The Boring Anthem: The Controversial Choice of Australia's National Anthem

Do you think the tune for Advance Australia Fair is boring?

My Take on the Anthem

I actually find it a bit boring, to be honest. In fact, there was a song with a better tune that could have become Australia's national anthem: 'God Bless Australia', set to the tune of 'Waltzing Matilda'. Sadly, our government chose the less appealing song, in my opinion.

Controversy Surrounding the Anthem

Choosing the anthem was quite controversial at the time. I, along with many others, did not want it to be the national anthem.

Interestingly, people still do not know the words to the anthem, which is a clear indication of how little the population cares for it.

There is very little uplifting and inspiring content in the anthem, which is why it remains largely unpopular among the public.

The Roots of the National Anthem

Before settling on the current anthem, several versions were considered. Here are the two most favorite ones:

While I am not a fan of 'Advance Australia Fair', understanding its historical context makes it more comprehensible. Below are three key reasons that explain why such a choice was made:

1. The Previous Anthem and Its Roots

Before 'Advance Australia Fair', the national anthem was 'God Save the Queen,' a tune steeped in colonial anti-Scottish sentiment. This tune supported an outdated class system where a German royal family held a position of privilege over a predominantly British population, which was a tiny fraction of the total.

2. The Time Period of the Anthem's Creation

'Advance Australia Fair' achieved recognition in the early 1970s, a time when music tastes were deteriorating. Disco dominated the music scene, and rock music was on a downward trend. Punk and new wave genres had yet to rise, and classical music was in decline. Only a few intellectuals were still discussing complex musical theories in the back pages of Sunday newspapers.

3. The Demographic and Cultural Transition in Australia

When the national anthem was chosen, Australia's population was in flux. Nostalgic 'Streays' (Australians born in the 1950s and 1960s) and indigenous Australians were struggling to reconcile with each other, while post-war European migrants brought with them different musical tastes.

To complicate matters, the public was asked to choose the tune for the national anthem. This was a significant shift, as previously, such decisions were made by policymakers or unknown individuals. The public chose a tune representative of 1970s music, a dirge at best, in a democratic but ultimately tasteless decision.

Conclusion

While the tune for 'Advance Australia Fair' is boring, it could have been a lot worse had the public chosen an even less appealing tune or had the referendum taken place in the 1990s. The song could have evolved into an even more inappropriate anthem, like rock songs by John Farnham or Bon Jovi.

So, while the anthem may lack appeal today, it's important to understand the historical context that led to its selection. We may not like it, but we can appreciate the background that shaped this national symbol.