Wattle songs for Citizenship Ceremonies (lyrics, music & recordings)
Turner Primary School Students singing at a 2011 Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra
Photo: © Brian Goggin
‘The Wattle Song’
Lyrics, music and melody score
by Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley © 2020 Words & Music [pdf]
27 Aug. 2019 Photo: Courtesy of Mr Paul Berry. Government House
‘The Wattle Song’ – lyrics
In Spring the Wattle blooms and winter now is passed
The golden buds appear we hope that they will last
For many thousand years first peoples saw the glow
A symbol of our nation its beauty is on show
Short Break
Walking in the sunshine you see it everywhere
Birds above are nesting and singing without care
In brooches and in artwork the yellow blossom gleams
A still gold light in nature a symbol of our dreams
Australians gather round and take this beauty in
The wattle is so gentle and dreams within begin
It is our leading beacon the wattle beams so bright
Go out and have a look it makes our hearts feel right
‘The Wattle Song’ Lyrics, music and melody score
by Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley © 2020
Her Excellency was inspired to write this song after the celebration for National Wattle Day in 2019 at Government House. As part of the celebration His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) gave a speech about the meaning of National Wattle Day and he said:
“Wattle Day is all about appreciating wattle and celebrating what it is, and means, to be Australian.
It is a day to appreciate how fortunate we are.
A day to remember that we are strongest and at our best when we look out for our neighbours and when we respect and care for each other.”
Wattle Day Song
by David & Jan Raff
Chorus
We’re proud to wear the Green and Gold,
Live the Spirit of Australia,
We welcome Spring on Wattle Day,
From coast to coast, let’s all say G’Day.
The wattle lies dormant through winter months,
Building her strength for the Spring to come,
When life bursts forth in golden sprays,
Let’s get together ’round Australia and say….
At the drop of a hat we’ll celebrate,
Go out in the bush with our BBQ plate,
If someone’s in need, we’ll help them out,
Let’s get together ’round Australia and shout….
The wattle shows a way we can live our lives,
An expression of hope, through fire and flood it thrives,
By working together we can beat the odds,
Aussie friendship and courage what more could we want….
©1999 David Raff and Jan Raff, Canberra ACT Australia
Download to listen to the MP3 recording of David and Jan singing their song
If you want to purchase a CD for $AUS20.00 containing a recording of the song and a backing track (no vocals) which can be used to accompany children when they perform, and
a page of sheet music consisting of a melody line and guitar chords, please contact Mr and Mrs D. J. Raff
Click here also for David & Jan Raff’s sheet music for the Wattle Day Song.
The Arawang Primary School Choir in 2012 – singing Wattle and other Australian songs at a Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra.
Photo: © S.D. Searle
‘Where the Wattles Bloom’
by Jim Williams
You can rest at ease ‘neath the blooming trees,
on a Springtime day smell the perfumed leaves.
Hear the white birds cry, see the white clouds fly,
from range to range through an azure sky.
You can find your space in the meeting place
There will always be room Where the Wattles Bloom.
See the sparkling snow, hear the river flow,
from the mountain top to the plains below.
You can find your space in the meeting place
There will always be room Where the Wattles Bloom.
Watch the heavens toss, see the silver gloss,
of the shining stars of the Southern Cross.
You can find your space in the meeting place
There will always be room Where the Wattles Bloom.
See the rainbow shawl, hear the welcome call
of the ancient home of the Ngunnawal
You can find your space in the meeting place
There will always be room Where the Wattles Bloom.
In this timeless land, there’s a welcome hand
From the white capped waves to the blood red sand.
You can find your space in the meeting place
There will always be room Where the Wattles Bloom.
Words and Music: Jim Williams © 2012
Download to listen to MP3 recording of Jim Williams playing on guitar.
Download to listen toMP3 recording of organ version (no voices)
Sheet music and words for a children’s choir
Sheet music for piano to accompany children’s choir
- 2013 Citizenship ceremony in Canberra. Ngunnawal Primary School choir singing wattle songs.
Photo: © S. D. Searle
More Wattle Songs by Australian artists