A Derry On A Cove

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    Twas in the felons dock he stood, his eyes were black and blue;     His voice with grief was broken, and his nose was broken, too;     He muttered, as that broken nose he wiped upon his cap,     Its orfal when the pleece has got a derry on a chap.     I am a honest workin cove, as any bloke can see,     Its just because the pleece has got a derry, sir, on me;     Oh, yes, the legal gents can grin, I say it aint no joke,     Its cruel when the pleece has got a derry on a bloke.     Why dont you go to work? he said (he muttered, Why dont you?).     Yer honer knows as well as me there aint no work to do.     And when I try to find a job Im shaddered by a trap,     Its awful when the pleece has got a derry on a chap.     I sighd and shed a tearlet for that noble nature marred,     But, ah! the Bench was rough on him, and gave him six months hard.     He only said, Beyond the grave youll cop it hot, by Jove!     There aint no angel pleece to get a derry on a cove.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a poignant and gritty narrative, focusing on themes of societal injustice, class struggle, and the plight of the working class. The language and dialect employed by the poet provide texture and authenticity to the character's voice, amplifying the sense of personal hardship and systemic injustice.

The poem is structured into four stanzas, each serving a purpose in advancing the narrative and deepening the emotional resonance. The repetitive phrase "the pleece has got a derry on a chap/bloke/cove" underscores the protagonist's persistent struggle with law enforcement, suggesting a cycle of discrimination and entrapment. This repetition is an effective literary device that emphasizes the protagonist's helplessness and frustration.

The tone of the poem is a blend of despair, resentment, and resignation, effectively conveying the protagonist's predicament. The poem concludes on a note of bitter irony, with the protagonist hoping for justice beyond the grave, further highlighting the bleakness of his current situation. The poet’s use of colloquial and informal language not only adds to the realism of the character's experience but also serves as a critique of societal structures and the legal system. This poem is a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by the marginalized and the disenfranchised, offering a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life for those on the fringes of society.

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.