[Rebels1972] Slim Dusty - Waltzing Matilda

[Fred Atkinson]

    FOLKS!   

        As most of you know, I visited Australia in 1991.  I became somewhat acquainted with Australian culture while I visited them.  

        I stumbled over this on YouTube and I was absolutely stunned to find this video.  

        Slim Dusty is a legendary Australian country music singer.  He passed away only a few years back.  He's as legendary to Australia as Johnny Cash is to the United States.  

        This is a video of Australia's famous Slim Dusty singing 'Waltzing Matilda' by the campfire.  

        It's an awesome rendition.  

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwvazMc5EfE&autostart=1 

        By the way, the poem 'Waltzing Matilda' was written by Australia's beloved poet 'Banjo Paterson'.  Banjo Paterson is the one who also wrote the poem that inspired 'The Man from Snowy River' (and a number of other Australian poems).  

        Check it out.  God Bless our good friends 'Down Under'.  

        In case you've wondered, here are the meanings of some of the Australian slang words in the song: 

            Swagman - A happy wanderer (like a hobo) was wanders across the countryside from place to place and lives on the land.  

            Bill-a-bong - A small pool of water like a brook or a stream.  

            Coolibah tree - A type of tree that is indigenous to Australia.  

            Matilda - A knapsack.  

            Billy - A small kettle that holds enough water for one or two cups of coffee or tea.  

            Jumbuck - A sheep.  

            Tucker - Food (Tucker Bag - Food bag).  

            Troopers - The police.  

        'Waltzing' efers to the motion of the knapsack on the swagman's back as he wanders across the countryside in 'freedom'.  

        With this indoctrination into Australian culture, you can gain a whole new understanding of the song.  

        Regards, and enjoy, 




                                                                                    Fred 
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