Walzing Matilda

Burl Ives · Big Rock Candy Mountain [2000]

Burl Ives - Walzing Matilda



Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong

Under the shade of a coolibak tree.

And he sang as he watched and waited till the billy boiled,

"You'll come a-wlazing Matilda with me!"



Chorus: "Walzing Matilda, Walzing Matilda,

You'll come a-walzing Matilda with me!"

And he sang as he watched...



Oh, up came a jumbuck and he drank at the billabong.

Up jumped the swagman and he grabbed him with glee.

And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker bag,

"You'll come a-walzing Matilda with me!"



Chorus



Well, up came the squatter and he's mounted on his thoroughbred,

Up came the troopers one, two, three,

"Where's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker bag?

You'll come a-walzing Matlida with me!"



Chorus



Up jumped the swagman and he jumped into the billabong,

"You'll never catch me alive!" said he.

And his gost may be heard as you pass by that billabong

"You'll come a-walzing Matilda with me!"



Chorus

Walzing Matilda

Burl Ives delivers a spirited performance of "Walzing Matilda" on the 2000 reissue of Big Rock Candy Mountain. The recording captures the timeless folk-rock energy of the era, showcasing Ives' distinctive vocal style and rhythmic delivery. As a staple of the American folk revival, the song reflects the genre's enduring appeal and Ives' significant contribution to popular music. This track stands as a testament to the artist's ability to bring traditional melodies to life with warmth and authenticity, cementing his legacy in the catalog of classic recordings.