Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda is a poem written by Andrew Barton Paterson in 1895. The poem tells the story of a swagman who steals a jumbuck (sheep) and is chased by the owner, the squatter A.B. "Andy" Floate. The poem follows the swagman's journey as he tries to evade capture and ultimately dies in the outback. What do you think of Waltzing Matilda?
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Folk Literature · 250 words
First lines
(Carrying a Swag.)
Oh! there once was a swagman camped in the Billabong, Under the shade of a Coolabah tree; And he sang as he looked at his old billy boiling, "Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda, my darling, Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda and leading a water-bag -- Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?
Down came a jumbuck to drink at the water-hole, Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him in glee; And he sang as he put him away in his tucker-bag, "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!"
What this Textopian page supports
Waltzing Matilda is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Folk Literature
- Length: 250 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Waltzing Matilda by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Waltzing Matilda?
- How does this poem by Andrew Barton Paterson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tythe Pig by Sabine Baring Gould
- Saltbush Bill On The Patriarchs by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Cat by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Wallaby Brigade by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Horse And Cart Ferry by Henry Lawson
- The Murrumbidgee Shearer by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Poetry — The book 'Waltzing Matilda' is a collection of poetry written by Andrew Barton Paterson.
- Australian Literature — The poems included in the book talk about themes and stories unique to the Australian experience.
- Folk Literature — The title poem 'Waltzing Matilda' is considered part of Australian folk literature as it is a popular bush ballad.
Tags
Australian literature · poetry · folk tale · ballad · outback · sheep farming · drover · bush life · national identity · iconic · classic · children's book