In 1914 the outbreak of World War One produced a large quantity of patriotic songs. Some of the themes reflected in the lyrics of this genre of music are emotional and personal sacrifices, recruitment and anti-conscription. The pressure for eligible young men to enlist was enormous and the campaign included music, posters, poetry, letters and pressure from individuals and groups such as the Win the War League. Patriotic songs were often performed at fundraising concerts, recruitment drives and around the piano at home.

The word cooee is an Aboriginal long distance call. It was used in Anglo-Australian music, in literature and poetry and remained popular until World War Two as an expression of national sentiment and cultural identity. Cooee songs were sung by volunteers marching to enlist for World War One.

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