Flag Song

The Star-Cross Flag of Australia

Popular patriotic flag song widely used around the time of World War One.

There’s a land in the south so fair and so free,
With a kindred both loyal and true;
‘Tis the land, of Australia, crowning the sea,
A gem in its setting of blue.
She claims sturdy yeomen and sailors brave,
Who ride the lone forest, or dare the wild wave,
They proudly would die for her banner to save,
The Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

‘Tis the flag which we Australians ever boast,
‘Tis the flag we will drink in ev’ry toast;
‘Tis the flag we prize and prize and dearly love the most,
‘Tis the Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

In our hearts we are true to our dear native land.
Our own bush-land we love best on earth;
And to save her from foemen we’ll gallantly stand,
And fight for the land of our birth.
We’ll guard her green pastures and glittering gold,
We’ll shield her fair daughters, her honour uphold;
A nation united as one we’ll unfold,
The Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

‘Tis the flag which we Australians ever boast,
‘Tis the flag we will drink in ev’ry toast;
‘Tis the flag we prize and prize and dearly love the most,
‘Tis the Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

See how proudly it waves in the soft morning breeze,
And floats o’er our surf-guarded shore;
at its fame be extended o’er all the wide seas,
The flag of the land we adore.
Oh! may this dear emblem for ever endure,
The bright Southern Cross be for all time secure;
Defend it, dear lads, for its purpose is pure,
The Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

‘Tis the flag which we Australians ever boast,
‘Tis the flag we will drink in ev’ry toast;
‘Tis the flag we prize and prize and dearly love the most,
‘Tis the Star-Cross Flag of Australia.

T. Craven Browe