Waltzing Matilda

About the Song

Often called Australia's unofficial national anthem, "Waltzing Matilda" tells the story of a travelling worker (swagman) who camps by a billabong. Written by Banjo Paterson in 1895, it became a beloved marching song for Australian soldiers (Diggers) in both World Wars and remains a symbol of the ANZAC spirit.

Video

Lyrics

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong,

Under the shade of a coolibah tree,

And he sang as he watched and waited till 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 till his billy boiled,

"You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

Along came a jumbuck to drink at 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 came the troopers, one, two, three,

"Where's 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,

"Where's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?"

"You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda, with me."

Up jumped the swagman and 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."