Advance Australia Fair is a patriotic song that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures in our country. It was first sung in the late 18th century and has been officially recognised as Australia’s national anthem since 1984.
The national anthem was changed from God Save the Queen/King in 1974 after a public opinion poll picked Advance Australia Fair as a more popular choice. In 1977 the National Song Poll was held and again Advance Australia Fair was the clear choice.
Advance Australia Fair was proclaimed as the national anthem on 19 April 1984 by the Governor-General. It is used on all occasions except when the Royal Anthem or the Vice-Regal salute is used. Since 1985 God Save the Queen/King and Advance Australia Fair are played at official functions attended by the royal family.
Most Australians feel the song truly reflects how deeply they feel about being Australian. There are several versions of the song with different combinations of the verses. We believe this is close to the original.
Advance Australia Fair
words by Peter Dodds McCormick
(1834 – 1916)
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,
“Brittania 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 afair,
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!”
Sho’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 strang;
Brittania the shall surely know,
Beyond wide ocean’s roll,
Her sons in fair Australia’s land
Still keep a British soul.
In joyful strains the let us sing
“Advance Australia fair!”
