There's no doubt that 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' is an excellent and emotionally shattering song ... the first few times that you hear it. Unfortunately, it's beginning to get a bit hackneyed now - after the umpty-billionth performance. It's even filtered down to the 'exercise book' merchants. I heard one the other day say, "I can't sing, so I'll recite it" - he then went on to demonstrate that, in addition to his lack of singing prowess, he couldn't even recite from a book without stumbling over the words!
I think that, from now on, anyone who wants to sing (or recite) that song should have to apply for a licence. In order to qualify for such a licence they would have pass a strict exam in which they would be required to demonstrate musical ability and emotional maturity. The licence would only entitle them to sing the song, at the most, about twice a year.

Two of Ewan MacColl's songs (which have not yet become hackneyed) are the song about his mother called 'Nobody Knew She Was There' and the one about the 'Universal-Working-Class-Hero-and-Dogsbody' called 'Kilroy Was Here'. These two songs probably sum up the day-to-day experiences of the vast majority of ordinary people during the 20th century. They both make me blub every time I hear them.