"Advance Australia Fair" (The National Anthem of Australia) was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick sometime around the turn of this century. Several versions with different combinations of the verses are found in different references. Some Australian governments seemed to disapprove of the sentiment of some of these verses, and passively discouraged their remembrance. Consequently, several of these verses are very difficult to find unless one searches for old and original references. Notably, the original first line was "Australia's sons let us rejoice", however this has been replaced with the more 'politically correct' first line as follows ...

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, "Brittannia 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 afar, 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!" Shou'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 strand; Brittannia then shall surely know, Beyond wide ocean's roll, Her sons in fair Australia's land Still keep a British soul. In joyful strains then let us sing "Advance Australia fair!"

The "Missing" Verse

Dr Sharwood's Revised Version

Another web site with information about Advance Australia Fair is:
http://www.hamilton.net.au/advance.html
And here is a Midi file of the Music:
http://www.genesis.net.au/~anthems/aaf.mid

God Save The Queen - Australia's Royal Anthem

Waltzing Matilda