ’til his billy boiled,
You’ll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me.
-Is this song really a reflective song of modern and contempory Australia, in 2012. A nationa has embraced globilisation, while still maininting it’s soverignty, closer links than ever beofre with the UN, and UNesco which ahs just done a repot on the great barrier reef which is the environmental section of the UN.
-and does this song really reflect the diverse multicultral place that is Australia in 2012, at time of the Asian century approaching in politics,technology and the economy. We should have national songs at sports event by our national teams that represent the more modern and diverse Australia, a time when same sex marriage, multicultral Australia, religous differences in Australia too now more diverse than ever, and cultures as well.
we need song that represented show a more modern and globalized Australia, language that the majority of Australians can relate to not just older Australians but also the next generation and multicultural globalised Australia in culture and background and as advertisment to the world our national sports teams(rugby,football,cricket) how much we have evolved and have modernised in our politics and foreign policy attitudes, and how as people we have changes and devloped to the modern globalized nation and society we are in 2012
June 7th 2012 @ 5:56am
Thurl said | June 7th 2012 @ 5:56am | Report comment
You’re probably right Johnno, its time for a new song. Something that reflects a modern Australian society. Maybe the crowds could sing something by AC DC…..”Its a long way to the shops if you want a sausage roll” ….perhaps….
June 7th 2012 @ 10:14am
Irene Watt said | June 7th 2012 @ 10:14am | Report comment
Thanks Johnno I’m glad you liked it and wow what a response. Can I ask why in a modern, diverse Australia we have to give up any links to our history and culture simply to be politically correct? Yes the lyrics don’t relate to my modern life, I certainly haven’t waited for my billy to boil, but I also understand the history of the song and how it makes people feel. And how it made past Wallabies feel.
If we were to choose a song that truly reflects Australian modern society what would we sing? And would it evoke the same emotion and passion we need to stir our boys up on Saturday night?
June 7th 2012 @ 11:01am
Mantis said | June 7th 2012 @ 11:01am | Report comment
Can I ask why in a modern, diverse Australia we have to give up any links to our history and culture simply to be politically correct?
Couldnt have said it better. As far as I am concerned, it is a song associated with Rubgy. I have never sang it anywhere else. I dont think anyone at an England game has a problem with singing swing low, sweet chariot.
Waltzing Matilda is a song to get the players and crowd going, and thats exactly what it does.
June 7th 2012 @ 11:43am
Jokerman said | June 7th 2012 @ 11:43am | Report comment
I say bring it back. After the all Black Haka, a war dance, the warrior within expressed, ancestors coming down….then faced with that pansy song…love it! Go all blacks!!!
Half joking, Irean, I see your point. The Haka does give the All Blacks an edge, but it is hard to match that as it derives from a pure place. A Maori cultural custom…and it ignites deeply, and I mean deeply, to the spiritual core. It would seem Australia cannot quite go there, as their cultural past is……ahh, I’ll be diplomatic, you could say, tainted. So you could say the foundation to do something similar to the Haka is not there, perhaps not possible , so you look for something new….but it does not have the old ancient ways, so to speak, so its new and lacking depth and foundation, hence does not last…. just like the Waltzing Matilda.
June 7th 2012 @ 12:09pm
Jokerman said | June 7th 2012 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
Whoops I spelt your name wrong, Irene. I got distracted by your photo.
June 7th 2012 @ 4:33pm
Sprigs said | June 7th 2012 @ 4:33pm | Report comment
Er, ah.. NZ’s past is not similarly tainted?
June 7th 2012 @ 2:53pm
Johnno said | June 7th 2012 @ 2:53pm | Report comment
Irene thankyou for your response, you are a beautiful woman as many other men have complimented you on including me of course too.
And also a very good writer too, in my opinion and others here.
Well some feedback to your response and a very thoughtful response Irene from a beautiful woman such as yourself.
So the answer of giving up links to our history.
-Yes history stays with one forever, and maybe on that basis bring back waltzing matilda.
-History never changes it had been done, but tradtiions change.
-So maybe if we are to appeal to a more modern Australian audience to start traditions they will have to relate to it. I mean everyone passes away some time and statsitics of modern Australians vs old australians starts to change. Time keeps marching or moving along fast for all in our lifetime i can’t’ beleive im 32 now but still young but in 20 years the new generation may not know about waltzing matilda even less.
All these words like baby boomers, generation Y and X come into it. I think there is now a generations Z
-but that is the thing on statistics i think how many aussies in 2012 or looking forwad in my lieftime in 20/20 or 2030 will be able to relate to waltzing matilda in this internet and globalized world and multicultrual Australia.
-I even wonder how many aussies have now heard of don bradman not as many as you would think Irene and others.
some ideas for songs
-Great southern land Icehouse was always a hit a great song and seems to get sung at some sports matches
-I come from a land down under Men at Work
- I love a sunburnt country is a good song to
-The QANTAS ad’s of the 90′s I still call Australia home
-Perhaps or someone could develop a new song
-Stirring up the boys Irene on a saturday night is needed for sure when you go into battle these men have to show passion and emotion and fire to take on some of the best toughest rugby players in the world and the passion Irene all starts at home , with a song , to get the fans fired up, .
These boys are not going to a nightclub Irene to impress someone they fancy with trying to play some saturday night fever disco songs, these men are going to take on the best rugby teams in the world the All blacks and springboks in a contact sport Irene, so need a song to stir up passion and motivation Irene.
But here are some ideas i put up for what’s it worth.
June 7th 2012 @ 2:46am
bluerose said | June 7th 2012 @ 2:46am | Report comment
flash mob style
June 7th 2012 @ 9:05am
Lorry said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:05am | Report comment
interesting thoughts irene and johnno
personally i think that although waltzing matilda is a nice song, australia is not a singing/ musical culture, unfortunately…. So it always felt a bit forced and people looked around embarrassed after the first few times… In Brazil, for example, they love singing and you can hear singing, drumming etc at soccer games all over Brazil, played by the crowd to cheer on their supporters
It just seemed to be an awkward fit for Australians, like when the Socceroos and men’s cricket team used to put their hands on their chest when singing the anthem – that expression of patriotism was unusual for aussies and I think was not very popular so the teams don’t do it anymore, do they?
June 7th 2012 @ 9:55am
Gavin Norman said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:55am | Report comment
In the context of Rugby, been to a Rebels game?
In the context of Football/Soccer, plenty of active supporter at A League/State league games, ultras inspired support (eg. full game).
It’s just a matter of courage or put into better terms, growing a pair.
June 7th 2012 @ 8:14pm
Spikhaza said | June 7th 2012 @ 8:14pm | Report comment
And gav sums up what needs to happen to get Australian support at all games, codes and the like up.
Just grow a pair, and DO IT
June 7th 2012 @ 9:16am
louis Striker said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:16am | Report comment
I really like the idea, but I really don’t like Waltzing Matilda. What about “We Are One”? Surely more emotive and easier to sing for a crowd?
June 7th 2012 @ 9:49am
Bakkies said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:49am | Report comment
it’s a decent tune but I laugh whenever I hear people suggesting it should be our national anthem, I laugh. A. It’s about a sheep thief with a bag. B. It’s a folk tune not a nationalistic song. C. It’s open to be mocked (cue the Barmy Army’s version). Great Southern Land would be a better choice if it was abbreviated and tweaked in to an anthem.
June 7th 2012 @ 10:06am
AussieKiwi said | June 7th 2012 @ 10:06am | Report comment
It’s about a sheep thief with a bag.
Not to mention a suicide, which on reflection might be appropriate for today’s Wallabies.
Agree with Lorry about Aus not being a singing culture, sadly. Contrast with pacific islands, Welsh, and indeed most NH crowds.
June 7th 2012 @ 10:21am
Bakkies said | June 7th 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
The Europeans sing their anthems strongly. Maybe it’s to do with the fact that they fought for their country’s land and identity. Australia on the other hand has mainly fought in other countries wars and still has it’s colonial master’s flag on the corner of it’s own. Our parents sang God Save the Queen/King at school and a lot of Australians don’t know the words to Advance Australia Fair.
June 7th 2012 @ 9:46am
Gavin Norman said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:46am | Report comment
@Johnno Wow, talk about over analyzing.
Familiar with The Fields of Athenry?
June 7th 2012 @ 10:15am
Wales15 said | June 7th 2012 @ 10:15am | Report comment
You could get Darren Lockyer to sing a version of Land Down Under. But the fact a Scotsman wrote it, it might not go down to well with the locals.
June 7th 2012 @ 1:17pm
Cliff said | June 7th 2012 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
Also, the first line is about smoking pot in a combi-van and the chorus has a line about men vomiting. It’s a great song, but it certainly isn’t patriotic.
June 7th 2012 @ 1:05pm
redsnut said | June 7th 2012 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
To hell with political correctness.
The so called “new australians” should understand and accept the Aussie culture. After all they came to live here, so it’s Australia, not the land they came from, and realise there are many differences in the two cultures.
IMO, they MUST acknowledge AND accept those differences, not have Australia’s changed to suit them. Do/would Aussies demand that another country change their culture for the benefit of the in-commers?
.
June 7th 2012 @ 3:03pm
AussieKiwi said | June 7th 2012 @ 3:03pm | Report comment
Ah now I understand, the hunger strikes at Villawood were really to get Waltzing Matilda banned. Outrageous ingrates they are!
By the way, what “Aussie culture” were you referring to, the indigenous one which is over 50,000 years old, or that of the uninvited boat people and the convict hordes which followed which is more like 200 years old.
June 7th 2012 @ 1:22pm
nickoldschool said | June 7th 2012 @ 1:22pm | Report comment
As a “new australian” myself, i dont mind the song. I feel it has this laidback, careless feel i like about the country. Thing is, when you play rugby after such a song, you better deliver if you dont wanna be labelled a softie. just sayin.
June 7th 2012 @ 3:06pm
AussieKiwi said | June 7th 2012 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
Maybe we could find something even better then, something really soft, how about ………I still call Australia home, delivered by Hugh Jackman……….in full Peter Allen style regalia……Come to think of it that would be the perfect fit for the Qantas Wallabies.
June 7th 2012 @ 4:45pm
Sprigs said | June 7th 2012 @ 4:45pm | Report comment
I agree, Irene.
The power of the arts is hard to explain, and that includes poetry and song lyrics. That power is real nonetheless.
Just as the words of the haka have a mysterious appeal to New Zealanders (yet when translated seem somewhat strange), so do the lyrics (and tune) of Waltzing Matilda to Australians.
Somehow they stir up the emotion, the love for this land and its people — and not in any way in opposition to any other land or people. Somehow there is the appeal to a love of freedom over unfair authority, the link to the natural environment.
People from other countries love to hear Australians sing Waltzing Matilda.
If the opportunity comes on Saturday night, I will l be belting it out — and I am looking forward to hearing the magnificent Welsh national anthem, one of the best in the world.
June 7th 2012 @ 7:35pm
Johnno said | June 7th 2012 @ 7:35pm | Report comment
art is an illusion spriggs, a imagery of reailty how the artiste sees the art that he wants to express to his audience or to the world.
June 7th 2012 @ 9:58pm
Lorry said | June 7th 2012 @ 9:58pm | Report comment
Amazed that you are only 32 johnno, i thought you were something like 52
June 7th 2012 @ 10:04pm
Johnno said | June 7th 2012 @ 10:04pm | Report comment
thanks lorry i am open minded and mature minded in my outlook so that is why i sound grown up and older.
June 7th 2012 @ 6:39pm
Lorry said | June 7th 2012 @ 6:39pm | Report comment
Don’t know if I’d be crowing so much KiwiDave…
Yes, australia has a tainted past and indeed in many ways a tainted present with attitudes to refugees and indigenous people…
However, NZ is no racial democracy…
The Maori language has essentially been wiped out as a first language and the indigenous peoples have been very much assimilated into the coloniser society…..