On the “Today Show”, panellists talked about the Australian national anthem and if it was changed what should it be. Just for fun, I’ll offer a few suggestions:
1. Eagle Rock – Daddy Cool (1971)
Does this song need any introduction? Fun fact: Ross Wilson was the first concert I went to at the Commercial Club in Albury, NSW.
2. Solid Rock – Goanna (1982)
Written by someone who was born in Australia (singer/ songwriter Shane Howard was born in Dennington, Victoria). Plus, it is about Australian history. Then again, it may be too controversial and too divisive.
3. Land down under – Men at Work (1981)
Flute riff aside, this song was written by Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. It’s mixed as in who was born here. Strykert was born in Korumburra, Victoria. However, Hay was born in Saltcoats, Scotland.
4. We can’t be beaten – Rose Tattoo (1982)
How can I leave out Rose Tattoo? Written by front-man, Angry Anderson (real name Gary Anderson), who was born in Melbourne. We need a bit of a pump – up song, don’t we?
If New Zealand was another state….
5. This time – Dragon (1976)
Written by brothers Marc (late lead singer) and Todd Hunter.
6. Computer Games – Mi – Sex (1979)
Written by late singer Stephen Gilpin, Kevin Stanton and Murray Burns. The first time I heard of this song was actually on the Countdown Spectacular extras DVD. How has computer games taken over so many people’s lives now? Except instead on an old PC, most people play them via social media (Facebook, Messenger) or on Ipads and phones. I’m no exception.
Bonus one: I Still Call Australia Home – Peter Allen (1982)
How can I not add this one? If I’m honest, I’m not a big fan of this song like the others, but it’s undeniably iconic. Written by the late Peter Allen, this song is an ode to Australia, which, I think many people would agree, that this country needs. For those who live here, we are lucky. Very lucky.
To Australians, if you could pick a song for our national anthem, what would it be? Feel free to comment your thoughts below.
