ANZAC Day stands as one of the most significant commemorative occasions in Australia and New Zealand, honoring the brave soldiers who served and sacrificed at Gallipoli and in conflicts worldwide. Music has always played a vital role in remembrance ceremonies, providing a powerful medium to express gratitude, grief, and national pride. Whether you’re attending a dawn service, organizing a memorial event, or simply reflecting on the courage of the ANZACs, these songs capture the spirit of sacrifice and remembrance that defines this solemn day.
And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle
This haunting anti-war ballad remains the definitive ANZAC Day song, telling the story of a young Australian soldier who fights at Gallipoli and returns home badly wounded after losing his legs in battle. Eric Bogle’s masterpiece, written in 1971, has been recorded over 140 times by artists worldwide including Joan Baez, Slim Dusty, and Midnight Oil, making it one of the most covered Australian songs ever. Named one of APRA’s Top 30 Australian songs of all time, this powerful track uses the melody of “Waltzing Matilda” to devastating effect, creating an unforgettable musical tribute to the ANZACs that continues to move audiences at commemorations across Australia and New Zealand.
I Was Only 19 by Redgum
Redgum’s powerful 1983 song chronicles the Vietnam War experience of Australian soldiers, hitting number one on the national charts and becoming so culturally significant that its lyrics were inscribed on the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial in 1992. Written by John Schumann based on conversations with his brother-in-law Mick Storen and other Vietnam veterans, the song captures the psychological trauma and physical dangers faced by young soldiers sent to war. While not specifically about Gallipoli, this track has become essential ANZAC Day listening because it honors all Australian veterans and acknowledges the ongoing struggles of returned service personnel, making it relevant for commemorations spanning all conflicts.
Spirit of the Anzacs by Lee Kernaghan
Country music star Lee Kernaghan created this stirring tribute specifically for the ANZAC centenary commemorations in 2015, featuring an all-star cast including Guy Sebastian, Sheppard, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, and Megan Washington. The charity single, based on Paul Keating’s 1993 eulogy at the interment of the Unknown Soldier, raised funds for Legacy and Soldier On while celebrating the enduring values of courage and mateship. The song’s accompanying album featured letters from soldiers transformed into music, creating a unique project that brought ANZAC history to life and achieved number one on Australian charts, becoming Kernaghan’s first chart-topping album.
The Green Fields of France by Eric Bogle
Another essential contribution from Eric Bogle, this 1976 song also known as “No Man’s Land” imagines a conversation with a young soldier named Willie McBride who was killed in World War I and buried in France. The narrator visits the soldier’s grave and reflects on the waste of young life through haunting lyrics like “did they beat the drum slowly, did they play the fife lowly,” questioning whether the lessons of war have been learned by subsequent generations. This deeply moving piece works beautifully for ANZAC Day because it personalizes the massive casualties of the Great War, reminding listeners that each name on a memorial represents a life full of potential cut tragically short.
Almost ANZAC Day by James Blundell
Award-winning country music artist James Blundell released this powerful anthem in 2024, which was officially launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Hyde Park ANZAC Memorial in Sydney. Written by Terry McArthur and Mika Koukkanen, the song addresses the ongoing struggle faced by veterans who carry the war within them even after returning home, highlighting the mental health challenges many face. All proceeds from the sale of the single are donated to SMEAC Veteran Hub, demonstrating Blundell’s long-standing commitment to supporting Defence Force veterans and their families through music, making this one of the most significant recent additions to ANZAC commemoration music.
Waltzing Matilda by Banjo Paterson
While not explicitly about war, this iconic 1895 bush ballad by Australian poet Banjo Paterson has become intrinsically linked with ANZAC Day commemorations as Australia’s unofficial national anthem. The song was played as troops marched to war and represents the Australian landscape and spirit that soldiers dreamed of while far from home, making it a powerful symbol of what the ANZACs fought to protect. There are more recordings of “Waltzing Matilda” than any other Australian song, and its presence at ANZAC services connects modern Australians to their cultural heritage and the bush traditions that shaped national identity.
Advance Australia Fair
Australia’s national anthem, written by Scottish-born composer Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878 and officially proclaimed as the national anthem in 1984, is performed at virtually every ANZAC Day service across the country. The anthem is commonly performed at dawn services and commemorative events, reminding Australians of the values and freedoms that were defended by generations of service members through their sacrifice and courage. Standing for the national anthem at ANZAC Day services represents a collective expression of gratitude and national pride, connecting modern Australians to the legacy of those who served.
The Last Post
While technically a bugle call rather than a song, The Last Post remains the most recognizable piece of music associated with ANZAC Day and military remembrance worldwide. Played at virtually every dawn service and memorial ceremony, its haunting notes signal the moment when silence falls and the nation collectively pauses to remember the fallen. The simplicity and solemnity of this military tradition, originally used to signal the end of the day in military camps, creates a powerful link between past and present ceremonies, making it an indispensable element of ANZAC observance.
I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen
While not specifically a war song, Peter Allen’s patriotic anthem has been adopted for ANZAC Day commemorations because it captures what soldiers fought to defend and what they dreamed of while serving overseas. The song became internationally famous through Qantas advertising campaigns and expresses the deep connection Australians feel to their homeland regardless of where they travel in the world. Many ANZAC Day services include this song to celebrate Australian identity and the freedoms that generations of service members have protected, creating an emotional connection between sacrifice and national pride.
We Are Australian by The Seekers
This 1987 anthem by The Seekers, with lyrics by Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton, has become a beloved song at ANZAC Day gatherings for its celebration of unity and the diverse backgrounds of Australians. The powerful chorus “We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come” reflects the ANZAC spirit of mateship that brought together people from different backgrounds to serve their country. The song’s message of collective strength and shared values aligns perfectly with the core principles that define the ANZAC legend, making it appropriate for modern commemoration ceremonies.
From Little Things Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody
This 1991 collaboration between Paul Kelly and Indigenous Australian musician Kev Carmody tells the story of the Wave Hill walk-off and Vincent Lingiari’s fight for Indigenous land rights. While not a traditional war song, it has found its place at some ANZAC commemorations that recognize the service of Indigenous Australians in conflicts from World War I onwards, acknowledging their often-overlooked contributions. The song reminds audiences that the freedom and rights Australians enjoy today were fought for not only on foreign battlefields but also on home soil through civil rights movements.
Home Among the Gum Trees by Wally Johnson and Bob Brown
Though originally a celebration of Australian life released in 1974, this beloved song has become associated with ANZAC Day as it represents the home that soldiers fought to protect and dreamed of returning to. The nostalgic lyrics about the Australian landscape and lifestyle remind listeners of the uniquely Australian way of life that ANZACs defended during their service overseas. Many dawn services and community ANZAC Day events include this song to balance solemnity with celebration of Australian identity and the freedoms secured through generations of military sacrifice.
Cliffs of Gallipoli by Sabaton
Swedish heavy metal band Sabaton released this powerful tribute on their 2008 album “The Art of War,” bringing ANZAC history to new audiences through their signature epic sound and historically accurate storytelling. The song details the catastrophic Gallipoli campaign with lines like “Cliffs of burden where the soldiers rushed into a certain death,” capturing the tragedy of the failed amphibious assault and the tremendous loss of life. Sabaton’s commitment to historical accuracy combined with their intense musical style has introduced younger audiences worldwide to ANZAC history, with the band regularly playing this song on ANZAC Day to honor the fallen.
Abide With Me
This Christian hymn, written in 1847 by Henry Francis Lyte, has been sung at ANZAC Day services for over a century, providing comfort through its themes of faith, perseverance, and divine presence during times of darkness. The hymn’s gentle melody and reassuring lyrics about God’s presence resonate deeply at commemorative services, offering solace to veterans, families, and communities gathering to remember the fallen. Many dawn services include this hymn as part of the formal ceremony, connecting modern observances with century-old traditions of military remembrance that have been passed down through generations.
For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
While primarily known as a poem, Laurence Binyon’s 1914 work “For the Fallen” has been set to music by various composers, with its famous Ode of Remembrance recited at virtually every ANZAC Day service. The lines “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn” have become synonymous with ANZAC Day observance worldwide. Musical settings of the complete poem create powerful performances that honor the sacrifice of the fallen while capturing the timeless message about remembrance and the eternal youth of those who died in service.
Only Nineteen by The Herd
Not to be confused with Redgum’s classic, The Herd’s 2007 hip-hop version reimagines “I Was Only 19” for contemporary audiences while maintaining respect for the original message and featuring John Schumann from Redgum. This modern interpretation preserves the emotional weight of war trauma while making it accessible to younger listeners through updated production, rap verses, and contemporary hip-hop beats that speak to a new generation. The track demonstrates how ANZAC themes continue to resonate across different musical genres and age groups, proving that remembrance evolves while remaining sincere and meaningful to all Australians.
Lest We Forget by Lee Kernaghan
Lee Kernaghan created this tribute song that directly references the ANZAC motto “Lest We Forget,” ensuring their contribution to commemorative music remains at the forefront of Australian consciousness. The song emphasizes the importance of remembering those who served and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten by future generations. Kernaghan’s dedication to honoring Australian military history through his country music has made him a favorite performer at ANZAC Day events nationwide, with this track representing his commitment to keeping ANZAC memory alive.
The Lost Soldier by Peter Campbell
Toowoomba singer-songwriter Peter Campbell, a former soldier from the 8th/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, wrote this song with Brendon Walmsley after being inspired by his great uncle’s story at the 2014 ANZAC Day march. The song won the ANZAC Song of the Year Award at the 2020 Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards and tells the story of Uncle Jimmy who served with the 31st Battalion and was killed at the Battle of Fromelles, with his body never recovered. Campbell’s personal military experience and family connection to World War I bring authenticity and emotional depth to this modern addition to ANZAC commemoration music.
God Defend New Zealand
New Zealand’s national anthem represents the Kiwi contribution to the ANZAC legend and is performed alongside “Advance Australia Fair” at joint ANZAC commemorations recognizing the shared sacrifice of both nations. The anthem reminds audiences that ANZAC Day honors both Australian and New Zealand forces who served together at Gallipoli and in subsequent conflicts throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Its inclusion in services acknowledges the unique partnership between the two countries forged through military service and maintained through shared values and continued cooperation.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae
While Canadian in origin, this famous World War I poem by John McCrae has been set to music and adopted at Australian ANZAC commemorations as it captures the universal experience of loss in war. The poem’s imagery of poppies growing among the graves of soldiers led to the red poppy becoming an international symbol of remembrance worn on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Musical versions of the poem create powerful moments at services, connecting Australian sacrifice to the broader Allied effort in World War I and reminding listeners of the global nature of the conflicts in which ANZACs served.
When selecting music for ANZAC Day observances, consider the tone and purpose of your event, as different settings call for different musical approaches that respect both veterans and the solemnity of the occasion. Dawn services typically favor traditional, solemn pieces like “The Last Post,” “Abide With Me,” and “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda,” while community gatherings might incorporate more celebratory tracks like “I Still Call Australia Home” that honor veterans while embracing Australian identity. The diversity of songs available from classic war ballads to contemporary releases ensures that ANZAC Day music can be both respectful and accessible, maintaining the solemnity of remembrance while engaging people across all age groups and musical preferences.
The continuing creation of new ANZAC-themed music by contemporary artists like James Blundell and Lee Kernaghan demonstrates the enduring significance of these commemorations in Australian and New Zealand culture. From Eric Bogle’s 1970s folk ballads to Sabaton’s 2008 heavy metal tribute and The Herd’s 2007 hip-hop interpretation, each generation finds new ways to express gratitude and remembrance while staying connected to the historical events that shaped their nations. This evolution of ANZAC music ensures that the stories of sacrifice and courage remain relevant, preventing the passage of time from diminishing the importance of these commemorations for future generations.
For those organizing ANZAC Day events, exploring the range of available music from different artists and genres can help create programming that resonates with diverse audiences while maintaining appropriate respect. Traditional selections like hymns and bugle calls provide gravitas and connection to established commemorative practices that have been observed for over a century, while newer releases can engage younger participants who might otherwise feel disconnected from history. When compiling playlists or selecting live performances, consider consulting with veterans’ organizations or local RSL clubs, as they can provide valuable guidance on which songs resonate most strongly with veterans and their families based on decades of commemorative experience.
Many of these songs are available on YouTube and various music streaming platforms, making it easier than ever to create appropriate playlists for ANZAC Day events and personal reflection. When selecting tracks, verify that recordings are available through legitimate channels and respect copyright requirements for public performances, ensuring that artists receive proper credit and compensation for their work. The goal should always be honoring those who served while ensuring that ANZAC Day remains a meaningful occasion for all Australians and New Zealanders, regardless of their musical preferences or generation, by thoughtfully curating music that balances tradition with contemporary relevance.
The power of music to evoke emotion and preserve memory makes these songs invaluable tools for ANZAC Day commemorations, transforming abstract historical events into personal, emotional experiences that connect modern Australians with their heritage. Whether through Eric Bogle’s heartbreaking storytelling that has moved audiences for over 50 years, Sabaton’s epic historical narratives that educate through heavy metal, or contemporary artists’ modern reflections on veteran struggles, these tracks ensure that the ANZAC legend continues to inspire and educate new generations. As we gather each April 25th to honor the fallen and thank veterans, these songs provide the soundtrack to our collective remembrance, bridging the gap between past sacrifice and present gratitude while ensuring these important stories endure for centuries to come.
If you’re looking to expand your music collection beyond ANZAC Day commemorations, explore more curated selections at our comprehensive songs category, where you’ll find playlists for every occasion and mood. For those interested in experiencing these powerful tracks with optimal audio quality that does justice to their emotional content, check out our detailed comparisons of the best earbuds and headphones available, ensuring you hear every emotional nuance these important songs convey with crystal-clear sound reproduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular ANZAC Day song?
“And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” by Eric Bogle is widely considered the most popular and significant ANZAC Day song, having been performed at countless commemorations since its release in 1971 and recorded by over 140 artists worldwide. The song’s powerful narrative about a wounded Gallipoli veteran who lost his legs in battle and its haunting melody have made it the definitive musical tribute to ANZAC sacrifice, earning it recognition as one of APRA’s Top 30 Australian songs of all time. Many veterans, families, and historians consider it essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the emotional and physical toll of war on Australian soldiers, and it remains a fixture at dawn services and memorial events across Australia and New Zealand.
Can modern songs be appropriate for ANZAC Day services?
Yes, modern songs can absolutely be appropriate for ANZAC Day services when they treat themes of sacrifice, remembrance, and courage with respect and sincerity, as demonstrated by recent releases from established artists who understand the gravity of the occasion. Contemporary performers like James Blundell with “Almost ANZAC Day” (2024), Lee Kernaghan’s “Spirit of the Anzacs” (2015), and even Sabaton’s “Cliffs of Gallipoli” (2008) have created powerful tributes that honor ANZAC history while appealing to younger generations through updated musical styles that maintain appropriate solemnity. The key is ensuring that modern selections respect the commemorative nature of ANZAC Day while making these important historical themes accessible to all age groups through quality songwriting, authentic performances, and genuine respect for veteran experiences.
Where can I find ANZAC Day music for my commemoration event?
ANZAC Day music is available on YouTube and most major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, where you can find both classic commemorative songs and recent releases organized in themed playlists specifically curated for ANZAC observances. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides official Spotify playlists and royalty-free mp3 files from the Band of the Royal Military College for use at public events, which can be accessed through the ANZAC Portal website. When planning official commemoration events, ensure you have proper licensing for public performance of copyrighted music through organizations like APRA AMCOS to respect artists’ rights while honoring veterans, and consider consulting with local RSL clubs for additional music recommendations and resources.
Are there ANZAC Day songs from New Zealand artists?
While many of the most famous ANZAC Day songs come from Australian artists, New Zealand musicians have also contributed significant commemorative music, often focusing on their nation’s shared experience at Gallipoli and other conflicts where ANZAC forces served together as brothers in arms. New Zealand’s national anthem “God Defend New Zealand” is performed alongside “Advance Australia Fair” at joint commemorations, and various Kiwi folk and country artists have created songs honoring ANZAC sacrifice from a New Zealand perspective. The shared ANZAC tradition means that songs from either nation are typically appropriate for commemorations in both countries, reflecting the enduring partnership and mutual respect between Australia and New Zealand that was forged at Gallipoli and continues today.
Should ANZAC Day music always be somber and serious?
While solemnity is certainly appropriate for dawn services and formal memorials where the focus is on honoring the fallen, ANZAC Day music can also celebrate the lives of veterans and the values they fought to protect, including songs with more uplifting tones that honor resilience, mateship, and national spirit. Many ANZAC Day events include both reflective pieces during formal commemorations and more celebratory music during community gatherings afterward, recognizing the full spectrum of emotions associated with remembrance and the ANZAC tradition. The balance between honoring sacrifice and celebrating resilience reflects the complete meaning of ANZAC Day as both a day of mourning for those who never returned home and a celebration of the courage, mateship, and uniquely Australian and New Zealand character that emerged from wartime service and continues to define both nations.
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