ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The cast of Hamilton are set to perform ‘Advance Australia Fair’ at Game 2 of State of Origin at the MCG in 20 days time.
The Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize winning musical returns to Melbourne later this year and as is tradition, select members of the esteemed cast will be given the opportunity to promote it by butchering the national anthem in front of millions of Australians.
The musical is an ‘epic saga’ that follows the rise of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
It will be the first time that ‘Advance Australia Fair’ will be delivered as a rap in Origin history – and it’s already ruffled feathers in both the NRL community and our fragile society at large.
The adapted lyrics of the slated performance of our national anthem were leaked earlier today by The Advocate’s crosstown NewsCorp rival, The Betoota Bugle.
Advance Australia Fair (Hamilton Origin Remix)
[Intro]
Yo, yo, yo, it’s Australia, stand up, We got a story to tell, listen up, bitches.
[Verse 1]
Australians all, let us rejoice, we’re young and we’re free, With golden soil and wealth from toil, this land’s our dope legacy. Our home is girt by seas and shook snitches, with nature’s gifts to spare, In every page of history, Australia’s always be slaying bitches.
[Chorus]
Yo, in joyful strains, bitch, let us sing, it’s Australia, we bring, Advance Australia Fair, let the freedom ring!
[Verse 2]
From the cities to the outback, beneath Southern skies, We toil with hearts and hands, united we rise. A Commonwealth so strong, renowned in every land, We stand up, we stand tall, together we withstand.
[Chorus]
Yo, in joyful strains, bitch, let us sing, it’s Australia, we bring, Advance Australia Fair, let the freedom ring!
[Bridge]
For those who come across the seas, we got plains to share, if yo white, Boundless and free, with courage, we declare, Let’s all combine, unite, we’re stronger as a pair, Advance Australia Fair, let’s take it everywhere.
[Chorus]
Yo, in joyful strains, bitch, let us sing, it’s Australia, we bring, Advance Australia Fair, let the freedom ring!
[Outro]
With hearts full of pride, we rise, we share, In joyful strains, we sing, Advance Australia Fair! Yo, Australia, stand up, let’s make it clear, Advance Australia Fair, this our anthem right here!
Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton have condemned the altered lyrics and have called for common sense to prevail.
“Can’t we just get Colin Hay or someone to sing it? Why not Barnesy? Or David Campbell? Or even Tim Minchin? Richard Flanagan, even,” said the Prime Minister.
“Or better yet? Sarah McLeod or one of the Matildas?”
Mr Dutton added to the Prime Minister’s remarks, telling The Advocate if the anthem must be rapped, it should be rapped by someone who isn’t a gronk.
“Personally, I would like to see Jackie Onassis do the anthem. Crystal Ballin’ is still on heavy rotation in my RAV4.”
NRL chairman Peter V’Landys is said to be reconsidering the decision.
More to come.
