Why is the song called "Waltzing Matilda?" Who is Matilda?

Answer by  mrjoshx (89)

A "matilda" is not a "who" but a "what." Old time migrant workers in Australia carried knapsacks called "matildas" that they kept their goods and possessions in. When they would pack up to leave to another area, they would say they were "waltzing matilda." As an expression, is means something similar to "getting back on the road."

Answer by  SashaDarkCloud (5764)

Matilda is not a person. "Waltzing Matilda" is consider the unofficial song of Australia because it is a man traveling the countryside with his Matilda (bag) slung over his back.

Answer by  sonicfoundation (2597)

Matilda is not a person, but an object. To "waltz Matilda" means to walk around with a bag slung over your shoulder and is about itinerant workers.