7 Songs That Need to Replace Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
by DMC Duggs
During high school I recall my year 7 history teacher saying something along the lines of, “Australians can only remember two words, and that’s why our only sporting chant is “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi”.
The teacher was taken out the back by the principal and was shot in front of the class for spinning such sacreligious dribble against our great sporting nation. However, this anecdote and Eddy’s yarn on Thursday did make me wonder…
What other songs could we use as Australian sporting chants?
1. I Still Call Australia Home – Peter Allan
When Peter Allan isn’t going to Rio, he loves making the corporate dollar off this song that was used for Qantas’ late 90s to mid-2000s Marketing campaign. I can see this song being used in away fixtures, as it highlights the many perks of other countries, whilst still singing the praises of Australia. I feel like the lyrics are even more relevant during the current covid epidemic with it bringing out a strong sense of pride in our country, whilst making us remember our loved ones who are currently living overseas.
2. Waltzing Matilda – Banjo Paterson
Waltzing Matilda is so inherently Australian, in its sound, in its jargon and in spirit that it needs to be considered for this list. The song was so powerful that it was used during before Wallabies’ matches to rival the Haka. It was removed from Rugby in 2003 as it apparently encourages sheep rustling. The removal of Waltzing matilda highlights once again that Rugby Australia is out of touch with Punter and the Dribbler and may be one of the reasons for the downfall of Rugby in this great nation.
3. I Am Australian – The Seekers
A beautiful song that pays tribute to the diverse characters in Australian folklore. The song has a contagious hook that has the crowd repeating:
“We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We’ll share a dream and sing with one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian”
4. Home among the gum trees – John Williamson
This country jingle pays homage to a modest outback lifestyle and is unapologetically Australian in its lyrics and in its delivery. Do your own research, but the song was rumoured to be written as a comedic replacement of “God Save the Queen” and was later picked up by John Williamson. The outback anthem was sung by the Australian players during NRL 9s and was the theme song for Burke’s Backyard.
5. Thunderstruck – AC/DC
In my opinion, “Thunderstruck” is the best Australian song that is arguably used more outside of Australia, than it is inside Australia. As it has made cameos in “Iron Man 2”, “The Longest Yard”, “Deadpool 2” and is the pregame song for the Dallas Cowboys. The songs opening guitar riff and the thunder chant would excite even the tamest of sports fans, as the song sends chills down the spine of the Punter and the Dribbler. Tim Tszyu used it as his walkout song before the Takeshi Inoue fight, and some even argue that the fight was already over as soon as they heard the first “THUNDER”. It would without doubt be a welcomed anthem, for the punter and the dribbler to cheer, before the Aussies demolish their opposition into oblivion.
6. Come on Aussie Come on
Manufactured in the labs of Australian marketing geniuses Alan Morris and Allan Johnston (Mojo), this catchy jingle is a major reason for the acceptance of World Series Cricket in Australia. As the hook is very similar to Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, its lyrics go into fine detail about the iconic 1979 Australian team, creating excitement in the fans and making them forget about the World Series Cricket war.
7. Down Under – Men at Work
Whether it’s the opening sound of metal pipes, being offered a vegemite sandwich, or the message of “you better run, you better take cover”. This song for me is criminally underused in the Australian sporting landscape and would make the ideal chant. Historically, Down Under was used after Australia II’s victory in the America’s Cup, the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and during the credits of “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles”. I personally experienced the sporting euphoria of this song, as “Down Under” played after the Socceroos won the 2015 Asian Cup Final in extra time, where 80,000 fans sang along to this captivating anthem.
Is there any songs that I have missed, or should an Australian sporting team change their name to “The Thunder” and play “Thunderstruck” and “Down Under” on repeat?
Beers soon
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