Australia’s national anthem, ‘Advance Australia Fair,’ holds a significant place in the country’s identity and cultural heritage. Composed by Peter Dodds McCormick, the anthem was first performed in 1878, marking a milestone in Australian history. Decades later, in 1984, it was officially adopted as the nation’s anthem. In a move to reflect the evolving nature of Australian society and its values, the government made a subtle yet profound change to the lyrics. The phrase ‘For we are young and free’ was amended to ‘for we are one and free,’ symbolizing a spirit of unity and acknowledging the rich history and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Composition of ‘Advance Australia Fair’
The anthem ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is a creation of Peter Dodds McCormick, who composed it under the pseudonym ‘Amicus.’ It was first performed at a Highland Society function in Sydney on November 30, 1878. McCormick reportedly was inspired to write the song out of nationalistic pride after attending a concert where national anthems from around the world were played, and realizing Australia lacked its own. The song quickly gained popularity, serving as a patriotic rallying cry for Australians.
Adoption as National Anthem
It wasn’t until April 19, 1984, that ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was officially declared the national anthem by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian Stephen. The anthem was chosen through a plebiscite in 1977, where it competed against other patriotic songs such as ‘God Save the Queen’ (the royal anthem for Australia), ‘Waltzing Matilda,’ and ‘Song of Australia.’ The decision to adopt ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was part of a wider movement to assert Australia’s identity separate from its colonial British roots.
Lyric Change: A Step Towards Unity
In a bid to better represent the country’s ancient history and cultural diversity, the Australian government announced a change to the national anthem’s lyrics. Effective January 1, 2021, the second line of the anthem was revised from ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free.’ This alteration was a response to criticism that the original wording did not recognize the long history of Indigenous Australians, who have inhabited the continent for over 65,000 years.
Acknowledging Indigenous Cultures
The change to ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is more than a mere update to a line of text; it is an acknowledgment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, which are integral to the Australian narrative. These communities have faced historical injustices and marginalization since European settlement began in the late 18th century. The updated wording in the anthem is seen as a step toward reconciliation and inclusivity, honoring the First Australians as a fundamental part of the nation’s fabric.
The Spirit of Unity
The one-word change to ‘one’ in the anthem encapsulates a spirit of unity that the Australian government and many of its citizens aspire to. It recognizes that while Australia may be a relatively young nation-state, its land and peoples have a much older, shared history. This spirit of unity is intended to bring together all Australians, regardless of their background, and foster a sense of collective identity and purpose.
Conclusion
While no formal conclusion is required for this article, the amendment to ‘Advance Australia Fair’ stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to growth, reflection, and unity. The national anthem continues to be a source of pride and patriotism for Australians, now enriched with a deeper recognition of the nation’s diverse heritage and history.