Slim Dusty was an Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer who won many awards for his works. He was also a prominent Australian icon, since he was one of the most decorated artists in his time. Slim Dusty wrote many songs over the course of his nearly 70 year long career in different styles, including “bush ballads” and trucking songs.

The song “Waltzing Matilda” was originally written by Banjo Paterson and Christina Macpherson. Waltzing matilda means walking across the countryside because the man is trying to find work with all of his belongings with him in his pack and slung over his shoulder, which is called matilda. Although this song is not Slim Dusty’s original work, he has become a very well-known performer of this song since he was asked to play it at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Slim Dusty performed this song for an audience of nearly 4 billion people around the world.

I personally like country music, so that is part of the reason that I chose this song. I also thought it was very impressive to hear about such an Australian cultural icon who is still very important to their country to this day. This song also shows a very different side of Australian history than we usually hear, and it is also interesting that it is such an important part of Australian culture since it is seen as their unofficial national anthem.

“Waltzing Matilda” performed by Slim Dusty: https://youtu.be/FqtttbbYfSM