Hi Hotspur,

Many Australians would like to see their National Anthem change from "Advance Australia Fair" to "Waltzing Matilda" as the latter engenders stronger patriotic feelings, while the former reeks of colonialism to thoise who would like to see an Australian republic.

Waltzing Matilda was originally a poem by Banjo Patterson, Australia's most famous bush poet (he wrote some beautiful stuff). A matilda was a slang for a bed-roll or 'swag' and to go Waltzing Matilda hence became a slang for going walk-about. When you read the lyrics, you can see why Australians traditionally have a disdain for authority and a innate support of the underdog.

Another song which produces similar feelings is one called "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", written by Eric Bogle, a Scotsman who emigrated to Australia some thirty years ago, I believe, and now lives i Adelaide. Superb song-writer and performer. You should dig up the lyrics to this one as well.

Hope this helps!

Cheers