The Australaise

"The Australaise" is a poem written by C.J. Dennis, a renowned Australian poet known for his use of colloquial language. Originally published in 1913, it is considered a significant piece in Australian vernacular verse. The poem draws inspiration from W.T. Goodge's "The Great Australian Adjective" and is meant to be sung to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers." It combines two distinct elements of Australian literature - profanity and patriotism. Though the profanity may seem mild by today's standards, the poem's charm lies in Dennis' clever mockery of the pompousness often found in national anthems. This LibriVox recording, created by volunteers, offers six different renditions of "The Australaise," allowing listeners to appreciate its unique qualities. (Summary by Algy Pug)