1891

Author: Henry Lawson

    Now, Yankee inventors can beat a retreat,
    And German professors may take a back seat,
    For their colours were going to lower:
    Theyve invented a wonderful plough in the West,
    The scientists call it the latest and best;
    It ploughs, sows, and reaps without taking a rest,
    And they drive it by kangaroo power.
    Sing hey!
    Sing ho!
    Then its bully for kangaroo power!

    O wondrous the changes our children shall meet,
    For soon we may travel the principal street
    In something far short of an hour.
    The traffic shall flow without stoppage or jambs
    And sharp little screeches and naughty big damns,
    For soon all the hansoms and busses and trams
    Shall travel by kangaroo power.
    Sing hey!
    Sing ho!
    Then its bully for kangaroo power!

    Advance, Young Australia, thy banner unfurled,
    And jump through the years and astonish the world;
    Thou art of all nations the flower.
    And Bismarck with envy shall grind his old stumps,
    And Yankee inventors shall sit in the dumps,
    To see young Australia advancing by jumps,
    When driven by kangaroo power.
    Sing hey!
    Sing ho!
    Then its bully for kangaroo power!
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, full of wit and whimsy, is a celebration of innovation, national pride, and the spirit of competition. The central theme revolves around the idea of 'kangaroo power' as a symbol of Australian advancement and uniqueness. It has a playful tone, using humor to depict a world where technological progress is powered by the strength and agility of kangaroos.

The structure of the poem is traditional, with a clear rhythmic pattern and a repeated refrain that enhances the poem's festive mood. The language is colloquial and accessible, making it easy for a wide audience to enjoy. A key device is the use of anthropomorphism, where kangaroos are given the human-like ability to power technology, reflecting the author's imaginative approach to showcasing national identity.

The poem also uses satire effectively to challenge the perceived superiority of other nations' innovations. The references to 'Yankee inventors' and 'German professors' being outdone by Australian 'kangaroo power' offers a satirical commentary on nationalism and the global race for technological advancement.

Overall, the poem is a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of national pride, the excitement of progress, and the spirit of competition, wrapped up in a uniquely Australian package.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.