Songs about Australia

Cafe Society
1

I could only think of two - the Manic Street Preachers’ “Australia”, and of course, Men At Work’s “Land Down Under”. But surely there must be more!

2

*“Australia” *-- The Kinks

3

‘Beds are Burning’ - Midnight Oil
‘Diesel and Dust’ - Midnight Oil

I’m sure there are lots more…

4

Well, there’s the original Waltzing Matilda and the song in honor of the Gallipoli soldiers, “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”.

5

I Am Australian - The Seekers

Great Southern Land - Icehouse

6

Australia - **Steve Howe **(YES, that Steve Howe).

7

A couple off the top of my head.

Sounds of then by Gangajang [A personal favourite by the by]

Great Southern Land by IceHouse

Also, almost anything by John Williamson,

8

South Australia - The Pogues

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda - The Pogues

9

Depends what you mean by “about Australia,” i guess.

There are plenty of Australian artists who have written many songs dealing with aspects of Australia and its history, society, and culture.

Half of Cold Chisel’s output is about Australia (or specific bits of it) in one way or another. You could say the same about much of Midnight Oil’s stuff, and a whole host of other Aussie bands.

10

There’s 'Living Next Door To Abos" by Kevin Bloody Wilson, I guess.

11

“I Still Call Australia Home” - Peter Allen

12

The song “The Dreaming” by Kate Bush. It’s not very kind to Australia though. She’s said she loves Australia, even used to live there as a child, but the treatment of Aborigines bothered her.

Edit to add, that’s Rolf Harris on Didgeridoo.

Warning: it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s definitely one of her most bizarre songs, and it took me, a die-hard Kate fan, about 10 listens to wrap my head and ears around it. Now it’s one of my favorite songs by her. I love the fact that she thumbed her nose at her record company by insisting that this be the single off the album. People in England were appalled and confused, but strangely enough it got her noticed, finally, in America.

13

Huh? I thought the title was living next door to Alan?

14

“Everyone walks around with a perpetual smile across their face.”

15

You’re right, it’s just a line in (one) chorus, but that’s how it was labelled on my mix tape (along with such classics as Kevin’s Courting Song(Do You Fuck on First Dates?).

16

Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport

17

Sing Australia by John Denver.

18

Song of Australia
Advance Australia Fair

19

I Hate Wogs - by Eric Bogle (it’s sarcasm)

20

“Treaty”, by Yothu Yindi, is probably my favourite.