The second type of music is the semi-sacred, of which there is a large amount. They were sung by men, while women danced, during the initiation ceremony of young boys. The third type is non-sacred or entertainment music. The best known form of these public events is the corroboree in which the men dance for up to three or four hours continuously while the women and children sing. Non-sacred songs were traded freely between tribes and spread easily, often crossing from one language into another.
Music also plays a part in ordinary daily life.
When, for instance, it is the intention of the person engaged in conversation to make the matter as little noticeable as possible, or when they want to impart information to each other without attracting the attention of a third party, they clothe their words in song. And the same is also done when a third party is criticised. Young aboriginal children are encouraged to dance and sing about everyday tasks. At puberty a child learns the first songs about the totemic plants and animals of their clan and the history and mythology of the group - these have specific melodic formulas that distinguish them from other group's songs. Young men also learn more light-hearted songs which are the basic entertainment for their group.