About the song
“I Am Australian” is a timeless and iconic song that has become an integral part of Australian culture and identity. Written by Australian folk-rock band The Seekers in 1987, this song has been a staple of Australian music for decades, resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s message of national pride, unity, and shared values has made it a beloved anthem, not only in Australia but also around the world.
The song’s lyrics, penned by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Keith Potger, are a poignant reflection of the Australian spirit. The song’s chorus, “I am Australian, I come from the dreamtime, from the dreaming of the land,” is a powerful declaration of national identity, evoking the country’s rich Indigenous heritage and its unique cultural landscape. The song’s lyrics also touch on themes of migration, settlement, and the struggles and triumphs of the Australian people, making it a universal anthem that transcends borders and cultures.
Throughout the song, The Seekers’ distinctive harmonies and instrumentation create a sense of warmth and intimacy, drawing listeners into the narrative of the song. The song’s arrangement, featuring a mix of acoustic guitars, piano, and subtle orchestral elements, adds depth and texture to the lyrics, making it a masterclass in songcraft.
Over the years, “I Am Australian” has been covered by numerous artists, including children’s choirs, school bands, and even the Australian national rugby team. The song has also been featured in various films, television shows, and live performances, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the significance of “I Am Australian” as a cultural icon, exploring its themes, lyrics, and musical composition. We will also examine the song’s impact on Australian identity and its enduring popularity, both domestically and internationally.
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Lyrics
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 fought 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”