And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda the younger generation becomes apathetic to the veterans and their cause. At its conclusion, the song incorporates the melody and a few lines of lyrics of the 1895 song "Waltzing Matilda" by Australian poet Banjo Paterson. Many cover versions of the song have been performed and recorded, as well as many versions in foreign languages. The song is an account of the memories of an old Australian man who, as a youngster had travelled across rural Australia with a swag (the so-called Matilda of the title) and tent. In 1915 he had joined the Australian armed forces and been sent
Waltzing Matilda from this text: <poem style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh there once was a swagman camped in the billabongs, Under the shade of a Coolibah tree, And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling, "Who'll come a waltzing Matilda with me?" "Chorus:" Who'll come a waltzing Matilda, my darling, Who'll come a waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda and leading a water-bag, Who'll come a waltzing Matilda with me? Down came a jumbuck to drink at the waterhole, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him in glee, And he sang as he put him away in the tucker-bag, You'll come a