In the United States we have the Star Spangled Banner. A lot of people think it should be replaced with America the Beautiful. A few others think it’s too militaristic and should be replaced with some unspecified peaceful tune. Probably one that mentions veganism and condemns vaping and has politically-correct pronouns. Unfortunately for those linguini-spines wimps most Americans kind of like to stand up, put their right hands across their hearts, and attempt to sing some very patriotic words they can’t quite remember.
But I don’t think you’d get the same degree of support for the Australian national anthem from Australians. Sure, they all know that Advance Australia Fair is their national anthem. But if a vote were held, a lot of Aussies would probably support a couple other songs.
Here’s the real Aussie national anthem:
Replacement Nominee Number One – Waltzing Matilda. Every Aussie old enough to talk can probably sing this song. It means something very special, very dear to them. It reflects themes from a legendary era of the nation’s past. This video shows 100,000 Aussies exuberantly singing along during the closing ceremonies at the Sydney Olympics.
Replacement Nominee Number Two – The Land Down Under. This is a much more contemporary song that does everything for the last couple generations that Waltzing Matilda does for the older folks. Men at Work recorded it back in 1981 and I’m going to guess it gets performed at official functions almost as often as the actual national anthem does. And odds are every Aussie knows every one of the words. Here it is in a cell phone commercial:
I don’t think I’ll get to vote on the subject, but if I could I’d have a tough choice between Waltzing Matilda and The Land Down Under. After much wavering I think I’d eventually check the box for Waltzing Matilda.
No. I’ve changed my mind. I’d vote for The Land Down Under.
No. Waltzing Matilda.
Land Down Under.
Crap. I can’t decide.