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Wallaby Anthem

Stimulus material

Rugby dot point 'A Number On My Back' (The Wallaby Anthem)

  • Song (Audio file - 3.36 mins)Composed and performed by John Williamson. Reproduced with the kind permission of  Emusic Pty. Ltd.Available on "True Blue - The Very Best of " (EMI).

  • Words (PDF)

  • Student worksheet (PDF)

Suggested learning activities

  1. Read the words to the song "A Number On My Back" with students.  Discuss the meaning of words and phrases.
  2. Pose the following questions to students:
    • Whose 'voice' is the song written in? What effect does that have?
    • Which words sum up the songwriter's thoughts and feelings about the spirit ofRugbyand being a Wallaby?
    • Inverse 4, what does the songwriter say about winning and losing? Say why you agree or disagree.
    • Do you think the songwriter was actually a Wallaby? If not, why would he have written the song?
    • What is likely to be the most memorable part of the song? Why?
    • What effect could this song have on youngRugbyplayers? What about older players?
    • Whatsort of images do you imagine could go with the song?
    • Whatsort of music do you imagine could go with the words of this song?
    • Whywould the song be referred to as 'The Wallaby Anthem'? 
  4. Listen to the song "A Number On My Back" with students and discuss whether it matches the expectations formed about the song. Ask students about the feelings and emotions the song now evokes. Ask students the following questions:
    • Doesthis song sum up the spirit ofRugby?
    • Is it a suitable Wallaby Anthem or isthere an existing song that better sums up the spirit ofRugby? Justify your answer.
  6. Download and distribute the student worksheet 'A Number On My Back'.Ask students to think about their own dreams including achievements in sport, studies or life in general. Using the first line of the chorus, "Could it be a dream" and part of the final line, "I am a …", students can create their own song that relates to their dream/s.
  7. Invite students to share the words of their songs with the class. Students may also choose to perform their songs to music.      

Related resources

This activity may be used in conjunction with the EdRugby lessons Rugby songs, Writing an anthem and Advance Australia Fair.

 

 

 
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