And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

This song is on my first CD, Axis of Evil and Other True Stories. And here are the lyrics.

The Barbecue Song

An amusing look at a great Australian tradition.

Here are the lyrics.

I Hate Wogs

Eric Bogle stopped singing this song because there were too many people who didn't see the irony and either attacked it as racist or, worse, supported the protagonist in his racist views. Apparently there was even a member of parliament of Italian descent who attacked Bogel for his supposedly racist views! (His attitude is actually pretty obvious when you pay attention to the lyrics.)

I know the feeling. When I put Six of the Best on YouTube I got attacked (and supported!) by people who thought I was in favour of corporal punishment in schools, rather than satirising people with such attitudes.

So I'll probably get comments from people who think I'm a racist for singing this song!

Here is my rendition and here are the lyrics.

This video has now been removed from public view, due to abuse and threats from people who do not understand the purpose of the song. Anyone who has a particular interest in seeing it, please contact me, stating your reason and I will make it available to you privately.

Glossary:
Advance Australia, Backwards - Reference to the Australian National Anthem "Advance Australia Fair".
Dinki-di - "Dinkum" - real, genuine.
Bluey - A man with red hair.
Chiko rolls - Brand name of a large spring roll
Coolibah - Eucalyptus tree - like most gum trees, not actually noted for good shade (see Waltzing Matilda)
Dim Sim - small pseudo-Chinese dumpling (from Dimsum)
Fat jumbuck - a sheep (see Waltzing Matilda)
Toohey's - Sydney beer maker
V.F.L. - Victorian Football League, where Aussie Rules comes from. VFL has now become AFL (Australian Football League)

Leaving of Nancy

Bogle's touching song about parting with his mother when he left Scotland to emigrate to Australia, written in 1977. He made her promise not to cry, but she broke down just as the train was leaving.

It has also been recorded by The Dubliners (1991), Hyland Paddy and The Fureys.

Here is my rendition and here are the lyrics.

My Youngest Son Came Home Today

I don't sing this song myself but here is a very nice rendition by Eileen O'Donovan from Cork, accompanied by her guitar playing partner Mick Lynch.

Nobody’s Moggy Now

A humorous song about a dead cat! Cat lovers may not find it so amusing.

The lyrics are here.

No Man's Land (The Green Fields of France)

Another great song by Scottish-Australian singer, Eric Bogle. This song, like And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is about the futility of war, in particular WW1, supposedly the war to end all wars. It is also known as The Green Fields of France.

It has been covered by several artists, including John McDermott, The Fureys, The Corries, Liam Clancy and Dropkick Murphys.

You can see my rendition here and here are the lyrics.

There is a clever parody called Nobody's Moggy Land, by Bob Kanefsky, which, rather tastelessly, combines this song with another of Eric Bogle's songs.

Now I'm Easy

Eric Bogle's classic song about the life of an Australian farmer.

You can see my performance here and here are the lyrics.

Silly Slang Song

An amusing look at how language changes.

Here are the lyrics.

The Traditional Folksinger's Lament For The Passing Of The Three-Chord Traditional Folksong.

Can you sing any Dylan?

Here is a video of me singing this satirical song which targets my hero, Bob Dylan. Here are the lyrics.

Eric Bogle's Website

Don't miss it. Informative and very amusing. He has a great sense of humour.