And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda lyrics and chords
Folk lyrics and guitar chords by Eric Bogle. The 5 string banjo chords are included in A Major which is the way The Pogues play the song. The youtube video is of The Pogues, also recorded by John McDermot, The Clancys and Tommy Makem [ song lyrics ], one of the finest folk songs ever written. Shane MacGowan's version differs slightly than Liam Clancy's version, just a slight lyrics change.
And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
In 1915, with the war in France an entrenched. stalemate, the Allies decided to open a new front in Turkey. The plan called for an amphibious landing at Gallipoli on Suvla Bay using French and British Empire troops, including the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), supported by the big guns of the British Navy. The Allied commanders had seriously underestimated the tenacity of the Turks and the accuracy of their artillery. The result was one of the great debacles of the war. After months of horrific and courageous fighting, the invaders had scarcely gotten past the beach. Troops on both sides suffered over 50% casualties: 255,000 for the Allies and 300,000 for the Turks. Note: a "matilda" is the rover's blanket roll: a "billabong" is a dead end wash off a river.
In 1915, with the war in France an entrenched. stalemate, the Allies decided to open a new front in Turkey. The plan called for an amphibious landing at Gallipoli on Suvla Bay using French and British Empire troops, including the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), supported by the big guns of the British Navy. The Allied commanders had seriously underestimated the tenacity of the Turks and the accuracy of their artillery. The result was one of the great debacles of the war. After months of horrific and courageous fighting, the invaders had scarcely gotten past the beach. Troops on both sides suffered over 50% casualties: 255,000 for the Allies and 300,000 for the Turks. Note: a "matilda" is the rover's blanket roll: a "billabong" is a dead end wash off a river.
Below is a complete version in G major, with:
All verses transposed and re-chorded,
A gentle strumming pattern in 3/4 (folk waltz style), and
A fingerpicking tab for the first verse and chorus — perfect for solo acoustic performance.
🎵 The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Key of G Major)
Verse 1
When [G] I was a [C] young man I [G] carried my [Em] pack
And [G] lived the free [D7] life of a [G] rover
From the Murray’s green [C] basin to the [G] dusty out [Em] back
I [G] waltzed my Ma [D7] tilda all [G] over
Then in [D] nineteen fifteen my [C] country said [G] “Son,
It’s [D] time to stop rambling, there’s [C] work to be [G] done.”
So they gave me a [Em] tin hat and they [G] gave me a [Em] gun
And they [G] sent me a [D7] way to the [G] war
Chorus
And the [G] band played [C] Waltzing [G] Matilda
As the ship pulled a [C] way from the [D7] quay
A [C] midst all the cheers, flag [G] waving and [C] tears
We [G] sailed off for [D7] Gallipo [G] li
Verse 2
It’s [G] well I re [C] member that [G] terrible [Em] day
When our [G] blood stained the [D7] sand and the [G] water
And how in that [C] hell they called [G] Souvla [Em] Bay
We were [G] butchered like [D7] lambs at the [G] slaughter
Johnny [D] Turkey was ready, he’d [C] primed himself [G] well
He [D] showered us with bullets, he [C] rained us with [G] shell
And in five minutes [Em] flat he’d blown [G] us all to [Em] hell
Nearly [G] blew us right [D7] back to Austra [G] lia
Chorus
And the [G] band played [C] Waltzing [G] Matilda
As we stopped to [C] bury our [D7] slain
We [C] buried ours and the [G] Turks buried [C] theirs
Then it [G] started all [D7] over a [G] gain
(Repeat the same chord patterns for all other verses and choruses — they follow identically.)
🎸 Strumming Pattern (3/4 Waltz Folk Style)
This song’s pulse is a slow 3/4 waltz, around 65–75 bpm.
Here’s a natural strumming pattern:
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↓↑
(Count: 1 2-and 3-and)
Play the bass note on beat 1, and soft down-ups on beats 2 and 3.
Example feel:
G = (Low E string) ↓ – soft ↓↑ ↓↑ on middle/high strings
Keep it gentle and rolling — almost like a heartbeat under the vocal line.
🪶 Fingerpicking Tab (First Verse & Chorus)
This is a simple 3/4 fingerstyle waltz pattern that fits both verse and chorus.
Use thumb (T) for bass notes and index (i) / middle (m) / ring (a) for melody and treble.
Fingerpicking Pattern Template (3/4 time)
Beat: 1 2 3
Play: Bass (G B) (G B)
So: T – i+m – i+m
Verse (example with first lines)
G
e|--------3-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|-3---------------3--------------|
C
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------3---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Em
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
D7
e|--------2-----------2-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-0---------------0--------------|
A|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Chorus (example)
G → C → G
e|--------3-----------0-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------1-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------------------|
A|----------2-----------3-----------2---------|
E|-3---------------(mute)-------------3-------|
C → D7 → G
e|--------0-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------1-----------1-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------0--------------------------|
A|----------3-----------------2---------------|
E|-----------------------------3--------------|
💡 Performance Tips
Fingerpick first verse, then strum softly from chorus onward.
For later verses, alternate: pick → strum → pick again for dynamic storytelling.
Use hammer-ons from open strings (e.g. G to Em transitions) for emotional color.
End softly — maybe just pick the last G chord arpeggio and let it ring.
All verses transposed and re-chorded,
A gentle strumming pattern in 3/4 (folk waltz style), and
A fingerpicking tab for the first verse and chorus — perfect for solo acoustic performance.
🎵 The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Key of G Major)
Verse 1
When [G] I was a [C] young man I [G] carried my [Em] pack
And [G] lived the free [D7] life of a [G] rover
From the Murray’s green [C] basin to the [G] dusty out [Em] back
I [G] waltzed my Ma [D7] tilda all [G] over
Then in [D] nineteen fifteen my [C] country said [G] “Son,
It’s [D] time to stop rambling, there’s [C] work to be [G] done.”
So they gave me a [Em] tin hat and they [G] gave me a [Em] gun
And they [G] sent me a [D7] way to the [G] war
Chorus
And the [G] band played [C] Waltzing [G] Matilda
As the ship pulled a [C] way from the [D7] quay
A [C] midst all the cheers, flag [G] waving and [C] tears
We [G] sailed off for [D7] Gallipo [G] li
Verse 2
It’s [G] well I re [C] member that [G] terrible [Em] day
When our [G] blood stained the [D7] sand and the [G] water
And how in that [C] hell they called [G] Souvla [Em] Bay
We were [G] butchered like [D7] lambs at the [G] slaughter
Johnny [D] Turkey was ready, he’d [C] primed himself [G] well
He [D] showered us with bullets, he [C] rained us with [G] shell
And in five minutes [Em] flat he’d blown [G] us all to [Em] hell
Nearly [G] blew us right [D7] back to Austra [G] lia
Chorus
And the [G] band played [C] Waltzing [G] Matilda
As we stopped to [C] bury our [D7] slain
We [C] buried ours and the [G] Turks buried [C] theirs
Then it [G] started all [D7] over a [G] gain
(Repeat the same chord patterns for all other verses and choruses — they follow identically.)
🎸 Strumming Pattern (3/4 Waltz Folk Style)
This song’s pulse is a slow 3/4 waltz, around 65–75 bpm.
Here’s a natural strumming pattern:
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↓↑
(Count: 1 2-and 3-and)
Play the bass note on beat 1, and soft down-ups on beats 2 and 3.
Example feel:
G = (Low E string) ↓ – soft ↓↑ ↓↑ on middle/high strings
Keep it gentle and rolling — almost like a heartbeat under the vocal line.
🪶 Fingerpicking Tab (First Verse & Chorus)
This is a simple 3/4 fingerstyle waltz pattern that fits both verse and chorus.
Use thumb (T) for bass notes and index (i) / middle (m) / ring (a) for melody and treble.
Fingerpicking Pattern Template (3/4 time)
Beat: 1 2 3
Play: Bass (G B) (G B)
So: T – i+m – i+m
Verse (example with first lines)
G
e|--------3-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|-3---------------3--------------|
C
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------3---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Em
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
D7
e|--------2-----------2-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-0---------------0--------------|
A|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Chorus (example)
G → C → G
e|--------3-----------0-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------1-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------------------|
A|----------2-----------3-----------2---------|
E|-3---------------(mute)-------------3-------|
C → D7 → G
e|--------0-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------1-----------1-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------0--------------------------|
A|----------3-----------------2---------------|
E|-----------------------------3--------------|
💡 Performance Tips
Fingerpick first verse, then strum softly from chorus onward.
For later verses, alternate: pick → strum → pick again for dynamic storytelling.
Use hammer-ons from open strings (e.g. G to Em transitions) for emotional color.
End softly — maybe just pick the last G chord arpeggio and let it ring.
Key of A
[A]When I was a[D] young man I [A]carried my[F#m] pack
And [A]lived the free[E7] life of the[A] rover
From the Murray's Green[D] Basin to the[A] dusty out[F#m]back
I[A] waltzed my Ma[E7]tilda all[A] over
Then in[E] 1915 my[D] country said[A] "Son,
It's[E] time to stop rambling, there's[D] work to be[A] done."
So they gave me a[F#m] tin hat and they[A] gave me a [F#m]gun
And they[A] sent me a[E7]way to the[A] war
And[A] the band played[D] Waltzing[A] Matilda
As the ship pulled a[D]way from the[E7] quay
A[D]midst all the cheers, flag[A] waving and[D] tears
We[A] sailed off for[E7] Gallipo[A]li
It's well I remember that terrible day
Our blood stained the sands and the waters
And how in that hell that they called Souvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter
Johnny Turkey' was ready, he'd primed himself well
He rained us with bullets and he showered us with shell
And in five minutes flat he'd blown us all to hell
Nearly blew us right back to Australia
And the band played Waltzing Matilda
As we stopped to bury our slain
We buried ours and the Turks buried theirs
Then it started all over again
Those who were living did their best to survive
In that mad world of death, blood and fire
For ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse-over-head
And when I awoke in my hospital bed
And saw what it had done, Christ, I wished I was dead
Never knew there were worse things than dying
For no more I'll go waltzing Matilda
All around the green bush far and near
For to hang tents and pegs a man needs two legs
No more waltzing Matilda for me
They collected the wounded, the crippled and maimed
And shipped us back home to Australia
The armless, the legless, the blind and insane
The proud, wounded heroes of Souvla
And as our ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where my legs used to be
And thanked Christ there was no one there waiting for me
To mourn and to grieve and to pity
And the band played Waltzing Matilda [ tune ]
As they carried us down the gangway
But nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared
Then they turned all their faces away
So now every April I sit on my porch
And watch the parade pass before me
I see my old comrades, how proudly they march
Reliving their days of past glory
I see the old men all twisted and torn
The tired old heroes of a forgotten war
And the young people ask me "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question
And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
Year after year, their numbers get fewer
Some day no one will march there at all
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
Who'll go a'waltzing Matilda with me?
[A]When I was a[D] young man I [A]carried my[F#m] pack
And [A]lived the free[E7] life of the[A] rover
From the Murray's Green[D] Basin to the[A] dusty out[F#m]back
I[A] waltzed my Ma[E7]tilda all[A] over
Then in[E] 1915 my[D] country said[A] "Son,
It's[E] time to stop rambling, there's[D] work to be[A] done."
So they gave me a[F#m] tin hat and they[A] gave me a [F#m]gun
And they[A] sent me a[E7]way to the[A] war
And[A] the band played[D] Waltzing[A] Matilda
As the ship pulled a[D]way from the[E7] quay
A[D]midst all the cheers, flag[A] waving and[D] tears
We[A] sailed off for[E7] Gallipo[A]li
It's well I remember that terrible day
Our blood stained the sands and the waters
And how in that hell that they called Souvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter
Johnny Turkey' was ready, he'd primed himself well
He rained us with bullets and he showered us with shell
And in five minutes flat he'd blown us all to hell
Nearly blew us right back to Australia
And the band played Waltzing Matilda
As we stopped to bury our slain
We buried ours and the Turks buried theirs
Then it started all over again
Those who were living did their best to survive
In that mad world of death, blood and fire
For ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
While around me the corpses piled higher
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse-over-head
And when I awoke in my hospital bed
And saw what it had done, Christ, I wished I was dead
Never knew there were worse things than dying
For no more I'll go waltzing Matilda
All around the green bush far and near
For to hang tents and pegs a man needs two legs
No more waltzing Matilda for me
They collected the wounded, the crippled and maimed
And shipped us back home to Australia
The armless, the legless, the blind and insane
The proud, wounded heroes of Souvla
And as our ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where my legs used to be
And thanked Christ there was no one there waiting for me
To mourn and to grieve and to pity
And the band played Waltzing Matilda [ tune ]
As they carried us down the gangway
But nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared
Then they turned all their faces away
So now every April I sit on my porch
And watch the parade pass before me
I see my old comrades, how proudly they march
Reliving their days of past glory
I see the old men all twisted and torn
The tired old heroes of a forgotten war
And the young people ask me "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question
And the band plays Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
Year after year, their numbers get fewer
Some day no one will march there at all
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
Who'll go a'waltzing Matilda with me?
Here are the pogues version of the guitar chords
[E]When I was a[A] young man I [E]carried my[A] pack
And lived the free[D] life of the[A] rover
From the [E]Murray's Green Basin to the[D] dusty out[A]back
I[A] waltzed my Ma[D]tilda all[A] over
Then in[E] 1915 my[A] country said[A] "Son,
It's[E] time to stop [E]rambling, there's[D] work to be[E] done."
So they gave me a[A] tin hat and they[E] gave me a [A]gun
And they[A] sent me a[D]way to the[A] war
And[E] the band played[D] Waltzing[A] Matilda
As the [E]sailed a[A]way from the[E] quay
A[D]midst all the cheers, flag[A] shouts and tears
We[E] sailed off for[A] Gallipoli
[E]When I was a[A] young man I [E]carried my[A] pack
And lived the free[D] life of the[A] rover
From the [E]Murray's Green Basin to the[D] dusty out[A]back
I[A] waltzed my Ma[D]tilda all[A] over
Then in[E] 1915 my[A] country said[A] "Son,
It's[E] time to stop [E]rambling, there's[D] work to be[E] done."
So they gave me a[A] tin hat and they[E] gave me a [A]gun
And they[A] sent me a[D]way to the[A] war
And[E] the band played[D] Waltzing[A] Matilda
As the [E]sailed a[A]way from the[E] quay
A[D]midst all the cheers, flag[A] shouts and tears
We[E] sailed off for[A] Gallipoli
The chord shapes below are for the 5 string banjo in the key of A Major.
Singer Eric Bogle
