First Recorded Version of Waltzing Matilda Original Words of Waltzing Matilda Sung

Listen to First Recording of Waltzing Matilda

Click on the image to hear the first recording of Waltzing Matilda.

The first known recording of Waltzing Matilda was made in 1926 in London, England by a singer named John Collinson. While it can be recognized as Waltzing Matilda, this version is of the song is different from the one we are familiar with today. There is a subtle but noticeable difference in the words and melody.

The recording was made on an old-fashioned wax recording disc which had a maximum recording time of about two and a half minutes. It almost seems like the singer was rushing through the song to make sure it all fitted on the recording.

The Story of Waltzing Matilda - Australia's Favourite Song