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 a billabong Under the shade of the coolibah tree And he sang as he looked at his 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 water hole Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee And he sang as he stowed him away in his tucker bag You'll come a'waltzing Matilda with me Down came the squatter a'riding his thoroughbred Down came policemen