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Waltzing Matilda

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Introduction:
This poem could be used in a social studies class during the study of Australia. Read the poem first, then play the song. Ask the students if they recognize the song. Do they think the author is really talking about waltzing? The website listed below has a link to a midi version of the song.

Once a jolly swagman sat beside the billabong,
Under the shade of a coulibah tree,
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
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 sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
Up jumped the swagman and seized him with glee
And he sang as he tucked jumbuck in his tuckerbag
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 sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came the stockman, riding on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three.
"Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?"
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 sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Up jumped the swagman and plunged into the billabong,
"You'll never catch me alive," cried he
And his ghost may be heard as you ride beside the billabong,
You'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me.

-- The words to Waltzing Matilda were written in 1895 by Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson. It is believed the music is based on an old Scottish tune called Craigielea. --

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Found at:

http://www.contemplator.com/folk2/waltzmat.html

Extension:
Have the students research the background of Waltzing Matilda and it's terminology.