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
Tucker bag leather or oilskin. The term tucker bag appears in a number of traditional Australian songs and poems, including the lyrics in "Waltzing Matilda" "Whose is that jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?", reflecting the tucker bag's place in Australian culture and history. The title of the song itself derives from the way a tucker bag swayed to-and-fro on a swagman's back as he walked along, who was said to be out "waltzing Matilda", i.e., the tucker bag. In more modern times, tucker bags have become associated with reusable grocery bags used when shopping or traveling. Modern bags are typically