I Am Australian

The Seekers

About I Am Australian

"I Am Australian" (or "We Are Australian") is a popular Australian song written in 1987 by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers. Its lyrics are filled with many historic and cultural references, such as to the "digger", Albert Namatjira and Ned Kelly, among others. Its popularity has allowed it to join the ranks of other patriotic songs considered as alternatives to the Australian national anthem, "Advance Australia Fair". It is commonly taught in primary schools. Over the years since the song's release, there have been calls for it to become Australia's national anthem, notably in 2011 by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett. 


Year:
1999
4:41
77,936 
#112

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I came from the dream-time
From the dusty red-soil plains
I am the ancient heart
The keeper of the flame
I stood upon the rocky shores
I watched the tall ships come
For forty thousand years I've been
The first Australian

I came upon the prison ship
Bowed down by iron chains
I bought the land, endured the lash
And waited for the rains
I'm a settler, I'm a farmer's wife
On a dry and barren run
A convict, then a free man
I became Australian

I'm the daughter of a digger
Who sought the mother lode
The girl became a woman 
On the long and dusty road
I'm a child of the Depression
I saw the good times come
I'm a bushie, I'm a battler
I am Australian

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream and sing with one voice
"I am, you are, we are Australian"

I'm a teller of stories
I'm a singer of songs
I am Albert Namatjira
And I paint the ghostly gums
I'm Clancy on his horse
I'm Ned Kelly on the run
I'm the one who waltzed Matilda
I am Australian

I'm the hot wind from the desert
I'm the black soil of the plains
I'm the mountains and the valleys
I'm the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky
The rivers when they run
The spirit of this great land
I am Australian

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream and sing with one voice
"I am, you are, we are Australian"

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream and sing with one voice
"I am, you are, we are Australian"

"I am, you are, we are Australian"

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The Seekers

The Seekers are an Australian quartet folk music-influenced pop music group which was originally formed in Melbourne in 1962. They were the first Australian popular music group to achieve major chart and sales success in the United Kingdom and the United States. They were popular during the 1960s with their best-known configuration as: Judith Durham on vocals, piano and tambourine; Athol Guy on double bass and vocals; Keith Potger on twelve-string guitar, banjo and vocals; and Bruce Woodley on guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals. more »

6 fans

Written by: Bruce Woodley, Dobe Newton

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"I Am Australian" belongs to the genre of folk-pop music. Known for their anthem-like melodies and stories of people, places, and social issues, The Seekers brought a unique voice to this genre.
Release Year
The Seekers released "I Am Australian" in 1997.
Songwriters
"I Am Australian" was written by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers.
Cultural Significance
The song is considered an unofficial anthem of Australia, frequently performed at public ceremonies and school events.
Lyrics Theme
The lyrics reflect the diversity and unity of Australia, touching upon multiple aspects ranging from indigenous culture to immigrant experiences.
Different Versions
The song has been adapted by different artists throughout the years, reflecting different perspectives on Australian culture.
Usage in Media
"I Am Australian" has been used in several media contexts, such as television series and commercials, notably in advertisements for Victoria Bitter beer.
Charity Concerts
The song was performed as part of a charity concert for bushfire relief in 2009, demonstrating its continued relevance and appeal.
Iconic Line
One of the song's most iconic lines, "We are one, but we are many", is often quoted in discussions about Australian multiculturalism and unity.
Recognition
In 2014, "I Am Australian" was added to the Sounds of Australia registry, a collection that aims to preserve Australia's sound heritage.
Public Poll
In a 2001 public poll conducted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), "I Am Australian" was voted the third most popular song in Australia.
Commemorative Coin
To honor the song, Australia Post issued a commemorative coin in 2015.

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