Waltzing Matilda
Waltzing Matilda's Tale: A Swagman's Journey by the Billabong
Lyrics
Once a jolly swagman sat beside the billabong,
The narrator describes a content swagman sitting next to a billabong (waterhole).
Under the shade of a coulibah tree,
The swagman is sitting in the shade of a coolibah tree, creating a peaceful setting.
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong,
While waiting by the billabong, the swagman sings a song, possibly expressing his emotions or passing the time.
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
The swagman invites someone to join him in the activity of "waltzing matilda," suggesting a carefree or wandering lifestyle.
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
Repetition of the invitation to waltz with Matilda, emphasizing its significance.
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me,
Reiteration of the invitation with the same emphasis on waltzing matilda.
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong,
The swagman continues singing and waiting for a response to his invitation.
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
Repetition of the invitation, reinforcing the swagman's desire for companionship.
Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
A sheep (jumbuck) comes to drink at the billabong.
Up jumped the swagman and seized him with glee
The swagman excitedly captures the jumbuck, possibly for sustenance or other purposes.
And he sang as he tucked jumbuck in his tuckerbag,
While securing the jumbuck, the swagman continues singing and extends the invitation to waltz.
'You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
The swagman insists that the captured jumbuck will join in the waltzing matilda.
Down came the stockman, riding on his thoroughbred,
A stockman (cattle herder) arrives on horseback.
Down came the troopers, one, two, three.
Troopers (policemen) also arrive, indicating a potential conflict or confrontation.
Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?
The authorities inquire about the jumbuck in the swagman's possession.
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me'.
Repetition of the invitation, even in the face of potential trouble.
Up jumped the swagman and plunged into the billabong,
The swagman jumps into the billabong, refusing to be captured alive by the authorities.
You'll never catch me alive, cried he!
He defiantly declares that they will not catch him alive.
And his ghost may be heard as you ride beside the billabong,
The ghost of the swagman is said to haunt the billabong, suggesting a tragic end to his story.
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
The invitation to waltz with Matilda persists even in death, creating a haunting and enduring image.
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