I'm just a crazy Canadian trying to guess what other
people's holidays might be like. I've started receiving some notes from
"real Australians" and I've been tweaking the section here and there
to reflect their comments.
Alexandra emailed in that although seeing the entire
song is interesting, it's just the first verse that is the actual National
Anthem. John says that the third verse is also sung occasionally but
the second, fourth and fifth verses are rarely sung. I've bolded
verses one and three, but left the rest in for interest's
sake.
Australia's National Anthem:
Advance Australia Fair
Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We've golden soil and wealth for toil, Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in Nature's gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history's page, let every stage Advance Australia fair! In joyful strains then let us sing, "Advance Australia fair!"
When gallant Cook from Albion sail'd, To trace wide oceans o'er, True British courage bore him on, Till he landed on our shore. Then here he raised Old England's flag, The standard of the brave; With all her faults we love her still, "Brittannia rules the wave!"
In joyful strains then let us sing "Advance Australia fair!"
Beneath our radiant southern Cross,
We'll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who've come across the seas We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing "Advance Australia fair!"
While other nations of the globe Behold us from afar, We'll rise to high renown and shine
Like our glorious southern star;
From England, Scotia, Erin's Isle, Who come our lot to share, Let all combine with heart and hand To advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing "Advance Australia fair!"
Shou'd foreign foe e'er sight our coast, Or dare a foot to land, We'll rouse to arms like sires of yore
To guard our native strand;
Brittannia then shall surely know, Beyond wide ocean's roll,
Her sons in fair Australia's land Still keep a British soul.
In joyful strains then let us sing "Advance Australia fair!"
