How about some new lyrics for the Australian National Anthem?
Do you think we should update the words to Advance Australia Fair?
When I was a child the Australian National Anthem was God Save the Queen and protocol demanded we all stand as it was played.
I was glad to see the back of that tradition of playing the British Anthem as our own - although I do miss the fun of defiantly remaining seated.
When the idea of changing the anthem to something more "Australian" was suggested, there was a terrible fuss. I still can't believe the outcries of rage from the conservative elements. I've nothing against the British Anthem per se (and I'm glad they've dropped the verse about Down with all Catholics) but why was it the Australian Anthem too?
These days we play God Save the Queen when she's actually present - or her representative is attending some official function. Advance Australia Fair is now our anthem but I reckon the lyrics need updating again..
'Advance Australia Fair'
from 1878 to now
Peter Dodds McCormick's song from 1878 was officially sung at the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia on the first day of January 1901.
The Australian Labor Party policy for the 1972 elections included finding an alternative to God Save the Queen.
When the ALP won office in that election, the Whitlam government announced a competition would be held under the auspices of the Australia Council for the Arts to find a new Australian national anthem. Advance Australia Fair narrowly won over Waltzing Matilda..
In 1981 there was a further outcry when the National Australia Day Council recommended some modification of the words The best example is the changing of Australia's sons, let us rejoice to Australians all let us rejoice. This small change meant a great deal to me and the rest of the 52% of Australians who are female. The scorn heaped on this modification is something which I'll never forget. Nor will I forgive.
Art by Adam Hill at Chalk the Walk
Printable new lyrics of Advance Australia Fair
The lyrics are from Judith's official website
Judith Durham and Kutcha Edwards - Advance Australia Fair - Judith Durham with Kutcha Edwards
Judith Durham's new lyrics for Advance Australia Fair, featuring Kutcha Edwards. The two choirs are the Aboriginal Children's Choir and the Australian Children's Choir.
Waltzing Matilda - Slim Dusty
Who else but the legendary Slim Dusty could give us a version like this of Waltzing Matilda?
We are Australian - The Seekers
The Seekers performance of We Are Australian 1993
Great Southern Land - Icehouse
What's your choice for an anthem?
Out of these suggestions, which would you prefer?
Come on, your turn ....
OK, there have been some slight modifications since 1878 but I say it's about time we updated those words again. Our anthem should reflect the diversity of Australians and place emphasis on the original inhabitants.
Should we scrap the older lyrics for Judith Durham's changes?
All comments are welcome. You don't have to be a Squidoo member (or even Australian), to leave yours
