The story of Australia really begins with the aboriginals, though I don't know any of their songs. However I did write this song in the sixties, at a time when the subject of aboriginal land rights was being debated. (More details in my Original Songs area.)

The Convicts: Songs of Transportation

Australia began as a penal settlement for English (and Irish) criminals whose crimes were so petty that they managed to avoid being hanged. For example they may have stolen a loaf of bread to feed their family. The songs in this section tell the stories of some of those unfortunate enough to be transported to the prison settlements of New South Wales and elsewhere in Australia.

The Gold Rush

At present I only sing one of the songs from this important era in Australian history. No doubt I'll add more to my repertoire when I have time.

The Bushrangers

There are many songs about Australian outlaws, the most famous of these being Ned Kelly. Here are a couple of examples.

Pastoral Australia

A lot of Australian songs are about the bush and the farmers and drovers who developed the sheep and cattle industries. The tough job of shearing the sheep was a frequent subject of the early ballads.

Wanderers

Not everyone managed to find work, and the best known Australian song of all is about one of those who wandered the bush. This section also has some of the songs on which Waltzing Matilda was based.

Modern Australia

This is where I'll put the songs that aren't about bushrangers or farmers.