This song appears on four albums, and was first released on the higher ground album, and has also been released on the a portrait, the john denver collection - calypso and the gift you are albums.
I come to australia as many people do
to see the old koala, hitch a ride on a kangaroo
to hear somebody call me mate and call somebody blue
to hear the aboriginee play a didgeridoo
Some of you came as prisoners two centuries ago
some of you come as kings and queens your blessing to bestow
some of you stand all swelled with pride, some with shattered wings
but all of us come with open hearts to hear australia sing
In the desert, in the city
in the mountains and in the sea
in the stories and in the people
i can hear australia sing
Waltzing matilda, the men of galipoli
clancy of the overflow, crocodile dundee
the myth of all creation, the teaching of baiame
the legends of a dreamtime for all eternity
And in this celebration of a brief two hundred years
the cost to build a nation in blood and sweat and tears
and if we stand divided, divided we will fall
but if we stand together we shall conquer all
In the desert, in the city
in the mountains and in the sea
in the stories and in the people
i can hear australia sing
Sing australia, sing australia, sing australia, sing australia
in the sails on sydney harbour
i can hear australia sing
Words and music by john denver