Arson and anarchy: The true story of Waltzing Matilda

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1895 AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson's song 'Waltzing Matilda' (with traditional tune first notated by Christina Macpherson) was first sung in public, at a Winton, Queensland, hotel. It is considered Australia’s unofficial national anthem and is certainly its favourite song.

It relates the story of a swagman who steals a sheep and drowns himself when law enforcement arrives ...

But there is much more to the tale than that, and we explore it today in the Book of Days, and you can listen to the tune and read Banjo's original words.

Tagged: australia, folklore, music, history, australian+history, progressive, radical+history