And the band played Waltzing Mathilda

This is my favorite anti-war song. "And the band played Waltzing Mathilda" was originally written in 1971 Eric Bogle. This is the version performed by The Pogues, which I find to be the most powerful cover. While the song was originally written about the Battle of Gallipoli in World War 1, there are many universal themes about war in it that make the song especially relevant today.


Although the events recollected occurred almost 100 years ago, it is just as relevant today as when it was originally based. With a much more advanced medical presence in combat areas today, the number of fatalities has been reduced significantly. As a result, the number of survivors with permanent disabilities has drastically increased as well. In the song the protagonist has had his legs blown off, and as he arrives home and is being carried off his ship, the welcoming band plays the traditional Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda". This soldier is not unaware to the irony of this, as he can no longer waltz as a result of the war. I've always loved this metaphor, and how the lyrics are subtle in articulating it. As the song closes with the haunting question, "Who'll go-a-waltzing Matilda with me?" I'm always struck by the despair in that line. It is impossible for me to relate to the level of alienation a solider must feel upon returning from combat, especially if they've had a significant injury. Most of us will thankfully never experience the horrors of that situation, but we should never be passive to those who try to romanticize it as being something glorious and necessary.