Introduction

Waltzing Matilda is one of the most popular folk songs in Australia, and it has been regarded as the country's unofficial national anthem. The song's lyrics were written by Banjo Paterson and the tune was composed by Christina Macpherson. The song has a fascinating history, and many people are curious about when it was written. In this article, we will explore the origins of Waltzing Matilda and shed some light on when it was written.

The Origins of Waltzing Matilda

The story of Waltzing Matilda begins in 1894 when Banjo Paterson, a well-known Australian bush poet, visited Dagworth Station in Queensland. While there, he met Christina Macpherson, a member of the Macpherson family, who played a tune on her zither. Paterson was inspired by the tune, and he wrote a set of lyrics to match it. The resulting song was called Waltzing Matilda, and it quickly became popular among Australians.

The Meaning of Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda is a song about a swagman, or a transient worker who traveled the countryside looking for work. The swagman in the song steals a sheep and is pursued by the police. Rather than be captured, he jumps into a billabong, or a small body of water, and drowns himself. The song is a poignant reflection on the hardships of life in the Australian bush.

The First Performance of Waltzing Matilda

The first public performance of Waltzing Matilda is believed to have taken place in Warrnambool, Victoria, in 1895. The song was performed by a local singer named John Collinson, and it was an instant hit. The song was soon being performed all over Australia, and it became an important part of the country's cultural identity.

When Was Waltzing Matilda Written?

The exact date when Banjo Paterson wrote the lyrics to Waltzing Matilda is not known. However, it is believed that he wrote the song in 1895, shortly after his visit to Dagworth Station. The song was first published in 1903 in a book of Paterson's poetry called "The Old Bush Songs."

The Copyright of Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda is now in the public domain, which means that anyone can use the song without fear of copyright infringement. However, this was not always the case. The song was originally copyrighted by the Macpherson family, who claimed that Christina Macpherson had composed the tune. However, this claim was disputed by Banjo Paterson, who maintained that he had written the tune himself. The dispute was eventually settled in Paterson's favor, and the copyright of the song was transferred to him.

The Legacy of Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda has become an important part of Australian culture, and it is often played at national events such as sporting matches and ANZAC Day ceremonies. The song has also been covered by many famous musicians, including Tom Waits, Rod Stewart, and The Pogues. In 2012, the song was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, which recognizes significant cultural documents from around the world.

Conclusion

Waltzing Matilda is a beloved Australian folk song that has captured the hearts of people around the world. The song's origins can be traced back to Banjo Paterson's visit to Dagworth Station in 1894, where he was inspired by Christina Macpherson's zither playing. Although the exact date when the song was written is not known, it is believed to have been written in 1895. Today, Waltzing Matilda is an important part of Australian culture, and it continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people of all ages.

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