Australia National Anthem

Almost all countries each has national anthem, a patriotic musical composition aimed at evoking and eulogizing a nation’s traditions, culture, and history. The Australia national anthem is entitled ‘Advance Australia Fair.’ The song was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick, a Scotland-born music composer, in the last quarter of the 19th century. Advance Australia Fair was initially performed in 1878 and was officially declared Australia’s national anthem in April 1984. From 1788 until 1974, the Australian national anthem was ‘God Save the Queen,’ a common anthem used in many Commonwealth realms globally. Since 1840, there had been many official and commercial competitions that were all looking for a catchy and appropriate substitute for Australia’s then national anthem.

In 1956, prior to the Olympic Games held in the country, clamor was stronger over a new Australia national anthem.

There were two songs on the official shortlist, namely ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘Advance Australia Fair.’ In a public poll conducted in 1974, the two were joined by several other proposed national songs like ‘Song of Australia.’ The national survey found that Advance Australia Fair was the most impressive, so the song was chosen.
In 1976, God Save the Queen was reinstated as a national anthem. The following year, Advance Australia Fair again took its turn.

In April 1984, the country’s Governor-General stated that Advance Australia Fair was to be the Australia national anthem. However, God Save the Queen was then designated as a Royal Anthe, which should still be played at important public engagements within the country. During the initial years as a national anthem, Advance Australia Fair had its share of controversies and criticisms. Many politicians then described the song as ‘not endearing’ and dull. Some words in the lyrics were also not favored by critics. Through the years, there have been several minor and major modifications to the lyrics. Thus, in the present day, the official lyrics of Advance Australia Fair are as follows: