Australian National Anthem

Australian Flag The Flag of Australia

The Australian National Anthem is Advance Australia Fair. It was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878 but did not become the official national anthem until April 19, 1984. Before then the Royal anthem was God Save the Queen and unofficial anthems were Waltzing Matilda and Song of Australia.

Peter Dodds McCormick

Peter Dodds McCormick was born in Scotland and moved to Sydney, Australia in 1855. He published 30 patriotic and Scottish songs. He once attended a concert were all the national anthems of the world where performed but there wasn't a song representing Australia. So on the way home he wrote the first verse of Advance Australia Fair and put it to music. The next morning he finish the piece! He wrote Advance Australia Fair under the pseudonym "Amicus" meaning "friend" in Latin. He passed away in 1916 near Sydney.

After its composition Advance Australia Fair was performed frequently at official functions. In 1951 in order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Federation Australia a competion was held for a new national anthem. "This Land of Mine" by Henry Krips won, but in the end they decided not to use it as the official anthem. Several times polls were used to find out what song should represent Australia, with Advance Australia Fair, Waltzing Matilda and Song of Australia

Official Australian National Anthem Lyrics

Advance Australia Fair

Peter Dodds McCormick

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.

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.

Did You Know...

Peter Dodds McCormick wrote the piece under the pseudonym "Amicus".
This stanza is not included in the official lyrics it is included here for your interest.

With Christ our head and cornerstone,
We'll build our Nation's might.
Whose way and truth and light alone
Can guide our path aright.
Our lives, a sacrifice of love
Reflect our Master's care.
With faces turned to heaven above
Advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair!

God Bless Australia!