Expert: Frank Denison - 7/8/2005

Question
What are the complete lyrics to the song, Waltzing Matilda?  Where can I go on the net to hear the melody as it is supposed to be sung, and in Australia, on what occasions is the song heard normally (as opposed to in a send-up)?  I thank you for your help.  

Answer
G'day Augusto,

I am sorry for the delay in the reply, but I did not get the email until today.
If you follow the link, you can hear the melody. The song use to be sung before major events, or after sporting ceremonies where Australia is successful. It has now been replaced with "Advance Australia Fair", which is now our National Anthem.

This link has info that will help
http://ausinternet.com/ettamogah/waltzing.htm
The words -
Waltzing Matilda
by Banjo Patterson

Oh there once was a swagman camped in the billabongs
Under the shade of a Coolibah tree
And he sang as he looked at the 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 waterbag
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me

Up came the jumbuck to drink at the waterhole
Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him in glee
And he sang as he put hime away in the tuckerbag
You'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 waterbag
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me

Up came the squatter a-riding his thoroughbred
Up came policemen one two three
Whose is the jumbuck you've got in the tuckerbag?
You'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 waterbag
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me

Up sprang the swagman and jumped in the waterhole
Drowning himself by the Coolibah
And his voice can be heard as it sings in the billabongs
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me.