Oh! there once was a swagman camped in the Billabongs,
Under the shade of a Coolabah tree;
And he sang as he looked at his old billy boiling,
‘Who’ll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?’
This
famous ballad of the outback wanderer who drowns himself rather than
lose his freedom needs no introduction. There is no swagman as legendary
as the tragic hero of this tale; and there is no Australian song as
well-known throughout the world.
Here, the famous ballad is given
new depth and perpective. Talented illustrator Freya Blackwood has
explored the intriguing background behind the writing fo this song and
has shown us not just the lively story of a proud outback larrikin, but
also a glimpse into the clashes and struggles that were so formative of
Australian history at the turn of the century.
Includes bonus CD recorded by John Williamson.