This is a rich karaoke performance of one of Australia's best loved songs. There are three versions of Waltzing Matilda. The original was written by Banjo Patterson in 1895. Harry Nathan wrote another version around the turn of the century, and Marie Cowan wrote a further version in 1903. Marie Cowan's version is the most popular. The song almost became the Australian national anthem in 1974. The lyrics tell a story about a tramp who camps by a creek and steals a sheep. Three policemen arrive but rather than submit to capture, the tramp commits suicide by drowning himself in the creek. Here is a brief explanation of some of the very Australian words used in the song: Waltzing: Walking along a bush track
Matilda: A bedroll
Swagman: An unemployed drifter
Billabong. Aboriginal word for a waterhole
Coolibah: Aboriginal word for a type of Australian tree
Billy: A tin with a wire handle used for boiling water and heating food
Jumbuck: Aboriginal word for sheep
Tucker bag: Bag containing food (tucker)
Squatter: A landowner
Troopers: Policemen The backlight will unavoidably go off while the song plays. To keep it on keep a finger on a number key. Karaoke software engine from Alatto.