Australian literature Gordon's and Brennan's (but particularly Brennan's) works conformed to traditional styles of poetry, with many classical allusions, and therefore fell within the domain of high culture. However, at the same time Australia was blessed with a competing, vibrant tradition of folk songs and ballads. Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson were two of the chief exponents of these popular ballads, and 'Banjo' himself was responsible for creating what is probably the most famous Australian verse, "Waltzing Matilda". At one point, Lawson and Paterson contributed a series of verses to "The Bulletin" magazine in which they engaged in a literary debate about
Strawhead (band) fueled some controversy when it made a derivate work from an old ballad entitled "The Bold Fusilier". "The Bold Fusilier" is a British song which some argue predates the 1903 tune to "Waltzing Matilda". "Waltzing Matilda" is Australia's most widely known folk song, and has been referred to as 'the unofficial national anthem of Australia. There are similarities between "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Bold Fusilier", making for argument that one of the songs is based on the other song. There is no evidence that "The Bold Fusilier" is older than "Waltzing Matilda" and Australia and most sources reject the idea