Eric Bogle explains parts of the song ' And The Band Played 'Waltzing Matilda ':
From the liner notes to a 1977 live Eric Bogle album:
"A "Matilda" was the name given to the pack of an Australian Bushman or Swagman. To "Waltz Matilda" was to carry your pack around the bush. 50.000 soldiers of Australia died at Gallipoli in a stupid and pointless campaign, which was a lot for a small country like Australia. About the only thing they achieved was a belated recognition that Australia was "growing up", she was becoming a nation in her own right.... Every April, a march is held on ANZAC DAY to commemorate the Gallipoli landings during the first World War, and the dead of the other wars. Australia takes it so seriously that the pubs are closed, the only day in the year this happens. Like all memorial parades it is both moving and yet somewhat pointless and pathetic. This song was written after observing one such parade."
Take Care ,
GORD.
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