Today cartoonist Michael Leunig challenged us to write a new national anthem. His 54-word limit is a bit too limiting. So the Snarky Platypus and I have penned (well, typed) a new National Anthem for Australia.

Won’t you now sing with us? We know you all know the tune…

“I am So an Aussie”
to the tune of Kylie Minogue’s I Should Be So Lucky

Music: Mike Stock / Matt Aitken / Pete Waterman
©1988
Lyrics: Stilgherrian / Snarky Platypus
©2008 All Rights Reserved

[1a:]
In our Big Aussie Nation
There is no complication;
We watch cricket on Australia Day.
In back yards, a celebration
While coal mines of the nation
Are emptied as we play.

[1b:]
In our Big Aussie Nation:
No Re-con-cilition;
We just steal all the Abos’ land.
They’re Dreaming!
They hope we’ll give it back,
But Howard’s health attack
Will soon put stop to you.
She’s right, mate. It’s True Blue

[CHORUS:]
I am so an Aussie,
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
I am so an Aussie, maaaaate!
I am so an Aussie,
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
I am so an Aussie, maaaaate!

[2a:]
It’s a crazy kind of nation:
We face quite bad inflation,
Yet all our ports and roads are crap.
We’re still buying great big plasmas,
Ignoring credit dramas.
The fantasy will soon cave in.

[2b:]
In our Big Aussie Nation
There’s no discrimination;
We walk together hand in hand –
C’ept Muslims!
They fill us all with fear
‘Cos none of them drink beer,
And praying’s all they do.
She’s right, mate. It’s True Blue

[CHORUS:]

[BRIDGE:]
I am so an Aussie (an Aussie, an Aussie).
I am so an Aussie.
I, I, (I, I)
I am so an Aussie (an Aussie, an Aussie).
I am so an Aussie,
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I

[1b:]
[CHORUS:]
[repeat & fade]