Here's a breakdown:
* Banjo Paterson wrote the lyrics in 1895, originally titled "Waltzing Matilda". It tells the story of a swagman (a wandering laborer) who steals a sheep to cook and is caught by the station owner's daughter.
* Christina Macpherson later composed the melody. She was a Scottish-born composer who had lived in Australia for some time.
While the specific date of the melody's composition isn't known, it's generally thought to have been sometime after the lyrics were published.
Therefore, "Waltzing Matilda" is a collaborative effort, with Banjo Paterson providing the words and Christina Macpherson adding the music. It's one of Australia's most iconic songs and has been covered by many artists throughout the years.