Hello there FOXY...

I hope you've been well. I do agree with you; 'I am Australian' is a lovely melody and the lyrics are pretty good too. Who wrote the song, was it the late Peter ALLEN, or was it 'The Seekers' themselves?

I like the melody of 'Waltzing Matilda,' but the lyrics would need to be tidied up somewhat. Though I do recognise 'Advance Australia Fair' is our current anthem, but I do admit to not knowing all the lyrics, nor do I think it resonates with many others either, most seem to just stumble through it?

The one comment I would like to make; whatever song that's chosen, whoever is selected to perform it, at these significant events, 'please' make sure they give our National Anthem the justice it deserves.

No names, no pack drill, but some of the youngsters chosen to perform at these big sporting events can't even sing in tune; can't sustain a note without 'breaking' by going either 'sharp or flat.' Worse still, a 'shrill'? As I said, it's our National Anthem; it should, therefore, be performed expertly and with pride, especially at large important events.

One of the best soloists, in my opinion, is Julie ANTHONY, with her beautiful soprano (almost contralto) voice, with its sustained resonance. And a male soloist, perhaps Anson AUSTIN (sic) with his fine alto or countertenor range, previously with the Australian Opera, or similar.

Dear Aidan,

Talking about anthems - In the article I just
mentioned by Phillip Adams - he also comments
on "Waltzing Matilda." Adams calls it a -
"...dirge about death - the suicide by billabong
of an unemployed hobo provoked by his unrequited
relationship with a jolly jumbuck. A male sheep.
As his ghost observes when you walk by his
watery grave, currently bone-dry because of the
drought. His is an immensely sad story."

"Another reason for liking Waltzing Matilda is
that it's about failure - the central motif of
Australian culture."

Dear O Sung Wu,

Thank You for your comments and kind words.
I agree Julie Anthony's voice is beautiful
and she sings with great passion.

The iconic anthem - "I am Australian" was
originally composed by Bruce Woodley of The
Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers in
1987. It was originally performed by The Seekers.

There have been so many occasions now in which
this anthem has played a vital part in ceremonies
in this country - from devastating events like
bushfires, to it being specially recorded from
Broome Primary School for the ABC by almost 400
students who sang it in Yawuru language and
featured kids from around Australia.

The Mabu Yawuru ngan-ga language team and Yawuru
traditional owners of Broome provided the translation
of the song and assisted in the making of the video.

Beautiful words.

" We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream
And sing with one voice
I am, You are, We are, Australian!"

Foxy and O sung wu,
I have been told that the recording that was done about 25 years ago featuring Julie Anthony as vocalist was financed by the St George bank. Further that the musical arrangement was by Tommy Tycho so no wonder it sounds so good and moving. Julie Anthony singing a musical arrangement by Tommy Tycho would be enough for me to retain the anthem. I doubt that anyone could not honestly say that arrangement is not moving.

I do not take heed of anything that Phillip Adams has to say on any subject. He is the most unAustralian person I can think of and has no respect from me what so ever.

HenryL.,

I fully understand your dislike of what Phillip Adams
writes and says. He can be insensitive at times.
But I guess so can so many other people who make a
career out of it. People like Alan Jones comes to mind.

Tommy Tycho and Julie Anthony? That would be a great
combination. I'm going to try to get hold of a copy,
if its available. I'll let you know how I do.

Foxy,
From memory I got my copy of the tape from the St George bank just prior to our local celebrations of our bicentenial where it was played.

The tape has a couple of vocal tracks and a few orchestral, both short and long.

I suggest St George bank be the first place to try. Good luck.