What are the lyrics to Australia’s national anthem? ‘Advance Australia Fair’ history

[ASFN Admin]

The national anthem for Australia has a long and complicated history.

Some of the lyrics were changed in 2021, with the second line being changed from "young and free" to "for we are one and free." The change was to reflect the nation's nearly 800,000 Indigenous people.

The original lyrics of "Advance Australia Fair" were written by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878, and in 1973, the Australia Council for the Arts held a competition for new lyrics and music for a new Australian national anthem. "Advance Australia Fair" won that contest in 1974, but was quickly replaced as "God Save the Queen" in 1976.

Finally, "Advance Australia Fair," as adopted as the country's national anthem on April 19, 1984, replacing "God Save the Queen," which was reverted to a Royal Anthem.

Here are the lyrics to the Australian national anthem as the team prepares to play the United States in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Australia national anthem lyrics​

Australians all let us rejoice,For we are one and free;We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;Our home is girt by sea;Our land abounds in nature’s giftsOf beauty rich and rare;In history’s page, let every stageAdvance Australia Fair.In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern CrossWe’ll toil with hearts and hands;To make this Commonwealth of oursRenowned of all the lands;For those who’ve come across the seasWe’ve boundless plains to share;With courage let us all combineTo Advance Australia Fair.In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia Fair.

2026 World Cup groups: Predictions and previews​

Group A (Mexico) | Group B | Group C | Group D (USMNT) | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Australia national anthem lyrics ahead of World Cup match vs USMNT

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