Congratulations to the Wiggles on their Hottest 100 win and all, becoming the very first Like a Version to ever do so. It's impressive, no doubt. But the cold facts are that their cover of Tame Impala's Elephant is but a pale musical shadow when compared to the majesty of Along the Road to Gundagai.

First written by Jack O'Hagan in 1922 (meaning it's turning a century old!), the tune quickly embedded itself into Australian national consciousness -- and with good reason! The moment any Australian hears that iconic opening line, "There's a track winding back, to an old-fashioned shack," the party starts bopping and the blokes start singing along.

Since Peter Dawson recorded the song in 1924, countless Australian singers have recorded their own versions, putting a unique spin on one of our national songs.

With simple lyrics, the song is infinitely singable and encourages an absolute upbeat vibe that is as intangible as it is infectious. While the instrumental varies between versions, it is always jaunty and compelling.

One notable version inserts a humorous monologue about life in the Great Depression, which amusing anecdotes such as eating the neighbour's grass to beg for free food, saying, "I'm that hungry I'll eat grass," only to be told: "oh you poor thing; go around the back, it's longer."

Ahead of January 26th, Australians can be proud to live in a country that invented Along the Road to Gundagai.

-Tim Schenectady for Pitchfork News