[Dixielandjazz] Waltzing Matilda

[Robert Smith]

In this case, of course, "waltzing matilda" has nothing to do with dancing. 
"Matilda", that originally came from old German meaning an 'amazon woman', 
came by association to mean a burden to be carried, and thus "swag". 
"Waltzing" in this context means "carrying", probably because the swag 
bumped up and down when being carried (an alternative expression is "humping 
the bluey").

But why the song wasn't written as a waltz has probably never been 
researched, and is now probably too old for this question to be answered.

If it had been written as a waltz, then it would probably never have been 
mentioned on this two-beat, four-beat list, although one of my favourite 
jazz records is in 3/4 time, viz. "Jug Band Waltz" by the Memphis Jug Band.

Cheers

Bob Smith