Australia in 1985, it was the period during which recording and music industry were beginning to fire up. At the same time, various musical bands and song writers were trying hard to prove their talent and show their mark in the market. “I Am Australian” is one such song shook the market of Australia Music World, released in 1987 by a famous singer cum song writer and musician called, Bruce Woodley.
Australia, a land of many cultures, hot surfers, warm weathers, wild or deadly animals, and historic references, is also famous for wide variety of popular musical bands and iconic songs. Australian musical bands graced the world with their typical Aussie charm filled in their all time rocking tunes from pop to grunge to punk. This keeps ‘Australia’ as a rich cultural tapestry worldwide for its incredible and award winning music albums.
‘I Am Australian’ or also known as ‘We are Australian’ is one of the most famous and popular Australia’s foremost musical export. Bruce Woodley brought cultural and musical references like ‘Albert Namatjira’, ‘Digger’, ‘Ned Kelly’ etc. through it’s lyrics and music. This iconic Aussie rock song was released in 1987 and since then, it is regularly played in primary schools and all over the country during national celebrations such as ‘Australia Day’. It has become so popular worldwide and because of its popularity, the song has joined the group of other patriotic songs that are considered as the best alternatives to the ‘Australia’s National Anthem’ and ‘Advance Australia Fair’.
About Bruce Woodley
Bruce Woodley, a famous Australian song writer and musician is from The Seekers (Famous Australian Band) and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers (Australian bush band). Since he released the song ‘I Am Australian’, there have been discussions on inviting this song to become ‘Australia’s National Anthem’ in particularly by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett in 2011.
‘Love is Kind’, ‘Come The Day’, ‘Love is Wine’ etc, are Bruce’s other popular music albums. He also wrote popular radio and television jingles along with legendary sound engineers like Ernie Rose. In addition, he composed many songs with Melbourne musician Hans Poulsen, such as ‘Midnight oil’ which is often played in pubs, theaters, clubs of Australia while also touring in US.
The first solo musical album by Bruce was released in 1971 entitled ‘Just Good Friends’. In 1974, he contributed to an Australian-themed album called ‘The Roaring Days Vol. 1’. Later in 1971, Bruce put his whole efforts for writing ‘I Am Australian’ song with the help of his friend Dobe Newton of the Bushwackers. Even though, Bruce knew that the song was going to be a great success due to its theme of identity, he was surprised to the mark the song has made and the way it has graced millions of Australians. He din’t stop by enjoying the appreciations of this song but decided to extend the song after 22 years. The tragic events happening in the country made him to write and add more two versus to the existing song in order to reflect those tragic moments where so many people lost their lives.
Bruce Woodley attended ‘The Australian National Morning Service’ for the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires and led everyone to sing this song. This service went live on 22nd February at 10 am to the Australian public. Here is the most popular ‘I Am Australian’ song written and composed by Bruce Woodley. Please make a note that the new versus are mentioned in bold letters.
I came from the dream-time, from the dusty red soil plains
I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame.
I stood upon the rocky shore, I watched the tall ships come.
For forty thousand years I’ve been the first Australian.
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I came upon the prison ship, bowed down by iron chains.
I cleared the land, endured the lash and waited for the rains.
I’m a settler, I’m a farmer’s wife on a dry and barren run
A convict then a free man, I became Australian.
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I’m the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode
The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road
I’m a child of the depression, I saw the good times come
I’m a bushy, I’m a battler, I am Australian
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I’m a teller of stories, I’m a singer of songs
I am Albert Namatjira, I paint the ghostly gums
I am Clancy on his horse, I’m Ned Kelly on the run
I’m the one who waltzed Matilda, I am Australian
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian…
There are no words of comfort that can hope to ease the pain
Of losing homes and loved ones the memories will remain
Within the silent tears you’ll find the strength to carry on
You’re not alone, we are with you. We are Australian!
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian…
There are so many heroes whose stories must be told
They fought the raging fires of hell and saved so many souls
From the ashes of despair our towns will rise again!
We mourn your loss, we will rebuild. We are Australian!
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I’m the hot wind from the desert, I’m the black soil of the plains
I’m the mountains and the valleys, I’m the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run
The spirit of this great land, I am Australian
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I am, you are, we are Australian!
We are one ….. We are many ….. We are Australian!
Celebrations of ‘I Am Australian’ Song
Here are few festivities where the song ‘I Am Australian’ is played regularly.
- During celebrations like Australia Day and New Year’s Day where diversity of Australian society is celebrated
- Often played by Australian fans at numerous sporting events. The Seekers sung ‘I Am Australian’ in Melbourne at the 1994 AFL Grand Final.
- Was one of the final numbers performed at the 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo hosted at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.
- Sung in the public gallery of the Australian House of Representatives when Parliament voted on and legalised same sex marriage on 7 December 2017.
- Was often played at citizenship ceremonies from 2008 until 2012. In 2012, the Copyright Tribunal ruled that this was an infringement and ordered the Federal Government to pay Bruce Woodley $149,743.34 in compensation.
- In 1996 the Salvation Army used the song in TV advertisements for its Red Shield Appeal
Cover Versions
Cover versions are pretty popular over years and are considered one of the most popular aspects of musical albums. Let us know a few of best cover versions of ‘I Am Australian’ song.
In 2014, the famous and creative cover versions of ‘I Am Australian’ song were covered by famous musicians such as Jessica Mauboy, Nathaniel Willemse, Samantha Jade, Dami Im, Justice Crew, Taylor Henderson with John Foreman (on piano), etc.
Artists about the song during their recordings:
Jessica Mauboy: Wow…I am glad to be as part of this wonderful song cover version recording on Australia Day celebrations. What an honor and a song!! Had an amazing experience while recording this song and eager to sing live on ‘Sydney Harbor’.
Nathaniel Willemse: Being a South African moved to Australia at 6 years old and now i am glad to take part on this auspicious and patriotic day and singing the most iconic Australian song in front of all other incredible artists is amazing.
Samantha Jade: Enjoyed celebrating being Australian and Australian song ‘I Am Australian’ sends out a good message, no matter what is your religion, or skin color etc.
Dami Im: “What a unique and wonderful collaboration to be a part of. ‘I Am Australian’ is such a patriotic song that represents togetherness and the Australian spirit and what better way to celebrate this than through music.”
Justice Crew: “What an honor it is to be a part of this recording. We used to sing this song at school assembly and now to be a part of the special Sony Music recording with some of the best singers in the country is such a buzz.”
Taylor Henderson: “It is such an amazing experience to work alongside the Sony family on such a special release. A year ago I was a proud Australian singing this song with my family and now to be a part of this official recording with my name alongside the other amazing talents on the record is such an honor. This song is so typically Australian and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
on 24 January 2014, Sony Music Australia released their cover version as a single, and as a part of Sydney’s Australia Day celebrations. EMI Australia released the single chronology and on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, its number is 17.
We are also sharing YouTube version of ‘I Am Australian’ song. Watch it and hope you will enjoy it.
Once a question was asked to some Australians from different backgrounds that is ‘What does it mean ‘I Am Australian’!? Here, we have listed a few common ideas in regards to their answers.
- respecting other cultures
- being friendly and easygoing
- being willing to help others
- symbolizes Australia and its people
- loving Australia and having pride in the country
- valuing mate ship, having strong friendships and being loyal to friends and family
- sung to celebrate both Australia’s diversity and its unity
- lyrics describe a nation whose people, history, culture and landscape are deeply connected
Australia has unique characteristics as a Nation that are contributed by the people, natural environment, identity, and historical events. That is the main reason why Australians love their nation in each and every aspect. This also includes popular and rocking musical bands and iconic songs involving Aussies charm without any doubt. Discover our explorations on this widely known ‘I Am Australian’ song and celebrate the special and patriotic days with the song in Australia.
