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
John Paterson (Australian politician) Barton in 1861 at Molong and together they had four children, two daughters and two sons. His nephew is the renowned poet and author Banjo Paterson. Paterson died in Illalong, New South Wales on 9 August 1871. John Paterson (Australian politician) John Paterson (8 December 1831 – 9 August 1871) was a Scottish-born Australian politician in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Paterson was born in Clydevale, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire in 1831. He took his name from his father, Captain John Paterson, a soldier. His mother was Ann Howison. Paterson arrived in New South Wales in 1850. He was a pastoralist