In John Denver's classic song "Take me home, Country Road", the singer longs for a simpler life in the countryside. Though the song is set in West Virginia, it has resonated with people around the world who yearn for a connection to the land.

So what would be the Australian equivalent of "Take me home, Country Road"?

Reddit users have weighed in on which all-Australian song comes closest to the country classic, offering suggestions based on the style and the meaning of the song.

We curated some of the top contenders and we want to hear your opinions on them!

Are you ready to find out which songs make the cut?

1. "I Still Call Australia Home" by Peter Allen

Credit: YouTube/Qantas​

A popular choice among the respondents, particularly those who have spent time living overseas, Peter Allen's "I Still Call Australia Home" was said to capture the feeling of homesickness and nostalgia for the unique landscape of Australia.

Several users said that Qantas' marketing campaign, which uses the song for its advertisement, has intensified the feeling of "longing" to go back to Australia, especially among those who were stuck abroad during the lockdowns.

One user wrote: "The Qantas marketing team really hit the nail with that campaign. Absolutely."

"Suddenly onions are in the air watching that" another added.

Reddit users weighed in on which Australian song comes closest to the theme and “feeling” of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Road”. Credit: Getty Images.​

2. "Home Among the Gumtrees" by John Williamson

Credit: John Williamson TV​

Though it was originally written as a satire of Australian culture, "Home Among the Gumtrees" by John Williamson has been embraced by many as a representation of the country's laid-back lifestyle.

Also, let's face it, almost every Australian has its lyrics deeply ingrained in our memory...

"A sheep or two, and a kangaroo. A clothesline out the back"— you'll probably hear the melody as you read them!

3. "The Road to Gundagai" (Traditional Folk Song)

Credit: YouTube/The Aussie Bush Band​

For a more literal take on the "Take me home" theme, Reddit users suggested "The Road to Gundagai" — Australia's most well-known rendition of a folk song.

The lyrics, which tells the story of a man who is homesick for the Australian outback, were provided by Jack O'Hagan in 1922.

Initially released in the same year, the song later became a highly well-known World War II ditty, amassing sales of approximately 100,000 copies.

For a few of you who have no idea what Gundagai is, it's a rural area that is 390 kilometres southwest of Sydney. It is situated along the Murrumbidgee River and is home to the Wiradjuri-speaking people, a group of indigenous Australians who have thrived by being expert hunters and fishermen.

4. Other songs

Other popular entries include:

"I am Australian" by The Seekers

Credit: YouTube/Stoned Tripper​

"Sounds of Then" by GANGgajang

Credit: YouTube/GANGgajang​

"My Island Home" by The Warumpi Band

Credit: YouTube/The Warumpi Band​

"Waltzing Matilda" by Banjo Patterson (sung below by Slim Dusty)

Credit: YouTube/Slim Dusty​

Ultimately, there is no single song that can completely capture the spirit of Australia. But these songs come close, and they all have one thing in common: they make us feel at home.

So, we want to hear from you! What Australian song do you think comes the closest to the John Denver classic? Let us know your song recommendations in the comments section below!

 

[Vinylted]

My Island Home and Sounds of Then I have never heard of before, so how in the heck did they get into the mix.... I have travelled to many lands and wherever there are Aussies the first song you will hear sung (with everyone joining in) is Waltzing Matilda probably the most recognised world wide.

 

[Freeman27]

Waltzing Matilda for mine but there are so many wonderful songs that characterize the Spirit of Australia.
Like this one: In an old Australian homestead with roses round the door a girl receives a letter twas a message from the war. Why do I weep, why do pray my loves asleep so far away he played his part that fateful day now he lies dead on Suvella Bay.

I apologize for the spelling of places if incorrect

 

[Thecheesequeen]

My Island Home is lovely, but for me nothing says it like I am Australian. It gathers in all those who have made Australia their home, from the First Nations people to recent immigrants, and talks also about the landscape. I so wish this was our national anthem. Waltzing Matilda, Home among the Gum Trees and others are pleasant ditties, but aren’t serious enough for a national song.

 

[McMlf]

An Anthem should reflect current reality...and not the better times in our country's history. My vote goes to the Van Morrison Song...'Nobody's In Charge'...

 

[Jacket]

I am Australian

Covers all of the peoples who have come together to make up our nation.

 

[AndreaD]

"I still call Australia Home" is fine for those who no longer want to live here, but are they still Australians?
"I am, You are, we are Australian" written by the Seekers, is the classic Australian song, inclusive of all of us!

 

[Halona]

I think "I am Australian" is the way to go. It encompasses everyone who is Australian....here and is living overseas....

 

[CathnGreg]

Sounds of Then by Gangajang is the song that resounds most with me. Every lyric is synonymous with Australia.
For those that dont know it , here are the lyrics

I think I hear the sounds of then,
And people talking,
The scenes recalled, by minute movement,
And songs they fall, from the backing tape.
That certain texture, that certain smell,
To lie in sweat, on familiar sheets,
In brick veneer on financed beds.
In a room, of silent hardiflex
That certain texture, that certain smell,
Brings home the heavy days,
Brings home the the night time swell,
Out on the patio we'd sit,
And the humidity we'd breathe,
We'd watch the lightning crack over canefields
Laugh and think, this is Australia.
The block is awkward - it faces west,
With long diagonals, sloping too.
And in the distance, through the heat haze,
In convoys of silence the cattle graze.
That certain texture, that certain beat,
Brings forth the night time heat.
Out on the patio we'd sit,
And the humidity we'd breathe,
We'd watch the lightning crack over canefields
Laugh and think that this is Australia.
To lie in sweat, on familiar sheets,
In brick veneer on financed beds.
In a room of silent hardiflex
That certain texture, that certain smell,
Brings forth the heavy days,
Brings forth the night time sweat
Out on the patio we'd sit,
And the humidity we'd breathe,
We'd watch the lightning crack over canefields
Laugh and think, this is Australia.
This is Australia etc..

 

[Christinerosina]

I am you are we're all Australian !

 

[Ezzy]

I am Australian

Covers all of the peoples who have come together to make up our nation.

Excellent choice. I feel a lot of pride singing or listening to this song & even get emotional with the words.
None of the other songs mentioned have this reaction on me.

 

[Elbe]

"I am Australian" by The Seekers for me! Gives me the feels every time.

 

[leanneh]

I love ALL those wonderful reminiscent, tear jerker songs but for me it just has to be: I COME FROM A LAND DOWNUNDER. Men At Work

 

[Senor]

For me "i Still Call Australia Home" is the song. It brings up a lump in my throat.

 

[Isabella]

I am You are We are Australian is first choice But has anyone listened to John Denver"s 'Australia'

 

[Dee Sharee]

Sounds of Then and I am Australian. They are my Anthems apart from the official one. I still call Australia home is a tear jerker for me, whereas the other two make me stand up and feel proud.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I am You are We are Australian is first choice But has anyone listened to John Denver"s 'Australia'

Wow! I didn’t know John Denver sang a song called Australia - and I’m a huge JD fan. I must look for it. Thank you.

 

[SGH]

What about Great Southern Land, or even Advance Australia done to the music of Working Class Man. Adam Hills did that with a full choir one year and everyone loved it.

 

[Brian 1939]

I reckon our new anthem should be God bless Australia to the tune of Waltsing Matlda. Written by Jack o'Hagen. This tune says Australia just about anywhere in the world

 

[Defiant540]

Waltzing Matilda for mine but there are so many wonderful songs that characterize the Spirit of Australia.
Like this one: In an old Australian homestead with roses round the door a girl receives a letter twas a message from the war. Why do I weep, why do pray my loves asleep so far away he played his part that fateful day now he lies dead on Suvella Bay.

I apologize for the spelling of places if incorrect

Suvla Bay Lyrics by Tex Williams - Lyrics On Demand

Suvla Bay Lyrics by Tex Williams at Lyrics On Demand

www.lyricsondemand.com